There’s a lot going on this week and next for entrepreneurs and startup founders. 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!
Featured
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Apr 14, 5:30–7:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join founders, techies, and innovators for relaxed networking over pizza and beer. Build real connections and help strengthen Sacramento’s startup ecosystem. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento In-Person at Better Business Bureau
Wed, Apr 16, 8:30–10:00 AM, In-person in Sacramento + Online
This week’s presenters: Dance It!, a social dance-based game app, and SerAmor Spa, a wellness center blending spa services, fitness, and mindfulness. Join this hybrid meetup for feedback, coffee, and community. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with HMCI CIO J.P. Morgan
Tue, Apr 22, 5–7 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Network with fellow entrepreneurs over drinks and appetizers at Startup Happy Hour, featuring an AMA with J.P. Morgan, CIO of the Human Machine Collaboration Institute. Presented by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Read more.
Capital Region Small Business Week
May 4–10, Various locations in the Capital Region
SAVE THE DATES! A full week of events to celebrate and support local entrepreneurs. Highlights include networking mixers, resource fairs, mentorship sessions, awards, and a small business pop-up market. Learn more.
Mentor Sprint: Fast-Paced Mentoring for Entrepreneurs
Wed, May 7, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Part of Capital Region Small Business Week, this high-energy event connects early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners with experienced mentors in rapid 15-minute sessions. Get expert advice, fresh insights, and new connections — all before lunch! Free, but space is limited. Read more.
This Week
Startup Board Development Series: Board Mechanics
Tue, Apr 15, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Online
In session two of this 3-part series, Kim Box dives into the logistics of running an effective board. Learn about meeting cadence, agendas, board packets, and strategies for engaging your board to add real value. Read more.
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Apr 15, 1:00–3:00 PM, In-person in Roseville
Got a startup idea or early-stage business? Get personalized guidance from Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence during these weekly office hours. Complete the intake form before attending. Registration required and subject to approval. Read more.
Circular Economy Innovation Pitch Competition
Wed, Apr 16, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, In-person in Roseville
Early-stage circular economy and sustainability startups pitch for $20K+ in cash and in-kind prizes. Hosted by the Carlsen Center and powered by Western Placer Waste Management Authority. Meet the innovators transforming waste into opportunity. Read more.
Getting Capital Ready in Trying Times: Legal Essentials for Entrepreneurs
Thu, Apr 17, 6:00–8:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Learn legal essentials for fundraising in today’s tough market. Stoel Rives partner Meaghan Nelson covers company structure, risk, investor due diligence, and more. Hosted by CleanStart. Read more.
Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento- Tribe Talks
Thu, Apr 17, 6:00–8:00 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Military veterans in business gather for networking, community-building, and insights from a fellow veteran founder. Our guest is veteran Scott Holman, founder of Red Line Safety. Enjoy food, drinks, and shared momentum in this growing series. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Startup Board Development Series: Founder & Board Panel
Tue Apr 22, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Online
The series concludes with a panel of founders and board members sharing real-world insights on building and serving on startup and advisory boards. Get practical takeaways from those who’ve done it. Read more.
Cleanstart: Perspectives on Navigating California’s Water Regulations
Thu, Apr 24, 9–10 AM, Online
Laura Ramos of the California Water Institute explores California’s evolving water regulations, funding opportunities, and strategies for sustainable groundwater management in this session, Read more.
SacTech Social Monthly Meetup
Thu, Apr 24, 6–8 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Connect with local tech professionals at SacTech Social—a welcoming, inclusive meetup for devs, designers, and the tech-curious to talk shop, share ideas, and build community. Read more.
SEA 2025 Showcase
Thu, May 8, 5 – 8 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Celebrate the next generation of entrepreneurs as fellows from the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy present their ventures. Network with local leaders, investors, and innovators at this annual showcase. Read more.
Applications
CleanStart Deep Dive Accelerator
Apply by April 16, Cohort begins April 23.
The Deep Dive Accelerator is a six-month program for post-seed cleantech startups ready to scale. Participants receive intensive biweekly training, expert mentorship, and peer support to achieve product-market fit and prepare for growth investment. Program runs April to October. Learn more.
Scout Launch Academy – SBIR Training + Scholarships
Apply now for May 2025 cohort
Scout helps early-stage startups win SBIR/STTR grants with expert-led training, coaching, and AI tools. Full-tuition scholarships available for high-potential teams. Cohort starts May 1. Learn more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open for this Monthly Event
Refine your startup pitch and get feedback from experienced coaches. Two founders will pitch and receive insights—apply in advance to pitch. Next open spots on May 15, Online. Read more.
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course
Apply by April 18 for Next Session
Program Dates: May 12, 15, & 22, 5 – 8 PM, Online
Validate your STEM startup idea in UC Berkeley’s free NSF I-Corps course. Use Lean LaunchPad to explore customers and value. Eligible teams may qualify for a $50K NSF grant and $5K in AWS credits. Learn more.
SEGA Innovation Grant Competition
Apply by August 1
SEGA’s Accelerate CA Hub is awarding $150,000 in non-dilutive grants to support AgriFoodTech, Health & Life Sciences, and CleanTech/ZEV innovation clusters, with $50,000 per cluster. 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.
