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.
Featured
Startup-Tech Connect
Tonight! Mon, July 13, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with founders, technologists, and startup supporters from across the Sacramento region at this casual networking event focused on building relationships and sparking collaboration. It’s a chance to meet potential co-founders, partners, and other members of the local innovation community in an informal setting. Read more.
Level Up Your Investor Pitch
Tue, July 14, 5:30 – 7 PM, Online
Learn how to craft a compelling investor pitch that clearly communicates your startup’s opportunity, traction, and growth potential. Led by Traction Lab founder Josh David Miller, this interactive workshop covers the essential elements of an investor-ready pitch, common mistakes to avoid, and practical ways to improve both your story and delivery. Read more.
Weekly Startup Reality Check: AMA w/ JDM + Cam
Fri, Jul. 17, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Bring your toughest startup questions to this live AMA with Cameron Law and Josh David Miller. Founders can get candid feedback on customer acquisition, value proposition, fundraising readiness, and other early-stage challenges in an interactive discussion. Read more.
Plan Ahead! Sacramento Summer Startup Party
Thu, Aug. 20, 5:30 – 8 PM, The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Connect with founders, investors, startup teams, and ecosystem leaders at one of the region’s largest annual startup networking events. Attendees can explore the Resource Expo, discover emerging startups through the Silent Pitch competition, and build connections across Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community. Use promo code STARTUPSAC for $10 off! Read more.
This Week
Office Hours with Dr. Brian Gladden
Mon, July 13 and Wed, Jul. 15, 3 – 4 PM, Online
Get expert feedback on your startup’s business model, customer validation strategy, and growth plans during these free weekly office hours with Carlsen Center Entrepreneur-in-Residence Dr. Brian Gladden. Founders can bring specific challenges or ideas to refine with guidance from an experienced innovation strategist. RSVP July 13. RSVP July 15.
Biotech Mixer
Tue, July 14, 6 – 9 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Connect with scientists, founders, investors, engineers, and other members of Sacramento’s biotech community at this informal networking mixer hosted by Aggie Square. Whether you’re building a company, exploring new research, or expanding your professional network, this event offers an opportunity to engage with others advancing the region’s life sciences ecosystem. Read More.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with InLign and LevrAge
Wed, Jul. 15, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Hear two early-stage startups present their businesses and receive live feedback from the community. This week’s presenters are InLign, which helps parents and schools curate educational YouTube content, and LevrAge, an AI-powered platform for managing and growing professional relationships. Read more.
Office Hours with Mariah Lichtenstern
Wed, July 15 and Fri, Jul. 17, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, Online
Meet one-on-one with Carlsen Center Entrepreneur-in-Residence Mariah Lichtenstern for candid advice on fundraising, pitch decks, go-to-market strategy, and startup growth. These free weekly office hours are open to founders seeking practical feedback from an experienced venture investor. RSVP July 15. RSVP July 17 .
MedStart CEO Roundtable Featuring Dr. Sourabh Kharait
Wed, July 15, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Designed for CEOs and founders of medical and life science startups, this small-group roundtable features IGH Naturals founder Dr. Sourabh Kharait sharing lessons from building a healthcare company. Participants will discuss real business and commercialization challenges, exchange peer advice, and leave with practical next steps for growing their ventures. Read more.
Next Week
Brand Therapy
Tue, Jul. 21, 12 – 1 PM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Learn how to strengthen your brand, clarify your messaging, and create a better customer experience in this lunch-and-learn led by brand strategist Zuza Hicks. Founders and small business owners will gain practical insights into why customers choose a brand and how to improve marketing that converts. Read more.
Folsom AI Meetup featuring Nicholas Haystings
Tue, Jul. 21, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Connect with founders, developers, and AI enthusiasts at Startup Folsom’s monthly AI meetup. This month’s featured speaker, Suite Fleet Co-founder Nicholas Haystings, will share insights while attendees discuss practical applications and emerging trends in artificial intelligence. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento at Roseville Venture Lab
Wed, Jul. 22, 8:30 – 10 AM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Join the monthly in-person edition of this weekly founder meetup, with a hybrid option available for virtual attendees. Hear two early-stage startups present their businesses, receive live feedback from the community, and connect with entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and other members of the regional startup ecosystem. Read more.
SacTech Social July 2026 Meetup
Tue, Jul. 21, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with software developers, technology professionals, and others in the local tech community at this informal networking meetup. It’s a good opportunity to build relationships, explore collaborations, and meet potential teammates or hiring contacts. Read more.
Think Like a Tech Entrepreneur
Tue, Jul. 28, 5:30 – 8 PM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
The first in a five-part workshop series from the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy, this session features Trifecta founder Liz Connolly sharing practical lessons on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, thinking bigger, and building technology startups. Read more.
Applications
GrowTECH FEST Startup Pitch Showcase
Applications Open | Deadline: Jul. 31
North State startups are invited to apply for the opportunity to pitch at GrowTECH FEST on Oct. 8 in Chico. Finalists will present to a panel of judges for cash prizes, making this a valuable opportunity to gain visibility, receive feedback, and compete for funding. Read more.
UC Davis NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Applications due July 22
A short program for STEM founders to validate ideas through customer discovery and refine their value proposition. Read more.
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy
Applications Open July 14 | Deadline: August 9
Designed for aspiring food entrepreneurs, this 12-week business training program helps participants build the knowledge, confidence, and business plan needed to launch or grow a food business. Attendance at an information session is required before applying, with live Zoom sessions on July 14, July 21, July 29, and August 5, plus an on-demand option available beginning July 14. 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.
