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
Mon, May 11, 6 – 8 PM, Hop Gardens (Sacramento)
Connect with founders, developers, and tech enthusiasts at this casual meetup focused on collaboration and community. A great place to meet potential co-founders, share ideas, and plug into Sacramento’s startup scene. Read more.
Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy Showcase
Tue, May 12, 5 – 8 PM, Elks Tower (Sacramento)
Join the Academy 2026 Fellows as they present their ventures and compete in a live pitch competition. The evening includes a keynote from Mac Clemmens, an alumni panel, and networking with founders, investors, and community leaders. Read more.
Circular Economy Innovation Competition – Pitch Finale
Wed, May 13, 12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab
Watch innovators and startups pitch solutions to real-world waste and sustainability challenges for $20K in prizes. A great opportunity to see practical innovation in action and connect with the region’s circular economy community. Read more.
First Money Breakfast: Angel Investing + Philanthropy
Thu, May 14, 9 – 11 AM, In-person in Roseville
For those interested in becoming angel investors, this session explores how angel investing works and how it can complement traditional philanthropy. Learn how deals are sourced, evaluated, and funded—and how new investors can get involved in supporting local startups. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour
Tue, May 19, 5 – 7 PM, Old Town Pizza & Tap House (Elk Grove)
Connect with local founders, creators, and entrepreneurs at this monthly networking meetup hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Includes networking, appetizers, and a featured AMA guest. Read more.
This Week
Search Has Changed: How Customers Find You Using AI
Tue, May 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, HUMANBULB Innovation Center (Sacramento)
Learn how AI and conversational search are changing the way customers discover businesses—and what you can do to stay visible. A practical session for founders and small business owners adapting to the new search landscape. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento (AI4Echolalia™)
Wed, May 13, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join this weekly founder meetup where early-stage startups present and get live feedback from the community. This week features AI4Echolalia™, an AI-powered app supporting communication for children with echolalia. Read more.
FourthWave Happy Hour: Alumni & Information Session
Wed, May 13, 5 – 7 PM, Frequency Coworking (Rancho Cordova)
Learn more about the FourthWave accelerator community through conversations with alumni, mentors, and program leaders. Hear founder stories, explore the program culture, and see if the next cohort could be the right fit for you.The accelerator is for women-led technology startups. Read more
MIX: The Heart & Science of Building Community
Thu, May 14, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs at Aggie Square (Sacramento)
This monthly innovation gathering explores what it takes to build strong, lasting communities across startups, research, education, and civic spaces. Expect lightning talks, roundtable discussions, networking, and practical insights from community builders across the region. Read more.
City of Roseville Innovation Panel Discussion
Fri, May 15, 11 AM – 1 PM, Roseville Venture Lab
Hear leaders from government, healthcare, education, and tech discuss how collaboration is shaping Roseville’s growing innovation ecosystem. Includes audience Q&A and networking with founders, students, and community leaders. Read more.
Startup Reality Check: AMA with JDM + Cam
Fri, May 15, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Join this weekly AMA for direct, no-BS feedback on your startup. Ask questions on traction, customers, and fundraising and get practical advice from JDM and Cam. Read more.
Plan Ahead
How to Tell Stories That Win Clients and Investors
Tue, May 19, 9 – 10:30 AM, Online
Learn how to use storytelling to build trust, explain your startup clearly, and connect with investors and customers. Includes practical frameworks and AI-assisted techniques from storyteller and founder Lubna Forzley. Organized by Founder Institute. Read more.
Big Bang! Awards Celebration & Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Tue, May 19, 5 – 8 PM, UC Davis Conference Center (Davis)
Celebrate the finale of the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition as winners are announced and nearly $100K in prizes are awarded. Includes startup networking, finalist showcases, and an ice cream sundae bar. Read more.
Folsom AI Meetup featuring Core Envision Founder Mauro Sica
Tue, May 19, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces (Folsom)
Join this monthly AI meetup for pizza, networking, and conversation around practical AI applications and collaboration. This session features Core Envision founder Mauro Sica. Read more.
Applications
Aggie Venture Accelerator
Applications close May 18
Apply for this new UC Davis accelerator supporting early-stage life science startups at the intersection of health, food, and biotech. Selected teams receive mentorship, structured programming, industry connections, and potential access to up to $250K in investment. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon 2026
Applications due May 27
A multi-month investor program culminating in a $100K investment. Open to startups across sectors with additional support for deep tech companies. Read more.
UC Davis NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Applications due May 28
A short program for STEM founders to validate ideas through customer discovery and refine their value proposition. Read more.
FourthWave 2026
Applications due June 5
Program runs Aug 5 – Nov 10
Apply for this accelerator supporting women-led technology startups with mentorship, startup education, and investor access. The hybrid program combines an in-person kickoff in Sacramento with virtual programming designed to help founders scale and raise capital. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove 2026
Applications due June 8 by 5 PM
Apply to Northern California’s premier startup pitch competition, open to tech-driven startups across the Greater Sacramento region. Up to eight finalists will compete live for a $20K prize pool, plus exposure, feedback, and connections to help accelerate growth. Read more.
Roseville Rising Food Founders
Apply by Jun 21
Apply for this 10-week program supporting food entrepreneurs ready to launch or scale. Open to restaurateurs, chefs, and food product founders, the program offers mentorship, practical tools, and a final pop-up showcase. No cost to participate. 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.
