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 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.

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 Challenge Info Session
Tue, Aug 27, 12:30 – 1 PM, Online
Looking for more information about what happens during the Startup Challenge weekend? Sign up to attend this short info session on Zoom. Sign Up.

Apply for StartupSac Fall Mastermind Cohort
Apply by THIS Tue, Aug 27
An eight-session program for seed-stage founders to accelerate growth. Meets biweekly in Midtown Sacramento. Limited to eight participants. Apply early to secure your spot! Learn more.

This Week

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
Entrepreneurs will share their early-stage businesses for advice and feedback. Presenters: Lights Camera Capital, a filmmakers’ co-op, and Addiction Change Experts, offering remote addiction medicine services to improve client access. 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 at a future session? Apply to present at the October 23 session here.

Plan Ahead

Sacramento AI Meet Up featuring Strived Co-Founder Shweta Gandhi
Tue, Sep 3, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in Folsom
Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. This month features Strived Co-Founder, Shweta Gandhi. Strived is an academic data platform aiming to augment teacher decision making through the use of AI. Read more.

CleanStart Perspectives with Kacy Marrs & Vanessa Fione
Thu, Sep 5, 9 -10 AM, Online
Join Kacy Marrs & Vanessa Fione for an insightful session on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, exploring its impact on renewable energy, grid stabilization, and future opportunities for entrepreneurs and energy professionals.Read more.

Agstart’s Learn from a Local: Martin Ruebelt, CSO & VP of R&D, NatureSweet Brands
Thu, Sep 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join us to hear Martin Ruebelt, CSO & VP of R&D at NatureSweet, share his company’s journey building a national consumer vegetable brand. Read more.

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.

Plan Way Ahead

GFX24 Venture Summit & Startup Showcase
October 10, All Day, In-person in Roseville
Experience GFX24! Connect with decision-makers, investors, and partners to secure investments, form partnerships, and access talent. Join the Growth Factory to explore innovative solutions and shape the future. Use code SEGAECOSYSTEM for a 25% discount on passes. 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.

HumanBulb Startup Accelerator
Apply by Monday, September 16
Join a 10-week accelerator program designed for sustainability innovators, offering tailored tracks, expert insights, and targeted support in areas like mobility, clean economy, agtech, and AI. Separate tracks for new ideas vs existing companies. Read more.

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 October 23. Apply here.

Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Apply by September 13 for Next 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.