Are you a Lean Innovator? Lean Innovators save time and money building their companies by employing lean startup techniques. They also build what the customer wants and is willing to pay for. Intrigued? Enroll in the Lean Innovator series which is currently accepting applications for its next 5-week cohort. Applications are due by August 17 and the program starts August 31. This free program is sponsored by the SBDC and facilitated by the Carlsen Center. The curriculum is designed to help you test out your business idea with live customers while you build it. Learn more.
PLAN AHEAD: The SME Manufacturing Expo is October 1 at Rancho Cordova City Hall. “We believe the key to manufacturing excellence is through networking, by facilitating regional commerce, and supporting industry trends and standards. There’s something for everyone to learn, discover, and enjoy. Join us at this year’s expo and start connecting with industry experts and businesses just like yours.” Learn more.
Deadlines
- Aug 12: Applications due for Physical Product Incubator, starts 8/26
- Aug 15: Applications due for the Growth Factory Pre-seed Accelerator, starts 9/27
- Aug 17: Applications due for the Lean Innovator – starts 8/31
- Aug 21: Applications due for Intuit Prosperity Accelerator: AI, starts 10/4
- Aug 23: Applications due for Alchemist Microenterprise Academy for food businesses, starts 9/7
This Week’s Best Bets
Person: Growth Factory Social, Tue Aug 10 at 5:30 PM: Meet the Growth Factory Team, connect with other founders, and learn more about the new Fund & Accelerator launching in September. Beer and Pizza will be provided and you’ll get your questions answered! At HaneyBiz, 4465 Granite Drive, Rocklin.
How Entrepreneurs Can Attract Corporate Venture Capital (CVCs) at Any Stage, Fri Aug 13 at 9 AM: Most founders think that the CVC arm of large corporations only invests in later stages. But it is a growing trend that CVC’s invest in early stage startups as well. Learn how to attract interest of CVCs earlier in the startup lifecycle for funding and partnerships Online.
Plan Ahead
StartupSac Office Hours: Insurance Milestones for Startups, Tue Aug 17 at 11:30 AM: Entrepreneurs are forward-thinking and risk tolerant by nature, so insurance needs sometimes get missed. Bryan Murray of Bender Insurance Solutions, will walk you through startup milestones that call for a risk management assessment. Online
Startup Happy Hour: An Investor’s Perspective on Seed Stage Funding, Tue Aug 31 at 5 PM; Join a conversation on seed stage funding from a panel of early stage investors – VCs and Angels – who will share their perspectives. Startup founders want money from investors, but what do investors want from you? Join us and find out! Online
In Person: Impact Global Venture Summit, Thu Oct 7 at 11 AM: More than one thousand investors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and societal thought-leaders will meet to share insights and deliver demonstrations of cutting-edge innovations and early prototypes. Save $10 with discount code STARTUPSAC. At Safe Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento
There is a lot to choose from this month–check out the details in this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, consider subscribing. For even more startup information, happenings and resources, check out what’s available on the StartupSac Website.
Want to connect with other founders? Request to join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group, a place where startup founders and those who support the growth of our startup ecosystem can connect and exchange ideas.
Find an Advisor with Mentor Sacramento: Mentor Sacramento is a free online business mentoring platform that connects early stage startup founders and small business owners to volunteer business mentors. Learn more here.
