Are you curious about what it takes to launch a company? Got an idea you’ve been itching to make a reality? Well, now’s your chance to bring that vision to life! Mark your calendars because the Startup Challenge is happening from Friday, September 27 at 5:30 PM through Sunday, September 29 at 8 PM, and it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
What’s the Startup Challenge All About?
The Startup Challenge is your golden ticket to learning how to launch and grow a startup in just one weekend! This isn’t just a weekend of talk—it’s a weekend of doing. You’ll get hands-on experience, working alongside fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and coaches to transform a simple idea into a potential business.
Here’s What You’ll Get to Do:
- Convince Others to Join Your Idea: Kick things off by pitching your idea to fellow entrepreneurs on Friday night. You’ll have the chance to rally a team around your vision—or join a team working on an idea that excites you.
- Validate Your Concept: On Saturday, it’s time to hit the ground running. Get out of the building, talk to real customers, and prove there’s a market for your idea. If things aren’t going as planned, pivot quickly and keep moving forward.
- Present to Win: On Sunday, gather everything you’ve learned and work with your team to craft a compelling story. Then, pitch your progress to a panel of judges for a chance to win awesome prizes!
The Weekend Agenda:
- Friday Night: It all starts at 5:30 PM. You’ll form teams around the most promising ideas and start brainstorming how to make them a reality.
- Saturday (All Day): Doors open at 9 AM. The day is dedicated to validating your idea. You’ll spend time talking to customers and refining your business model. Doors close at 11 PM, so be prepared for a full day of hustle!
- Sunday (All Day): Back at it at 9 AM, Sunday is all about pulling everything together. With the guidance of experienced mentors, you’ll prepare your pitch and present it to the judges. The event wraps up by 8 PM, with winners announced and prizes awarded.
What’s Included?
Your ticket includes everything you need for a productive weekend: a t-shirt, all meals, snacks, and plenty of coffee to keep you fueled and focused from Friday evening to Sunday night.
Why Participate?
- Learn by Doing: This is a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the ins and outs of launching a startup by actually doing it.
- Network: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts who can help you on your startup journey.
- Get Expert Feedback: The challenge culminates in a pitch session where you’ll receive valuable feedback from a panel of seasoned judges.
- Win Prizes: Compete for amazing prizes, including cash, that could give your startup a serious boost!
Who Should Join?
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about startups, the Startup Challenge is for you. No prior business knowledge or special skills are required—just a willingness to learn and a passion for creating something new.
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 August 27 to get all your questions answered and gain a better understanding of what awaits you.
Info Session: Tuesday, August 27 , 12:30 – 1:00 PM, Online, RSVP
Don’t Miss Out!
This event is one of the highlights of the Sacramento startup scene and has sold out in the past. So, don’t wait—grab your ticket and get ready to shift from thinking to doing!
Get Your Ticket Now!
Ready to take the plunge? Sign up now and secure your spot at the Startup Challenge. This is your chance to turn your idea into something real—and have a blast doing it!
Get Your Ticket!
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 a
