There’s a lot going on this week and next for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below. For the full rundown of what’s happening this week and next, check out this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to get it in your inbox every Monday morning!
Featured
Startup-Tech Connect – Tonight!
Mon, Aug 11, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, at Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Join Sacramento’s tech and startup community for an evening of real conversations, guided networking, and shared inspiration. Pizza, beer, and bold ideas included. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon Applications Extended to August 15
Apply by August 15
Startups in the Greater Sacramento region can apply to compete for $80K+ in equity-backed funding and $20K in non-dilutive capital. Applicants must have an MVP or early revenue and potential for high growth. Brought to you by the Carlsen Center and Growth Factory through SEGA’s Accelerate CA program. Apply here.
Startup Challenge
Fri, Sep 26, 5:30 PM – Sun, Sep 28, 8:30 PM, at the Carlsen Center at Sac State in Sacramento
Stop thinking and start doing! This weekend-long event brings aspiring founders together to form teams, build real startups, and make progress fast—no business experience required. Open to anyone 18+. This is a 3-day event. Read more.
Want to learn more? Join the Startup Challenge Info Session on Tue, Sep 9 from 12-12:30 PM online. RSVP here.
This Week
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Aug 12, 12 – 3 PM, at Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Got a startup idea or growing business? Meet with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for personalized guidance. Intake form required before attending. Read more.
Fall 2025 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Info Sessions
Tue, Aug 12, 6 – 7 PM, Online
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA) is a 12-week business training course designed to make sense of the confusing aspects of starting a food business. AMA targets entrepreneurs in the greater Sacramento region, particularly those who are from low-income backgrounds or under-resourced communities. You must attend an info session before you apply. Applications are due August 17. Read more
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Lilypay and Drone Door
Wed, Aug 13, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly event where founders share their startups and get feedback from fellow entrepreneurs. This week: Lilypay, a BNPL fintech platform for funeral and cemetery costs, and Drone Door, an alternative delivery access point and improved delivery system. Read more.
CleanStart CEO Crash Course Info Session
Thu, Aug 14, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn how the CEO Crash Course helps early-stage cleantech startups grow faster and smarter. This info session covers what to expect from the hands-on training program. Read more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Thu, Aug 14, 5:30 – 6:30 PM, Online
Join StartupSac, Startup Folsom, and Startup Grind Sacramento for this monthly virtual workshop where venture-ready startups pitch and get expert feedback. Observers welcome. Designed for founders planning to raise capital within the next year. Read more.
Live Startup Office Hours with Traction Lab
Fri, Aug 15, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Online
Join JDM and Cam Law of Traction Lab every Friday for no-fluff startup advice. Get real-time, evidence-backed feedback on your toughest early-stage challenges—no slides, no coddling, just clarity. Read more.
Plan Ahead
1 Million Cups Sacramento Monthly In-Person/Hybrid
Wed, Aug 20, 8:30 – 10 AM, at Capsity Coworking in Sacramento
A weekly event where founders share their startups and get feedback from fellow entrepreneurs. This week: EquiHire AI, bias-litigation software for hiring and an AI resume rewriter, and Better Together Golf, a trick-shot toy designed for viral videos. Hybrid event with Zoom option. Read more.
Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento Summer Mixer
Thu, Aug 21, 6 – 8 PM, at SacYard Community Tap House in Sacramento
Join the Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento for a relaxed evening of networking and connection over local brews. Open to veteran entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and supporters. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with ValleyMatch Founder Rebecca Nguyen
Tue, Aug 26, 5 – 7 PM, at Prost Beer Hall in Elk Grove
Network with fellow founders over drinks and apps, and hear from Rebecca Nguyen, founder of ValleyMatch—an Elk Grove startup acquired by DateSpot. Co-hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Sponsored by the City of Elk Grove. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove
Thu, Sep 4, 4:30 – 8:00 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Watch Northern California’s top startups compete live for $20,000 in prize money at this high-energy pitch competition. Hosted by Invest Elk Grove, StartupSac, and Explore Elk Grove, Pitch Elk Grove is a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community—complete with local beer, wine, and bites. Read more.
Applications
GrowTECH FEST 2025 – Startup Stories Challenge
Apply by August 31
Early-stage startups (idea to growth stage, under 5 years old) are invited to pitch their story at the largest entrepreneurial conference north of Sacramento. The top 3 winners will receive cash prizes at the November 6 event at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co in Chico. Learn more.
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
Startup Legal Garage is currently accepting applications for its free legal assistance program aimed at supporting startups. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full. Applications are for Fall 2025 cohort. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
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 openings to pitch are on September 11, 5:30-6:30 PM, Online. 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.
