Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023 is about to get an exciting jolt in Sacramento with the 5th Annual Spark Venture Competition. Presented by Western Health Advantage and hosted by the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sac State, this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the next big thing in the Greater Sacramento Region.
Igniting the Spark Venture Competition
The Spark Venture Competition is an annual showcase of early-stage startups and social impact ventures that’s all set to light up the entrepreneurial scene in Sacramento. The event is part of the global celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation during Global Entrepreneurship Week. With a generous $20,000 in cash awards on the line, the competition promises to be spirited, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Who’s Competing?
The lineup for this year’s competition includes an impressive mix of early-stage ventures from both the for-profit and social impact sectors. These innovators are ready to pitch their game-changing ideas and take their startups to the next level. Here are some of the standout participants:
For Profit Ventures:
- Itacate Foods – Martha Yolanda Díaz
Latin backpacking food for adventurers with great taste and strong values. - CAGED LLC – Da’Shena Payne
Innovative product development company specializing in enhancing the function, features, design, and feel of household products, beauty tools, and hair accessories. - IGH Naturals – Rich Foreman
IGH Naturals is a Nephrologist-founded startup dedicated to improving the health of individuals using scientifically proven nutrition. - AgriNerds, Inc. – Maurice Pitesky
A group of veterinarians, engineers, and researchers that look to apply modern statistical methods to agribusiness. - Rely – Real Estate – Heather Rankow, MBA and Ashley Keyes
A peer-to-peer real estate marketplace for renters and landlords to search, connect, and apply for long-term rentals.
Social Ventures:
- Marcellus Foods – Eve Cohen
Marcellus Foods is a new model for feeding communities that makes everyday eating easier. - Inspirame – Maria Medrano
Building the college-to-career pipeline for the most vulnerable populations. - Raveival – Jack Miller
Bringing the sustainability of thrifting culture to the dance floor. - The Lionheart Community – Charlene Vine
Provides support to people with mobility challenges. - Strived.io – Shweta Gandhi
Augments teacher decision making through the power of AI.
These passionate entrepreneurs are ready to showcase their innovations and compete for the coveted cash prizes.
Prizes:
- First Place (Both Sectors): $7,500
- Second Place (Both Sectors): $2,500
Meet the Judges
The competition wouldn’t be complete without a distinguished panel of judges to evaluate the pitches and select the winners. This year’s judges bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table:
- Sara Ledterman – Founder and Investor of 3+ Ventures
- David Peregrine – Managing Director at BarronKent | A Family Office
- Douglas Younger III – Founder & CEO of 3STEPS4WARD
Their insights and decisions will play a crucial role in determining the winners of the Spark Venture Competition.
Event Details
The Spark Venture Competition will take place in person at the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sac State. It’s the perfect opportunity to witness innovation in action and connect with the brightest minds in the region.
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sac State
RSVP
Food and beverages will be served.
A Call to Action
Don’t miss this chance to be part of the entrepreneurial excitement in Sacramento. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor, or simply someone curious about the latest innovations in the Greater Sacramento Region, attending the Spark Venture Competition is a must.
To register for the event, follow this link. It’s free to attend!
So, mark your calendars and be there to cheer on these talented startups and social impact ventures. Your support can make all the difference in helping them turn their ideas into reality.
Remember, the future of entrepreneurship is being shaped right here in Sacramento, and you don’t want to miss out! Come be a part of the Spark Venture Competition and witness the sparks of innovation fly.
For additional events, workshops, and panel discussions during Global Entrepreneurship Week, check the full list of activities here.
Don’t miss out on the action, and stay tuned for the groundbreaking ideas and innovations that will emerge from the 5th Annual Spark Venture Competition.
For an expansive listing of events happening in the Greater Sacramento region, check out StartupSac’s new Events Calendar!
