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 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.
Calling All Dreamers – Downtown Business Incubator
Apply by September 1
Early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to participate in this brick-and-mortar business incubation program based in Downtown Sacramento. Founders receive mentorship, attend 10+ focused workshops, and the top 5 business concepts are eligible for a cash infusion of $5–$20K upon signing a downtown lease. Learn more.
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 26, 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.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Nvirse
Wed, Aug 27, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly event where entrepreneurs present their early-stage companies to peers for feedback and advice. This week’s presenter: Nvirse, buiding data visualization libraries for nonprofits, SMBs, and healthcare organizations. Read more
Vision to Action: Building Your OGSM Strategic Framework
Wed, Aug 27, 10 – 11 AM, Online
Turn vision into action with the OGSM framework (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, Measures). Hosted by the Carlsen Center and Bizaline, this interactive workshop will help you clarify direction, align execution, and start your own OGSM roadmap. Read more.
Show Her the Money Screening
Wed, Aug 27, 5:30 – 8 PM, at Esquire IMAX Theatre in Sacramento
Enjoy an exclusive screening of the award-winning film Show Her the Money, followed by a Q&A with cast members and producers. The film highlights the funding gap for women founders and showcases investors supporting diverse women entrepreneurs. Read more.
SacTech Social Monthly Meetup
Thu, Aug 28, 6 – 9 PM, at Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with Sacramento’s vibrant tech community over pizza, drinks, and good conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned dev or just tech-curious, all are welcome. Read more.
Live Startup Office Hours with Traction Lab
Fri, Aug 29, 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
Folsom AI Meetup: The Future of Automation
Tue, Sep 2, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces, Folsom
Join Startup Folsom for an evening of pizza and networking. This month, we’re doing something a little different. There are so many AI tools out there, here’s your chance to share your favorite AI tools Read more.
Raising Venture Capital: A 5-Part Series
Wednesdays, Sep 3 – Oct 1, 1 – 2:30 PM, Online
Tech Futures Group presents a free 5-part series to help founders prepare for raising venture capital. Learn what top investors expect before you pitch, from customer discovery and product-market fit to SBIR/STTR grants, GTM strategy, and pitch readiness. Designed for pre-seed to Series A startups across industries. Read more.
Learn from a Local: Adrian Ferrero, CEO of Biome Makers
Thu, Sep 4, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, AgStart Event Center, Woodland
Hear Adrian Ferrero, co-founder & CEO of Biome Makers, share his entrepreneurial journey building a global leader in soil microbiome analysis and sustainable agriculture. Gain insights from a founder whose work impacts over 1M acres worldwide. Read more.
NASA International Space Apps Challenge Sacramento
Sat–Sun, Oct 4–5, Folsom Lake College, Folsom
Join innovators of all ages and backgrounds to tackle real-world challenges using NASA’s open data. No coding experience needed—anyone can participate. Free event, advance registration encouraged. Read more.
Applications
AI Skills Lab @ Frequency Coworking
Apply by September 7
Join a free, 3-week hands-on AI program in Rancho Cordova with interactive sessions, one-on-one consulting from AI experts, and networking opportunities. Participants get 2 months of free coworking and will showcase their projects to investors and community leaders. Volunteer commitment required. Learn more.
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.
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.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Fast-track your startup’s growth! This accelerator, powered by The Right Box and the Carlsen Center, helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders in tech-enabled sectors reach product-market fit and get funding-ready—twice as fast. 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.
