I’m super stoked that the Lean Innovator Startup Cohort Program is back! It starts on June 2 but there’s an opportunity this week for you to learn more about the program and why it just might be the best next step for you and your startup. Sign up here for the 30-minute online info session, happening April 13 at 11 AM on Zoom.

What is Lean Innovator? It’s a FREE 7-week Cohort Program sponsored by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sac State. The curriculum is designed to help you test out your business idea with live customers while you build it. 

“When I’m creating things for people, there are little blind-spots everywhere – you know, the things we don’t know we don’t know. And those things happen to be locked inside customers’ heads,” said Dan Casas-Murray, creator of the Lean Innovator program. “I love showing folks how I’ve learned to unlock those golden nuggets of insight from just about every customer I’ve talked to.”

Another program to consider is the MAKERHERS Bootcamp,  a 2-week program that will empower, guide, and mentor low-income women in their entrepreneurial journey. This is for women who are in the beginning stages of building their own business. This two-week series will support you in the initial business basics: evaluating viability, business finances, and business licensing. Learn More/Apply

Applications Due

TAKE THE 60 SECOND SURVEY! We’re taking your pulse about the return to in person events, Take our survey here.

There’s a lot going on in the next few weeks for entrepreneurs in our region! 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

Sacramento CleanTech Showcase 2022, Tue Apr 12, 9 AM – Noon. Join industry experts and startups as we explore and showcase the innovations in our region that will drive our carbon-free power future. During this free half-day event, the showcase will feature and spotlight startups, innovators, and industry experts through talks and panels exploring the need for a carbon-free future, opportunities, the current state of climate tech, utility supply and customer demand. Online

Info Session for Lean Innovator Cohort, Wed, Apr 13 at 11 AM. In this information session, you’ll learn about the 7-week pre-accelerator, the facilitators of the program and how the weeks are broken up. We’ll walk you through the intended outcomes of the program and answer any questions you have about the cohort. Online

Plan Ahead

The Hero’s Journey | A Conversation with Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier, Apr 20, 5 PM. Innovator Michael Colglazier will explore the role of the Hero’s Journey for both his company and the experience it provides its astronauts, and will discuss the innovation that drives the technology to deliver on Virgin Galactic’s vision as the world’s first commercial spaceline. In person at UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center.

Startup Happy Hour Spring Social, Apr 26, 5 PM. Mingle with other entrepreneurs and startup founders at a casual Happy Hour Social in an outdoor setting at Drake’s BARN in West Sacramento. Isn’t it about time to have an opportunity to connect with your Startup Community in the flesh? In person in West Sac

Plan Way Ahead

Capital Region Small Business Week, May 2-7. This week is a time for entrepreneurs and business owners to learn the skills and make the connections that will drive them towards the future they’re envisioning. It is a time to celebrate all the work it takes to build a successful business. This week is dedicated to small businesses and what they mean for our local economy. In person and Online

Davis Discovery Days Summit, May 9-13. This week of research and innovation focused events will engage expert innovators, researchers, investors, producers and manufacturers who are committed to advancing long-term solutions for challenges at the intersection of food and health. In person

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.