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
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
Startup Folsom AI Meetup: Featuring Your Favorite AI Tools
Tue, Aug 5, 6 – 8 PM, at Granite City Coworking in Folsom
Join Startup Folsom for pizza and relaxed conversations about AI. This month’s focus: share and dimscover your favorite AI tools in a casual, community-driven setting. Read more.
Fall 2025 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Info Sessions
Tue, Aug 5, 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 with Capital Valley Marketing and CAPSolar
Wed, Aug 6, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly event where founders share their startups and get feedback from fellow entrepreneurs. This week: Capital Valley Marketing, helping local service businesses grow through authentic digital strategies, and CAPSolar, making sleek, invisible solar tech for vehicles. Read more.
CleanStart Perspectives: Build Better Content Using AI
Thu, Aug 7, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn how to create content that connects, converts, and saves you time—without losing your voice. Scott Eggert, startup founder and CEO of MKTNG, shares AI-driven strategies to help early-stage entrepreneurs grow their brand with intention. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Abhaya Dandekar
Thu, Aug 7, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, at AgStart Event Center in Woodland
Join AgStart’s monthly speaker series featuring Dr. Abhaya Dandekar, Director of the UC Davis Plant Transformation Facility, as he shares insights on tissue culture and the future of orchards and vineyards. Read more.
Morning Grind: Featuring GRIN Founder Brandon Brown
Fri, Aug 8, 8:30 – 10:00 AM, at The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Start your Friday with coffee, connection, and a candid fireside chat with Brandon Brown, founder of GRIN—the influencer marketing platform that’s raised $150M+ and reshaped the creator economy. Hosted by Startup Grind. Read more.
Live Startup Office Hours with Traction Lab
Fri, Aug 8, 12 – 1 PM, OnlineJoin 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
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.
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.
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
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 session is August 14, 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.
