Healthy innovation ecosystems make time to recognize outstanding achievements. The Sacramento Region Innovation Awards program recognizes the area’s vibrant innovation community — from startups to established companies — and their breakthrough creations. In its 3rd year, the nomination period is open from June 1 through July 20. Both third-party and self-nominations are encouraged. More info.

The Capital Region A/R V/R Pitch-Fest happens August 29 in Sacramento. The event will feature presentations by up to 20 startup and early-stage augmented reality or virtual reality companies. The top presenters will receive automatic selection into the CR AR VR Accelerator  If your startup is in the space, you should apply to pitch! More info.

One of the benefits of living in Sacramento is our proximity to the Startup Capital of the World! On that note, the Women’s Startup Lab accelerator in Silicon Valley is now accepting applications for its next cohort which starts July 18. If you’re a female founder, you should check it out! More info.  :

We’re building community! The StartupSac Community Facebook group launched a few weeks ago and we’ve had some great startup-focused conversations! Request to join here.

This Week’s Best Bets

Wednesday evening, InnoGrove is hosting a free workshop for women on Becoming A Powerful Communicator. This workshop won’t just explore the differences in the way men and women communicate; it will give you some practical tools to become an impactful communicator. RSVP Here.

Thursday evening, CALpital Connections will focus on international business with a panel of local experts who will share their insights on expanding globally, the resources that are available, and how to better anticipate and prepare for challenges that may arise in “going global.” This program is organized by Berkeley-Haas Alumni but you don’t have to be a Cal alum to participate! Use promo code “StartupSac” for 50% off. Register Here.

Plan Ahead

Folsom! Did you know your library hosts Entrepreneur Story Time? Catch this free event during the lunch hour on June 12. Rich Foreman, CEO of Apptology, is this month’s guest. More info.

Google for Entrepreneurs is coming to town the evening of June 12. Startup Grind will host Nicole Froker, Partner Engagement Manager, at The Urban Hive. Get your tickets early and save some cash! Use promo code “digest” and save any more! Register here.

UCD Venture Catalyst has a free lunchtime event (lunch included!) on Getting Your Startup Funded on June 20. Sign up early — I think it’s going to fill up fast! RSVP here.

There’s lots of great stuff going on in the tech startup community–check out the details in this week’s Startup Digest. If you’d like to receive the digest in your inbox every Monday morning, sign up for free here. If you’ve organized (or know about) an event we have not included, please submit it here for consideration. And for even more startup information, happenings and resources, explore the StartupSac Website.  Note: We include a lot of tech events that aren’t necessarily startup-focused on the StartupSac event calendar. Check it out here.