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 Challenge Fall 2024
Fri, Sep 27 – Sun, Sep 29, In-person in Sacramento
Learn how to launch a startup by doing it! Find co-founders, join a team, prove you’re onto something real, and compete for awesome prizes. This weekend-long event is at the Carlsen Center at Sac State. Read more.

Startup Happy Hour with Onsight CEO Derek Chase
Tue, Aug 27, 5 – 7 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join us at Smic’s Bar Sacramento for an engaging evening of networking and inspiration as Derek Chase, CEO of Onsight, shares his startup journey. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, enjoy appetizers, and gain valuable insights from Derek’s experiences launching a startup. Read more.

This Week

1 Million Cups Sacramento with P3iD Technologies
Wed, August 21, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly Zoom meetup where entrepreneurs present their early-stage businesses to an audience of their peers for advice and feedback. Presenter, P3iD Technologies, offers a secure data management platform with advanced technologies for businesses. Read more.

Social Media Marketing
Wed, Aug 21, 1 – 2:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join the Womens Business Center for their social media marketing workshop with speakers from Uptown Studios, Morgan Seitz and Hope Osterholt. Learn how to leverage Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter for your business. Read more.

CleanStart Perspectives with OpenRoad.eco
Thu, Aug 22, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join CleanStart and guest Evan Kirchhoff of OpenRoad.eco to explore the first portable fast-charging platform for EVs and its impact on sustainable travel and cleantech innovation. Read more.

SBDC: Digital Marketing Series Part 1: Laying the Digital Marketing Foundation & Crafting Your Buyer Persona
Thu, Aug 22, 10 – 11:30 AM, Online
Designed to guide you from the basics to advanced strategies, this series covers everything from creating your buyer persona to optimizing your presence across key digital channels like SEO, paid advertising, and social media. Read more.

Plan Ahead

Choosing the Right Topic for Your SBIR Proposal
Mon, Aug 26, 12 – 12:30 PM, Online
Struggling to choose the right topic for your SBIR proposal? Join our 20-minute workshop to learn about SBIR priorities, market needs, and resources to select a compelling, competitive topic that boosts your success.. Read more.

1 Million Cups Sacramento In-Person at Sacramento Better Business Bureau
Wed, Aug 28, 8:30 – 10 AM, In-person in Sacramento
Join us for our once-a-month in-person meetup where entrepreneurs share their early-stage businesses for advice and feedback. Read more.

Startup Pitch Workshop
Wed, Aug 28, 5:30 – 7:00 PM, Online
Observe as 3 companies present their startup pitch to receive valuable feedback from experienced pitch coaches. Organized by Startup Folsom and StartupSac .RSVP here. Interested in presenting? Apply to present at the August 28 session here.

Plan Way Ahead

Pitch Elk Grove
Thu, Sep 19, 4:30 – 8:15 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Cheer on local entrepreneurs as they compete for a share of $20,000 at Pitch Elk Grove! Eight innovative startups will pitch live! Free to attend. Appetizers, wine and beer included. Read more.

GFX24 Venture Summit & Startup Showcase
October 10, All Day, In-person in Roseville
Experience innovation at GFX24! Engage with key decision-makers, investors, and ecosystem partners for meaningful outcomes. Whether securing investment, forging partnerships, or accessing talent pipelines, join the Growth Factory to explore groundbreaking solutions and shape the future of technology and business. Use the code SEGAECOSYSTEM for a 25% discount on the GFX Conference Pass. Read more.

GrowTECH FEST 2024
Wed, Nov 6, 9 AM – 7 PM, In-person in Chico
GTF2024, organized by ChicoSTART and GrowTECH, gathers startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and students from Northern California. The event includes a full day of inspiration, motivation, and innovative insights to boost the region’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read more.

Application Deadlines

Applications Open for Calling All Dreamers
Apply by September 1
Submit your business idea to the Calling All Dreamers business incubator for a chance to win a $120,000 startup package, including $20,000 cash and business services. Join workshops and receive expert guidance to launch your downtown Sacramento storefront. Learn more/Apply.

Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional Competition
Apply by Friday, September 6
Compete on September 23 in the Sacramento region Startup World Cup competition organized by HumanBulb. Winners advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco, joining 70+ regional winners for a chance at a $1 million investment prize in October 2024! Learn more and Apply.

Applications Open for CLTRE: EveryDay Creative Program
Apply by Sunday, September 8
This eight-month program offers mentorship, training, financial support, and storefront residency to empower BIPOC entrepreneurs in Sacramento’s creative economy. The program transforms creative projects into sustainable ventures, fostering a thriving community and helping participants achieve lasting success in their craft. Learn more/Apply.

Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open, Happens 4th Wed of the Month Online
Three startups present their investment pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Organized by StartupSac and Startup Folsom. Next open slots August 28. Apply here.

Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Apply by August 23 for September Session
Transform your innovative technology into a startup! Online course sessions are held online for three days from 5-8 PM. This program is offered monthly. 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.