If you’re on the lookout for more face-to-face in-person startup events, head to the growTECH Fest in Downtown Chico this Tuesday and Wednesday! This year’s Keynote Speaker is Victor Hwang, a renowned economic growth expert. His ideas have shaped the economic lives of millions of people worldwide. He’s also the co-author of the book, The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley. (Keynote is at 12:30 PM on Tuesday). Learn more about growTECH Fest and register here.

The Inclusivity Project’s 2nd Annual Global Diversity and Investment Summit is coming October 22 (via Zoom) and there is still time for Black entrepreneurs to apply to compete in the Pitch Contest! The deadline is October 14 (this Thursday!) so don’t delay!  Apply here. The summit features an acclaimed lineup of venture investors and BIPOC entrepreneurship experts sharing their views and insights on strategies for entrepreneurs of color on how to start, scale and sustain their new venture. Learn more/register.

The Carlsen Center at Sac State just announced that applications are open for the 2021 Spark Venture Competition. Early stage ventures interested in competing must apply by October 27. A total of $20,000 in cash awards will be given on Demo Day on November 10 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. There are two tracks – For-Profit and Social Ventures. First place in each track wins $7500!  Apply Here

Heads up! The Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy is currently accepting applications from entrepreneurs for its 2022 cohort.This team-based entrepreneurial bootcamp teaches you to move your project from idea to an actual startup! Find out more and apply now. (let ’em know you heard about it from StartupSac.)

This Week’s Best Bets

Chico GROWTECH FEST 2021, Oct 12 & 13: GROWTECH FEST 2021 brings together startups, investors, entrepreneurs, techies, students, educators, business owners and community leaders from Northern California to educate, inspire and connect!. In Person at the El ReyTheater in Downtown Chico.

Plan Ahead

Impact Over Output: Why and How Your Startup Can Get Traction Tomorrow, Tue Oct 19 at 11:30 AM: If you’re a startup founder in the idea stage, this workshop is for you! You’ll learn how prioritizing impact over outcome can shift your thinking and give your startup tangible next steps toward traction, funding, growth, and success. Whatever your Big Vision looks like, you’ll come away with a clear impact statement to guide your true north, and you’ll take the next steps in defining your startup’s MVP. Online

Startup Happy Hour with Marrone Bio Founder, Dr. Pam Marrone, Tue Oct 26 at 5 PM: Dr. Marrone started Marrone Bio to discover and develop effective and environmentally-responsible, biologically-based products for pest management and plant health. In 2013, she led the company’s IPO, raising net proceeds of $56.4 million. Join us for Happy Hour to learn more about Dr. Marrone’s journey and how you can apply her lessons learned to your own startup.

There’s much more going on in the next few weeks–check out all 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.