None of us are born knowing how to put together a pitch deck, but if you’re trying to raise funding from investors, you’re going to have to learn how to do it well. I’ve seen quite a few pitches over the last decade and unfortunately, some are quite awful. Not that the idea the founder is pitching is awful — they just don’t understand how to share their business idea with those who might invest in their company. Fortunately, there is the good news; you can learn how to do it right! There are many helpful online resources, however this Thursday, Josh David Miller will teach a free online workshop hosted by InnoGrove on how to create your startup’s first pitch deck. You’ll find value in it even if you’ve already created your first, second or nth deck! And it comes just in time – if you’re planning to apply to Pitch Elk Grove, you’ll need to submit a pitch deck as part of your application! Learn more/RSVP for the pitch deck workshop here.
Pitch Elk Grove
Speaking of Pitch Elk Grove, in case you missed it, last week the City of Elk Grove announced Pitch Elk Grove. This startup competition offers tech startups in the greater Sacramento region a chance to gain visibility, receive mentorship, and win up to $10,000 in prize money. Pitch Elk Grove will provide innovative, early stage, investable startups the opportunity to showcase their companies at a live pitch event to take place March 31. Startups based in the counties of Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba are eligible to apply. The application deadline is Friday, February 18 at 11:59 p.m. More information here.
There’s a lot going on this week for entrepreneurs in our region! I’ve highlighted some of the Best Bets below and be sure to check out this week’s Startup Digest for a full listing (plus you can sign up to get the digest weekly in your inbox while you’re there!).
This Week’s Best Bets
Creating Your Startup’s First Pitch Deck, Thu Feb 10, 4 PM. Pitching a startup to investors is really hard, but it’s not complicated. In this workshop, Josh David Miller, entrepreneur and startup advisor, will discuss the basics of creating a pitch deck for your startup that will create interest from potential investors. Online
Last Chance! 2022 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy for Food Businesses Info Sessions, Tue Feb 8 at 6 PM. AMA is a 12-week business training course designed to make sense of the confusing aspects of starting a food business. Before applying, it is MANDATORY to attend a live or on-demand Info Session. Application deadline is 2/13.
Plan Ahead
Startup Grind Sacramento Presents Getting It Built: Moving from Prototype to Production, Tue Feb 15, 5 PM. Ansync Labs Founder and CEO, Sam Miller, will discussed taking your prototype to production including the best practices and pitfalls of overseas sourcing. Online
Being Deal Ready: Preparing Your Startup for Funding, Merger or Acquisition, Thu Feb 17, 11:30 AM. It’s never too early to get your house in order to optimize future deal value and outcomes for your startup. There are steps you can take now, no matter what stage you are at, to prepare yourself for future deals. Online
Bitcoin Day Sacramento, Sat Feb 19, all day. Bitcoin Day is a chance for the local community, business professionals, newbies, and cryptocurrency leaders to gather under one roof to inspire, socialize, and learn from each other. Whatever your current level of understanding and involvement, we want you to walk away inspired to buy more Bitcoin, or launch that product you’ve been dreaming about. In person at the Grounds in Roseville. Tickets $150
Connect
Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs?Join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group! Startup founders and those who support the growth of our startup community connect and exchange ideas in this private moderated group.
Looking for an advisor? Mentor Sacramento is a great place to connect with an experienced advisor who through their experience, can help you advance your business. It’s free to participate. Check it out here.
