Brace yourself for a dynamic weekend that mirrors the excitement of startup life!
Mark your calendars for March 1 – 3, 2024, because the Startup Challenge is back with a bang!
What is the Startup Challenge?
The Startup Challenge isn’t your average weekend event; it’s a whirlwind of creativity, high-energy competition, and hands-on experience. Over the course of just three days, you’ll transform a mere idea into a real startup, guided by mentors and fueled by passion.
Forget the Talking, Let’s Get Doing!
Our motto is simple: it’s not a weekend of talk; it’s a weekend of doing. We’re all about action, and here’s how the event unfolds:
Friday, March 1, 5 PM: We kick off with a gathering filled with networking, dinner, and the chance to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs from the Sacramento ecosystem.
Friday Pitch Session: Have an idea you’ve been itching to bring to life? You get a quick 60 seconds at the microphone to pitch it. The catch? It must be entirely new, with no prior work done – no websites, products, customers, logos, nada. Don’t want to pitch? No problem! You can join a team later.
Idea Voting: After all the pitches, you’ll vote for your favorite ideas, and teams will form around the most popular ones. Sometimes, you might find yourself working on someone else’s idea, and that’s perfectly fine. Remember, startups aren’t just about the idea – it’s all about execution!
Get to Work: With an idea and a team, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. You have less than 48 hours to turn your concept into a bona fide business. It might sound daunting, but that’s precisely why the Startup Challenge is designed for you.
Pitch to Win Prizes: Your hard work culminates on Sunday night, where your team will present your new business in front of a panel of judges. And yes, there are amazing prizes on the line, including cash! Remember, it’s not just about having a good idea; it’s about gaining traction.
Still Nervous? Join Our Info Session!
We understand if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. That’s where our info session comes in handy. Join us online on September 19 to get all your questions answered and gain a better understanding of what awaits you.
Info Session: Monday, February 19, 11 – 11:30 AM, Online RSVP
Support from Mentors and Facilitators
Throughout the weekend, you won’t be alone on this journey. Our experienced team of facilitators and mentors will be there to guide you, demystify the startup process, and help you make swift progress. You’ll have access to:
- Seasoned entrepreneurs to keep you on track.
- Coaches and subject matter experts to address your queries.
- Free resources to assist your journey.
- And much more!
We’ve got everything covered, from food and coffee to snacks and mentorship, so you can focus on your startup.
To Recap:
- Teams form around brand new ideas.
- Everyone is welcome to participate, even without an idea in mind.
- Teams have one weekend to transform ideas into real businesses, learning by doing.
- We provide all the resources you need.
- No prior business knowledge or special skills required.
If you’re wondering whether the Startup Challenge is right for you, the answer is probably yes!
This event is the highlight of the Sacramento startup scene, and it sold out last year. Don’t wait any longer – it’s time to shift from thinking to doing!
Our Team
The founding team includes , Laura Good, CEO and Cofounder of StartupSac; Josh David Miller (aka JDM), founder of The Right Box; and Cameron Law, Executive Director for the Carlsen Center as Sac State. Photo Credit: Sacramento State/Belen Torres
The Startup Challenge is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Sacramento.
Hosted By:
About the Carlsen Center
The Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sac State serves as a regional hub and platform for providing approachable and accessible entrepreneurial education, community, and support to enable startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses.
