There’s a lot happening for Startups in the Greater Sacramento region! We’ve curated a short list below; for a full listing of everything that’s going on this week and next, check out this week’s Startup Digest! While you’re there, you can sign up to receive the digest in your inbox every Monday morning!
Welcome to Capital Region Small Business Week
Capital Region Small Business Week unites entrepreneurs, business owners, and experts to celebrate our region’s entrepreneurial spirit with events across Sacramento. Grow your network, gain advice, and connect with fellow leaders. For details on all events happening this week visit the website.
Featured Capital Region Small Business Week Events
SacBiz Connect: Small Business Week Resource Expo and Kickoff
Apr 29, 4:30 – 7 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Meet 30+ organizations from across the Capital Region that provide assistance and resources to small businesses and startups. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento Capital Region Small Business Week Edition
Wed, May 1, 8:30 – 10 AM, In-person in Sacramento
Two entrepreneurs share their early-stage businesses for advice & feedback. Join 1MC at the Carlsen Center at Sac State and help an early stage founder succeed! Read more.
StartupSac & the Carlsen Center’s Mentor Sprint for Entrepreneurs
Wed, May 1, 10:30 AM – Noon, In-person in Sacramento
Mentor Sprint offers early-stage entrepreneurs expert advice in speed dating-style sessions. Each entrepreneur meets three mentors for 15-minute sessions, including investors, advisors, and experienced entrepreneurs. Read more.
BizX Presents: Leveraging AI Technologies to Stay Ahead of the Curve
Wed, May 1, 3 – 6 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Discover the transformative power of AI in business, healthcare, education, and more at this engaging event. Delve into ethical considerations and societal impacts with expert panels. Explore how AI fosters innovation and inclusivity for a prosperous future. Read more.
SBA Small Business Awards Luncheon & Expo
Fri, May 3, 10:30 AM – 2 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Luncheon announcing and honoring the recipients of this year’s SBA Small Business Awards. A resource expo will precede the luncheon. Hosted by California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and California Hispanic SBDC. Read more.
Additional Capital Region Small Business Week Events
Sac Valley SBDC: Small Business Procurement Summit
Mon, Apr 29, 3 – 4:30 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Join this event tailored to small business to connect and interact with prominent economic institutions in the Sacramento area. Invited agencies include T-Mobile, SMUD, DGS, Sacramento International Airport, and UC Davis Health. Read more.
Exporting and Importing for Small Businesses
Tue, Apr 30, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Online
Join the U.S. Department of Commerce’s free 90-minute webinar for small businesses on exporting and importing. Learn about marketing to foreign markets and get support for expanding internationally from representatives of the SBA, Ex-Im Bank, U.S. Commercial Service, and SBDC trade advisor. Read more.
Sac Valley SBDC: Capital Summit
Tue, Apr 30, 2 – 5 PM, In-person in Roseville
Learn about financing opportunities for your small business and meet with lenders from banks and nonprofit institutions during break-out sessions. Don’t miss your chance to come away with leads for loans and funding opportunities! Read more.
SBA: State and Federal Resources for Your Small Business
Wed, May 1, 1 – 2 PM, Online
Learn more about resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Whether seasoned or new to business, explore no-cost services to elevate your venture. Read more.
BBB: Beyond Business Women’s Conference
Thu, May 2, 9 AM – 3:30 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Explore the theme of Beyond Business: Women Making a Difference in Sacramento at the Better Business Bureau’s annual Women’s Conference. With inspirational speakers, educational sessions and opportunities to network with your fellow entrepreneurs, this is a can’t-miss event. Read more.
WBC: May Marketplace Small Business Pop-Up Fair
Thu, May 2, 4 – 7 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Directly after the BBB Women’s Conference, you can shop from entrepreneurs and small business owners from across the Greater Sacramento area! Featuring artisan goods, clothing, accessories, handmade confections and more, this is the perfect opportunity to support many small business owners in one convenient location. Read more.
Other Events This Week
UC Davis Think. Do. Discover. | Mitch Lasky
Tue, Apr 30, 5 – 6:30 PM, In-person in Davis
Dive into the intersection of humanities and entrepreneurship with Mitch Lasky, partner at Benchmark Ventures. Participate in a dynamic Q&A session and broaden your professional network at the outdoor reception following the talk. Read more.
SEA 2024 Showcase
Thu, May 2, 5 – 8 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Attend the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy’s 34th Annual Showcase for networking, keynote speeches, and insights from Class of 2024 Fellows’ business planning process. Keynote by Reneta Jenik, Founder of Foodom. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Kyle Cobb, President of advanced.farm
Thu, May 2, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join AgStart to hear Kyle Cobb, President of advanced.farm, share his journey building an agricultural robotics company in our Sacramento region. Read more.
UCD Student Startup Center PLASMA Demo Day
Thu, May 2, 6:30 – 9, In-person in Davis
Witness the newest UCD startups pitch and network with industry experts. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or tech enthusiast, this event is perfect for anyone interested in cutting-edge developments in startup ventures. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see the future of student entrepreneurship up close! Read more.
Plan Ahead
Social Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition
Tue, May 7, 4 to 8:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
The Social Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition is hosted by Sacramento State’s College of Business and open to the community. Witness pitches from social entrepreneurs competing for $3000 in prize money to advance their ventures. Read more.
CleanTech Funding Foundations Series (Equity Investment)
Tue, May 7, 6 – 8 PM, Online
Learn about early equity investment from Angel investors Ken Tallo and Jim Sperlazza at the CleanTech Funding Foundations series. Topics include investor expectations, due diligence, and the common SAFE investment. Open to various industries with a focus on cleantech. Read more.
SBIR/STTR Proposal Writing 4-Part Series
Wednesdays, May 8 – Jun 12, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join University Lab Partners for a 4-part SBIR/STTR series with experts from Eva Garland Consulting. The experts will guide you through the process of writing a winning SBIR/STTR proposal. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity! Read More.
UC Davis 24th Annual Big Bang! Awards Ceremony
Tue, May 21, 5 – 8 PM, In-person in Davis
Celebrate the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition finale. Join innovators and entrepreneurs as they recognize participants, announce winners, and award $100,000 in grants. Connect with the community and celebrate innovation! Read more.
Applications Open
LifeHub California Golden Ticket Competition
Apply by April 30
Open to global startups from pre-seed to Series A, focusing on regenerative agriculture, crop protection, breeding technologies, and synthetic biology. Winner receives fully-funded access to lab space and equipment at Bayer LifeHub California @AgStart in Woodland. Learn more about the competition here.
Founder University
Apply by May 1, In-person in Bay Area + Online
Apply now for Founder.University Cohort 8, a 12-week program for early stage founders. Develop your MVP, target customers, marketing, and fundraising skills. Join a supportive community of passionate builders. Learn more.
Connect
Looking to connect with others? 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.
Resources
Check out the StartupSac Website for information on resources available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Also check out the NorCal Entrepreneur Hub. From capital to connections and training to talent, find the resources you need to build your business in NorCal.
