There’s a lot going on this week and next for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below. For the full rundown of what’s happening this week and next, check out this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to get it in your inbox every Monday morning!
Featured
Traction Lab – Live Office Hours
Fri, Nov 14, 12 – 1 PM, Online on LinkedIn
Join JDM and Cam Law, co-founders of Traction Lab, for Live Startup Office Hours where founders bring real questions and get sharp, evidence-based feedback. This is Traction Science—no slides, no fluff, just honest insights on what’s driving or blocking your growth. Read more.
Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025: Together We Build
Mon, Nov 17 – Fri, Nov 21, across the Sacramento region
Get ready for five days of inspiration and collaboration as Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community comes together for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025. From thought-provoking discussions on innovation and impact to hands-on mentorship and a high-stakes pitch competition, this week offers something for everyone—founders, investors, innovators, and changemakers alike. Mark your calendars, rally your teams, and join the movement to grow our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Registration is open now for events throughout the week. Read more.
Sacramento Entrepreneurial State of the Union
Mon, Nov 17, 5:30 – 8 PM, at the Carlsen Center at Sac State
Kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week with the region’s leading founders, funders, and ecosystem builders at this flagship event hosted by the Sacramento Entrepreneurial Growth Alliance. Hear from Victor Hwang, Monique Brown, and regional AI leaders as they explore how Sacramento can expand innovation, capital access, and collaboration across sectors. Read more.
Mentor Sprint: Fast-Paced Mentoring for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
Wed, Nov 19, 11 AM – 12:30 PM, at the Carlsen Center at Sac State
Meet multiple mentors in quick, focused sessions during this high-energy speed-mentoring event from StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Get expert advice, fresh perspectives, and new connections to help your business grow—all in just 90 minutes. Advance sign up required. Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week Sacramento. Read more.
Applications Open: Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy 2026
SEA’s 2026 cohort runs from Jan–May in Sacramento, offering mentorship, business planning, and access to a powerful alumni network. Early-bird and student discounts available. Learn more.
This Week
Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Nov 11, 12 – 3 PM, In-person at Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Got a startup idea or small business? Meet one-on-one with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-residence for tailored guidance and resources to help you move forward. Completion of an intake form is required before attending. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with StarSea Quests and Helping Hand
Wed, Nov 12, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join Sacramento’s weekly virtual meetup for founders to present and get feedback from their peers. This week features StarSea Quests, creating imaginative tools that blend storytelling and emotional wellness for children, and Helping Hand, developing an AI-powered robotic arm to teach ASL through interactive demonstrations. Doors open at 8:45 AM for networking. Read more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Wed, Nov 12, 5:30 – 6:45 PM, Online
Watch venture-ready startups refine their investor pitches and get real-time feedback from experienced pitch coaches at this monthly virtual workshop hosted by StartupSac, Startup Folsom, and Startup Grind Sacramento. Observers are welcome—learn what makes a winning pitch and gain insights to improve your own. Read more.
Startup Grind: AI Meets Consciousness: A Fireside Chat with Sadie St. Lawrence
Wed, Nov 12, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, In-person at The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Join futurist and thought leader Sadie St. Lawrence for a fireside chat exploring the intersection of AI, robotics, and consciousness. Hosted by Brandon Weber, this conversation delves into Sadie’s journey from data scientist to global voice in human-AI collaboration. Connect with founders, entrepreneurs, and creatives for an evening of inspiration and networking. Read more.
CleanStart Perspectives | Capital for Climate Innovation
Thu, Nov 13, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Discover how climate innovators are funding the leap from prototype to real-world impact. Hear from River City Bank’s Rosa Hilmarsdottir Cucicea and BAAQMD’s Climate Tech Finance team on financial pathways, loan guarantees, and funding strategies that help clean tech companies scale breakthrough solutions. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Leader: Building Defensible, Investable Innovation through IP
Thu, Nov 13, 3 – 4:30 PM, Online
Join Dr. Chris Holly and Dr. Dan Knauss of Cooley LLP for an expert session on building intellectual property that attracts investors, deters competitors, and creates enterprise value. Learn how to identify protectable assets, strengthen your IP portfolio, and position your innovation for due diligence. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Startup Happy Hour with ValleyMatch Founder Rebecca Nguyen
Tue, Nov 18, 5 – 7 PM, In-person at Sky Port Restaurant & Bar in Elk Grove
Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week with StartupSac and the Carlsen Center at this special Startup Happy Hour. Connect with founders, share ideas, and hear from Rebecca Nguyen, founder of ValleyMatch, about her journey from startup to acquisition. Enjoy lively conversations, appetizers, and community connection. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento: Global Entrepreneurship Week Edition
Wed, Nov 19, 8:30 – 10 AM, at the Carlsen Center at Sac State (Hybrid available)
Join Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community for a special Global Entrepreneurship Week edition of 1 Million Cups. Hear from Flow Estate Pro, a fast, nationwide property comp tool for real estate pros, and GuLP, developers of the first AAC device designed for Gestalt Language Processors. Come early for coffee and networking. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon – Final Pitch Event
Wed, Nov 19, 5 – 8:30 PM, In-person at Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Watch top tech-driven startups from the Greater Sacramento region compete for over $100K in funding at the second annual AngelCon, co-hosted by the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Enjoy dinner and networking, hear live pitches, and vote for the $10K Audience Award winner. Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Read more.
MIX: Innovation as an Engine for Economic Growth
Thu, Nov 20, 5 – 7 PM, at Connect Labs at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Join Sacramento’s innovation community for a special edition of MIX celebrating how new ideas drive inclusive economic growth. This event marks the launch of the next round of the City of Sacramento’s Innovation Grant Program and features lightning talks with past awardees, networking, and a happy hour with local food and drinks. Read more.
The Academy Startup Workshop: From Idea to Action
Thu, Nov 20, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, at Weintraub Tobin Offices in Sacramento
Got a business idea but not sure where to start? Join the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy for a hands-on workshop to turn inspiration into action. Learn to clarify your idea, define your value, and discover local resources to help you launch. Leave with your first three concrete next steps—not overwhelm. Read more.
Applications
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
The Startup Legal Garage is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis—apply early. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Fast-track your startup’s growth! This accelerator, powered by The Right Box and the Carlsen Center, helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders in tech-enabled sectors reach product-market fit and get funding-ready—twice as fast. 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.
