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. Early bird pricing ends at midnight on Feb 24. Read more. Note: there is an info session on March 4 if you’d like to learn more about the event.
Startup Challenge Info Session
Tue, Mar 4, Noon – 12:30 PM, Online
Join the Info Session if you’d like to learn more about the Startup Challenge! This info session will cover what to expect and how the program helps turn ideas into viable ventures. Rumored that discount codes will be offered to Info Session attendees. RSVP for info session
Weekly Drop-in Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Mar 4, 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.
Founders First Fridays
Fri, Mar 7, 9:00 – 10:30 AM, In-person in Roseville
Join fellow entrepreneurs at this monthly gathering hosted by Roseville Venture Lab. Designed for founders who have previously met with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), this event offers a collaborative space to exchange ideas and insights while working towards product-market fit. Read more.
This Week
Folsom AI Meetup Featuring Plum Identity CEO Jon Coss
Tue, Mar 4, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in Folsom
Join Startup Folsom for an engaging evening with Jon Coss, CEO of Plum Identity, as he discusses advancements in artificial intelligence and its applications in identity verification. This meetup offers a unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader and network with fellow AI enthusiasts. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Rely and CAGED
Wed, Mar 5, 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Online
Join this weekly meetup where entrepreneurs present their early-stage businesses for advice and feedback. This session features Rely, a verified rental network with a shareable digital rental passport, and CAGED, the creator of The MOC, a tech-powered 3-in-1 beauty tool for oil application, detangling, and scalp massage Read more.
CleanStart Deep Dive Accelerator Info Session Webinar
Wed, Mar 5, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Are you a post-seed cleantech startup ready to grow? Join CleanStart for a webinar on the Deep Dive Accelerator, covering its structure, application process, and benefits like mentorship, networking, and tailored resources. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Dr. Block, Director UCD iCAMP
Thu, Mar 6, 5:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join AgStart for an evening with Dr. David E. Block, Director of UC Davis iCAMP, as he shares insights on alternative proteins, cultivated meat, and sustainable food innovation. A great opportunity to learn and network, Read more.
Business Model Refresh
Fri, Mar 7, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship for a hands-on workshop on rethinking and revitalizing your business model. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and explore strategies for long-term success in a changing market. Read more.
Plan Ahead
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.
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.
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.
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.
