We’re finishing up Memorial Day Weekend and that means summer is nearly upon us! There are several “summer school” programs early stage startups should consider! Rapid Prototyping with JDM – a 6-week cohort to help you gain traction, and the Carlsen Center’s Lean Innovator – A 10-week cohort program supporting pre-seed startups in gaining traction with their customers. More details below in the application section.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 UC Davis Big Bang! awards! Learn more about the participating startups and who won prize money in our blog post.
There’s a lot going on in the next couple of weeks! I’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!
This Week’s Best Bets
The Employment Start-Up Kit for Startups
Wed, May 31, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Weintraub Tobin attorneys discuss common legal and human resource issues startups encounter as they begin to grow and how to handle them. Read more.
Learn from a Local: Karen Ross, Secretary of the CDFA
Thu, Jun 1, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join AgStart to hear from Karen Ross, the Secretary of the CA Department of Food & Agriculture, on the importance of innovation in agriculture. Read more.
Monthly Startup Pitch Workshop
Thu, June 1, 5:30 – 6:30 PM, Online
Five startups will present their pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Apply to present here. Or just come watch and learn! Organized by StartupSac, Startup Folsom and NCID. Learn more.
Cleantech Meetup: Microgrids
Thu, Jun 1, 6:30 – 9:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join CleanStart at the California Mobility Center to learn about microgrids, a technology set to revolutionize energy generation & distribution for a sustainable future. Hear about upcoming Grid Funding and what SMUD is thinking about the push for Micorgrids. And we’ll have Pizza! Read more.
Lead the Pack: Women in Tech Connect
Fri, Jun 2, 4 – 7 PM, In-person in Roseville
This exciting and inclusive event is designed to foster collaboration, inspiration, and career growth for women in the tech industry, or those looking to get their foot in the door. Join us for an evening of insightful conversation, meaningful networking opportunities, appetizers and drinks. Read more.
Plan Ahead
The Inclusivity Project Training Programs
Jun – Aug, Various Dates, Online
Unlock your entrepreneurial potential and join a community of successful Black and African American entrepreneurs through the Inclusivity Project. The upcoming business courses, designed for new and scaling business owners, provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Learn More
Carlsen Center: Blue Ocean Strategy Workshop
Tue, Jun 6, 12 – 1 PM, Online
Looking for a way to create a leap in value for your customers? Then join us as we take you through the Blue Ocean Strategy framework as well as tools that will help you visualize your value curve in a new way. Read more.
Beer & Geeks: Casual Networking for Entrepreneurs
Thu, Jun 15, 5:30 – 8:30 PM, In-person in Folsom
Startup Folsom is hosting this startup networking event at the Fat Rabbit. If you love startups or have a startup idea, then come mingle with like minded people. Make a connection and this could be the seeds for the next big thing. Read more.
Growth Factory’s GFX 2023
Thu, Oct 5, All Day, In-Person in Roseville
EARLY BIRD PRICING EXPIRES JUNE 30!
Growth Factory’s annual venture conference & startup showcase brings together the most talented and innovative minds from the Greater Sacramento, Northern CA region and beyond to connect, learn, and support great startups and to build a robust startup ecosystem together. Read more.
Application Deadlines
FourthWave Accelerator
Applications open for 2023 Cohort. Apply by June 6.
FourthWave is an Accelerator for Women-Led Technology Businesses. Learn more.
6-Week Traction Thinking Rapid Prototyping Cohort
Apply by June 11, Program starts in June.
Learn about rapid prototyping, a skill that can quite literally turn the odds in your favour. You’ll gather online with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs to learn how to build products and services that make customers say “wow!” — by actually doing it. Taught by JDM. Read more.
Carlsen Center’s Lean Innovator Summer Session
Applications Open, Happens Jul 15 – Sep 13
A 10-week-long cohort program supporting pre-seed startups in gaining traction with their customers. The program will be a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. Learn more. Apply here.
2023 Sacramento Inno Award
Nominations due June 23
The Sacramento Inno Awards are designed to showcase those who are making the biggest impact on our local ecosystem. The Sacramento Business Journal is looking at startups that have had a banner year, people and companies with new funding, recent product launches, innovative approaches to solving problems and creative leaders who think outside of the box. Self-nominations ok. Read more.
Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Ongoing
Transform your innovative technology into a startup! Online course sessions are held online for three days from 5-8 PM. This program is offered monthly. 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.
Startup Photo of the Week
College class scheduling platform SchedGo is the big winner at UC Davis’ Big Bang! startup competition. Photo credit: Jolly Ray.
