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
Startup Office Hours: Traction Lab with JDM + Cam
Fri, Nov 7, 12 – 1 PM, Virtual
Bring your toughest startup questions to this live, no-fluff session with Traction Lab co-founders Josh David Miller (JDM) and Cameron Law. Get sharp, evidence-based feedback on what’s really driving—or blocking—your growth. Real founders, real traction science, zero theater. 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.
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 4, 12 – 3 PM, In-person at Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Have a startup idea or small business? Meet with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for tailored guidance and resources to help you move forward. Intake form required before attending. Read more.
SparkFest
Tue, Nov 4, 5 – 7 PM, In-person at UC Davis in Davis
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to innovation and impact! Formerly known as “The Kick Off,” this community celebration launches this year’s Big Bang! and Little Bang! competitions. Join students, mentors, judges, and aspiring participants for an evening of creativity, connection, and celebration. Meet past competitors, enjoy snacks and prizes, and celebrate the winners of the Ideas Competition.Read more.
Folsom AI Meetup with Brian Bell, Managing Partner at Team Ignite Ventures
Tue, Nov 4, 6 – 8 PM, In-person at Granite City Coworking in Folsom
Join Startup Grind Sacramento, Startup Folsom, and Granite City Coworking for an evening of pizza, networking, and AI insights. Brian Bell of Team Ignite Ventures will share a VC’s perspective on funding AI startups—what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Hexwave Games
Wed, Nov 5, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join Sacramento’s weekly gathering of entrepreneurs for startup presentations and community feedback. This week, Hexwave Games shares how it’s transforming indie game development by building an ecosystem where underrepresented studio founders can collaborate and thrive. Doors open at 8:45 AM for networking. Read more.
Financing the Creative Economy: A Fireside Chat
Wed, Nov 5, 4 – 5 PM, Online
Join FourthWave for a founder-focused discussion on how creative entrepreneurs can translate audience love into investable, scalable ventures. Alice Loy, General Partner at Relevance Ventures and Co-Founder of Creative Startups, shares frameworks for funding creative businesses through equity, revenue, grants, and partnerships. Moderated by Mariah Lichtenstern. Read more.
Cutting Edge: AI Workshops at Granite City Workspaces
Thu, Nov 6, 2 – 6 PM, In-person at Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Kick off the afternoon with two engaging AI sessions—AI Without the Eye Roll with Sedale Turbovsky at 2:45 PM and AI for Growth with Justin Fortier at 3:45 PM designed to help business owners use AI to save time, simplify workflows, and boost results. Then stay to celebrate the grand re-launch of The Commons event space with local partners, ribbon cuttings, and a festive happy hour. Read more.
AgStart Learn from a Local: Teryn Wolfe, CEO of Nexture Bio
Thu, Nov 6, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, AgStart Event Center, Woodland
Teryn Wolfe, CEO of Nexture Bio, will share her entrepreneurial journey creating new materials for the emerging cell-cultured industry. Connect with peers and hear how local founders are shaping innovation. Read more.
Plan Ahead
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.
GrowTECH Fest 2025
Thu–Fri, Nov 6–7, Sierra Nevada Big Room & Downtown Chico
Celebrate and elevate Northern California’s entrepreneurial spirit at GrowTECH Fest 2025! This two-day event brings together founders, investors, students, and ecosystem leaders for keynotes, startup pitches, workshops, and networking. Highlights include keynote speaker Michael Parrish Dudell, author of Shark Tank business books, an after party, and the Bootstrap Beer Crawl. Students attend free with valid school email. Read more.
Applications
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 October 15. Next opening to pitch is November 12, 5:30-6:30 PM, Online. Read more.
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.
