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 Challenge Spring 2025
Fri-Sun, Mar 21-23, In-person in Sacramento
Hosted by the Carlsen Center, this 3-day event is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs explore, test, and launch their business ideas. Participants will collaborate, receive mentorship, and pitch their ideas in a supportive environment. Read more.
Weekly Drop-in Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Mar 11, 1 – 3 PM, In-person in Roseville
Growth Factory Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) host drop-in 1-on-1 office hours to guide startup founders and small business owners. Get advice on starting, accessing resources, and building momentum—not a pitch event. Read more.
Cleantech Open Accelerator: Get-Together & Info Session
Tue, Mar 11, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Have a cleantech idea and unsure how to advance it? Join us to learn about the Cleantech Open, the world’s largest clean technology accelerator program. Presentations include insights into CleanStart’s support for Sacramento’s cleantech startups, and experiences from regional cleantech entrepreneurs. Read more.
This Week
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Go4Food and Give2Lead
Wed, Mar 12, 9:00–10:00 AM, Online
A weekly meetup where founders share their startup journeys and get feedback. This week features Go4Food, a platform streamlining food assistance access, and Give2Lead, a service fostering workplace philanthropy. Read more.
Virtual Entrepreneurship Toolkit 5-Part Series
Weds, Mar 12 – Mar 26, 12 – 2 PM, Online
Build a strong startup foundation with hands-on activities led by the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This series equips early-stage founders with essential tools and insights for success. Session 3: Go-to-Market Strategies, Ideation, Traction, Experiments, and Assumptions. Read more.
CFO Basics for Startups
Wed, Mar 12, 6:00–8:00 PM, In-person in Folsom
Learn essential financial management strategies for early-stage startups, including budgeting, cash flow, and fundraising insights. Gain practical tips to build a strong financial foundation. Hosted by Startup Folsom. Read more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Thu, Mar 13, 5:30 – 7:00 PM, Online
Refine your startup pitch and get feedback from experienced coaches. Two founders will pitch and receive insights—apply in advance to pitch. Observers welcome. Read more.
TechConnect: AI to the Future!
Thu, Mar 13, 6:30–8:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals for an evening of networking and collaboration. Explore the latest trends in AI, STEM, and sustainability while building meaningful relationships in the tech community. Hosted by Humanbulb. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Carlsen Center’s Startup Board Development 3-Part Series
Weds, Mar 13 – Apr 1, 11:30 AM –1:00 PM, Online
A 3-part series designed to help startup founders and executives build and manage effective boards. The first session covers board roles, responsibilities, and governance best practices. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento In-Person at SMUD!
Wed, Mar 19, 8:30 – 10 AM, In-person in Sacramento
Join us for an in-person session of 1 Million Cups Sacramento, where two entrepreneurs will present their early-stage businesses to an audience of peers for advice and feedback. This is a great opportunity to network, learn, and support local startups. Read more.
AngelConnect
Wed, Mar 19, 6:00–8:00 PM, In-person in Roseville
Accredited investors interested in angel investing are invited to this happy hour for networking and insights from experienced angels and entrepreneurs. The event will also highlight NorCal AngelCon, an investment education program launching its second year in 2025. Read more.
Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe with AllegiantVets CEO Marcus Haney
Thu, Mar 20, 5:30–7:30 PM, In-person in Rocklin
Connect with veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses, and allies at this networking event. This month’s featured guest is Marcus Haney, CEO of AllegiantVets, an organization helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce. Build relationships, share experiences, and grow your business in a supportive community. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with Bekonix CEO Daniel Kaye
Tue, Mar 25, 5:00–7:00 PM, In-person in Folsom
Unwind, network, and connect with fellow founders over drinks at this relaxed happy hour. This month’s guest, Daniel Kaye, CEO of Bekonix, will share insights on building a no-code platform for smart products. Sponsored by Mark III and Choose Folsom. Read more.
Applications
LAUNCH Accelerator – Spring 2025 Cohort
Applications Open, Cohort begins in April
The LAUNCH Accelerator is a 14-week program for founders with a product in market, pre-Series A. LAUNCH invests $125K for 7% equity and helps startups raise their Pre-Seed/Seed round. Participants gain investor connections, expert mentorship, and a Silicon Valley network. Mostly online with 2-3 sessions in San Francisco. Read more.
SEGA Innovation Grant Competition
Apply by March 31
SEGA’s Accelerate CA Hub is awarding $150,000 in non-dilutive grants to support AgriFoodTech, Health & Life Sciences, and CleanTech/ZEV innovation clusters, with $50,000 per cluster. Learn more.
2025 Cleantech Open Accelerator
Apply by April 13
The Cleantech Open is the world’s largest cleantech accelerator, helping early-stage startups refine business models, connect with investors, and gain visibility. Participants receive mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. The program runs June to October.
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 March 13, 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.
