There’s a lot happening this week for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below focused on startup-relevant events. For the full rundown, check out this week’s Startup Digest and consider subscribing to get it every Monday morning.
Featured
Big Bang! Workshop: Delivering Your Pitch Like a Pro
Thu, Apr 9, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Learn how to craft and deliver a compelling pitch—from storytelling and key content to handling tough questions with confidence. Ideal for early-stage founders preparing for competitions or investor conversations. Read more.
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, Apr 9, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
A monthly gathering for founders, researchers, and community builders to connect and share ideas. This month explores how innovation moves from concept to real-world impact. Read more.
Mentor Sprint
Wed, May 6, 10:45 AM – 12:30 PM, Carlsen Center (Sacramento)
A fast-paced speed mentoring event where founders meet one-on-one with experienced mentors in 15-minute sessions. Get targeted advice, fresh perspectives, and new connections in just 90 minutes. Organized by the Carlsen Center and StartupSac. Read more.
This Week
AI for Business Panel: Real-World Use Cases
Tue, Apr 7, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Roseville Venture Lab
Hear how local businesses are actually using AI in finance, marketing, and customer support. Expect practical workflows, real examples, and honest insights on what works (and what doesn’t). Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento (Arifa Senior Medicine + GuLP)
Wed, Apr 8, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join this weekly founder meetup where early-stage startups present and get live feedback from the community. This week features Arifa Senior Medicine and GuLP. Read more.
Getting Started with Your Business Plan
Wed, Apr 8, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn what a business plan is, why you need one and create your roadmap for success. Gain the confidence to launch your business with purpose. Organized by the SBA. Read more.
Sacramento TechConnect: AI, AWS & Startup Builders Meetup
Wed, Apr 8, 6 – 8 PM, at Humanbulb in Sacramento
Join Sacramento’s tech community for an evening of AI, cloud, and real-world implementation stories. Connect with builders, founders, and engineers, hear AWS updates, and learn how teams are applying AI in practice. Read more.
Startup AMA Reality Check: Traction Lab (JDM + Cam)
Fri, Apr 10, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Get direct, no-BS feedback on your startup from JDM and Cam. Bring your toughest questions on traction, customers, and fundraising. Read more.
Plan Ahead
1 Million Cups Sacramento (In-Person + Hybrid)
Wed, Apr 15, 8:30 – 10 AM, California Bank of Commerce + Online
Join this weekly founder meetup for live startup presentations and community feedback. This session features Cotton Candy Dreams and Social 6, with in-person networking and a Zoom option. Read more.
Startup Grind Fireside Chat with Sandy Paige, Seabright Ventures Fund
Wed, Apr 15, 6 – 8 PM, The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Join a fireside chat with investor Sandy Paige on building and scaling X-as-a-Service businesses and how family offices evaluate long-term opportunities. Read more.
AWS AI Pitch Competition
Thu, Apr 23, 5:30 – 8:30 PM, The Urban Hive, Sacramento
Watch AI founders pitch live and hear how experts evaluate real products. Expect sharp feedback, real-world insights, and a front-row seat to what it takes to build and scale AI today. Read more.
UC Davis Research Expo 2026
Wed, Apr 29, 9:30 AM – 2 PM, UC Davis Conference Center
Explore the latest research opportunities, tools, and resources at UC Davis’s annual Research Expo. Hear from leading speakers, attend workshops, and connect with collaborators across academia and industry. Includes exhibits, networking, lunch, and more. Read more.
Northern California Venture Conference
Thu, May 7, Redding
A regional conference bringing together founders and investors, with startup pitch opportunities and a $10K prize. Read more.
Applications
AWS AI Pitch Competition – Call for Startups
Applications Due April 16
Building something in AI? Apply to pitch at the AWS AI Pitch Competition and get in front of technical experts from AWS and partners. Selected startups receive hands-on feedback on architecture, data strategy, and scaling—plus a chance at up to $25K in AWS Partner support. Read more.
Northern California Venture Conference Pitch Applications
Applications Due April 17
Pitch your startup in front of investors and regional leaders. A chance to gain visibility, feedback, and compete for funding. Read more.
Economic Gardening 2.0 – City of Sacramento
Applications due Apr 20
Support for companies with traction looking to scale through market research, strategy, and data-driven growth planning. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon 2026
Applications due May 27
A multi-month investor program culminating in a $100K investment. Open to startups across sectors with additional support for deep tech companies. Read more.
UC Davis NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Applications due May 28
A short program for STEM founders to validate ideas through customer discovery and refine their value proposition. Read 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.
