Welcome to the New Year! 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
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, Jan 8, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs by Wexford in Sacramento
Kick off 2026 with MIX’s January theme, Powering Sacramento: Clean & Affordable Energy Futures. Join founders, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders for lightning talks, roundtable conversations, and networking focused on advancing equitable, sustainable energy solutions across the region. Read more.
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Jan 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with founders, technologists, and innovators at this casual networking event where startups and tech collide. Enjoy genuine conversations, meet potential collaborators, and tap into Sacramento’s tech community over pizza and beer. Read more.
This Week
Folsom AI Meetup with Patent Attorney Ken Murray
Tue, Jan 6, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Join Startup Folsom, Startup Grind Sacramento, and Granite City Coworking for a relaxed, hands-on AI meetup with pizza and practical conversation. This month features patent attorney Ken Murray with a founder-friendly “Patent Law 101,” covering what startups can (and can’t) patent, how IP works, and what to know when protecting AI-related projects—no legal fluff, just the essentials. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with EcoPress Sacramento and Cater AI
Wed, Jan 7, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join this weekly Zoom meetup where early-stage founders present their businesses and get feedback from fellow entrepreneurs. This week features EcoPress Sacramento, an upcycling art studio turning plastic waste into functional art and community workshops, and Cater AI, an AI voice agent helping restaurants handle orders, reservations, and customer questions by phone. Networking opens at 8:45 AM; program starts promptly at 9 AM. Read more.
Big Bang! Workshop: Legal Foundations—Understanding IP and Venture Law
Thu, Jan 8, 12 – 1:30 PM, Online
Get a practical introduction to intellectual property and venture law in this workshop for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Startup attorney Vicky Lee of DLA Piper will cover patents, trade secrets, venture structures, and contracts—foundational knowledge for building a new venture or preparing for the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition (and beyond). Read more.
Center for Small Business Information Session
Fri, Jan 9, 10 – 10:30 AM, Online
Building a startup with limited time and budget? Learn how Sacramento State’s Center for Small Business can plug you into free, hands-on support from advanced business students, guided by faculty, to help move your company forward. In this short info session, you’ll learn how founders are using CSB teams to tackle real projects—everything from data analysis and go-to-market strategy to website development, social media, operations, and supply chain challenges. If you’ve got a real business problem but not the bandwidth (or cash) to hire help, this is a smart way to get meaningful work done while supporting the next generation of business talent. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Big Bang! Workshop: Business Canvas — Framing Your Approach
Thu, Jan 15, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Turn your idea into a clear, fundable story. This workshop breaks down the business canvas framework founders use to define the problem, solution, and value proposition—and to shape the core of a 10-slide pitch deck. This is a practical session for early-stage founders preparing for Big Bang! competition or any startup journey. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon: Deep Tech Networking & Info Session
Thu, Jan 22, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Kick off NorCal AngelCon: Deep Tech Edition with an evening of networking and program insights focused on agrifood tech, life sciences, and cleantech/ZEV. Learn how the program supports early-stage, science-based startups, meet investors and ecosystem partners, and find out how to participate—whether you’re exploring deep-tech investing or building a startup ready to apply. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with FYC Labs CEO Justin Fortier
Tue, Jan 27, 5 – 7 PM, The Commons at Granite City in Folsom
Building a startup is better together. Join Startup Happy Hour for an evening of relaxed networking, shared learning, and community connection. This month features an AMA with Justin Fortier, founder of FYC Labs, who’ll share lessons from scaling, acquisition, and life after exit. Appetizers provided. Come meet fellow founders and builders shaping the Sacramento startup scene. Read more.
Applications
Circular Economy Innovation Competition
Applications due Feb 27
Turn waste into value. This competition supports circular economy innovators with mentorship, in-kind services, and a chance to pitch for $20,000 at an in-person event in late April. Info session: Jan 21, 12 PM PST, Online. RSVP here. Apply here.
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course
Multiple Sessions – Ongoing, Online
Validate your startup idea inNorthwest Region NSF I-Corps Hub courses. Use Lean LaunchPad to explore customers and value. Eligible teams may qualify for a $50K NSF grant and $5K in AWS credits. Learn more.
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
The Startup Legal Garage is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis—apply early. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
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.
