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.
New! Sacramento Startup Events App Startup Digest volunteer curator Manoj Keechilot of Gilentic Technologies has created a free Android app to help entrepreneurs discover Sacramento startup events, accelerator opportunities, and application deadlines. Browse upcoming events, filter by date, add events to your calendar, and access registration links—all in one place. Download Sacramento Startup Events free on Google Play.
Featured
Startup Happy Hour with Rich Foreman
Tue, Aug 25, 5 – 7 PM, Ebisu Sushi in Elk Grove
Connect with founders, entrepreneurs, and innovators at this monthly networking event hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. The evening includes an informal AMA with Rich Foreman, COO of IGH Naturals and winner of Pitch Elk Grove 2025, along with complimentary appetizers and plenty of opportunities to meet others in the Sacramento startup community. Read more.
High Conviction Happy Hour
Thu, Aug 27, 6 – 8 PM, Sacramento
Watch two founders pitch live and receive direct, structured feedback from Traction Lab’s Review Board of operators, investors, and builders. This quarterly, invitation-only gathering is designed for founders and operators who value evidence-based discussion, honest business-model critiques, and meaningful conversations about the risks and assumptions shaping a startup. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove 2026
Thu, Sep 3, 4:30 – 8 PM, The Center at District56 in Elk Grove
Watch 10 of Northern California’s most promising startups compete live for $20,000 in prize money at the region’s premier startup pitch competition. Meet founders, investors, and innovation leaders while discovering some of Northern California’s most promising startups. Admission is free, with appetizers and local wine and beer provided. Read more.
This Week
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Core Envision Inc
Wed, Aug 26, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join 1 Million Cups Sacramento for a presentation from Core Envision Inc., an early-stage startup developing AI-powered framing layout technology for the construction industry. The founder will give a six-minute presentation followed by audience questions, feedback, and advice. Read more.
Office Hours with Mariah Lichtenstern
Wed, Aug 26, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, Online
Early-stage founders can get direct insight from venture capitalist Mariah Lichtenstern on fundraising readiness, pitch decks, capital options, and gaining meaningful traction. Bring a specific question or listen in to better understand what investors look for and whether venture funding, grants, or revenue-based growth makes the most sense for your business. Read more.
Smart First Markets: Life Science & Medical Startups
Wed, Aug 26, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Learn how life science and medical startups can identify strategic first markets that offer faster paths to customers and revenue. Dr. Jordan Plews, co-founder of Elevai Labs, will explore opportunities in adjacent markets such as cosmetics, veterinary medicine, and wellness, and how early traction can support a startup’s longer-term commercialization strategy. Read more.
Startup AMA with Cam and JDM
Fri, Aug 28, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Founders can bring their toughest startup questions and receive candid feedback on what deserves attention, what may be wasting time, and how to move forward. The informal discussion is especially useful for anyone working to secure their first customers, test whether their idea delivers real value, or prepare for fundraising with credible traction and metrics. Read more.
Next Week
CLTRE Coffee & Conversation
Wed, Sep 2, 9 – 11 AM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, community partners, and others working to strengthen Sacramento at this monthly networking gathering. Meet new people, share ideas, explore potential collaborations, and hear a live pop-up podcast while enjoying coffee from Old Soul. Read more.
AI for Business: Starting Your AI Startup
Wed, Sep 2, 6 – 8 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Learn how founders can identify promising AI opportunities and turn them into viable businesses. This panel discussion with AI startup founders Shweta Gandhi, Carolyn Peer, and Mauro Sica will cover validating ideas, building early prototypes, and avoiding common mistakes when launching an AI-enabled startup. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Thu, Sep 10, 11 AM – 1 PM, Online
Learn how to test whether a business idea can succeed before investing significant time or money. This StartupSac and CleanStart workshop covers practical experiments founders can use to evaluate customer demand, their ability to deliver the product or service, and whether the economics can support a sustainable business. Read more.
Where to Find the Money: Grants, Equity, Debt, and Retained Earnings
Thu, Sep 17, 11 AM – 1 PM, Online
Explore the four primary ways to fund a business and which options make sense at different stages. This StartupSac and CleanStart workshop covers grants, angel and venture investment, loans and other debt, and using revenue to fund growth, with guidance on what each funding source requires and when to consider it. Read more.
Startup Redding Startup Games 2026
Fri–Sun, Sep 11–13, Win-River Resort & Casino in Redding
Turn a business idea into a validated startup over an intensive three-day weekend of customer discovery, prototyping, and pitching. Participants work in teams alongside experienced founders, investors, and mentors to test ideas, build business models, and compete for awards. Read more.
GrowTECH FEST 2026
Thu–Fri, Oct 8–9, Sierra Nevada Big Room in Chico
Connect with founders, investors, and innovators from across the North State during this two-day entrepreneurship conference featuring keynote speakers, workshops, networking, and the GrowTECH Startup Pitch Showcase. Entrepreneurs interested in pitching can apply through Aug 14 for the opportunity to present on Oct 8. Read more.
Applications
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program – Fall 2026 Planetary Health
Apply by Wed, Sep 9 | Online program
Early-stage teams developing STEM-based technologies can participate in this free UC Davis Venture Catalyst customer discovery program, with a fall theme of Planetary Health. Teams of 2–4 will conduct customer interviews, identify target customers, refine their value proposition, and evaluate product-market fit. University affiliation is not required. The program begins with orientation Sept. 24, followed by workshops Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22.Read more.
Build Up Sacramento 2027 Applications Open
Rolling Admission Begins Sep 1 | Final Deadline Nov 30
Established Sacramento businesses are invited to apply for this no-cost accelerator designed to help companies scale sustainably. Over four months, participants receive expert advising, peer learning, office hours, and practical strategies for strengthening operations, expanding customers, and preparing for long-term growth. Only 20 businesses will be selected, and qualified applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning Sept. 1, so early application is encouraged. Read more.
Traction Lab: Investment Readiness Engine
Applications Open
Apply for this 9-month go-to-market acceleration program supporting Sacramento-area founders with B2B sales development, enterprise pilot strategy, investor readiness, and traction-building support. Led by Traction Lab in partnership with Right Box and the Carlsen Center, the program includes $20K in non-dilutive funding and culminates in a $100K SPV Investment Showcase. Read more.
GFN Office Hours – Apply for 1:1 Mentorship
Applications Open | Roseville + Sacramento
Apply for a free one-on-one session with a GFN Entrepreneur-in-Residence and get personalized feedback on your startup idea or business challenges. Sessions are held at the Roseville Venture Lab or Connect Labs at Aggie Square. 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.
