There’s a lot going on this week! 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!
Two Startup Pitch contests, Spark and Startup World Cup, are accepting applications this week — don’t get left out because you didn’t apply!
Featured
Apply to the Spark Venture Competition
Apply by Oct 27, Contest on Nov 15
Application are open for the Spark Venture Competition! This competion is open to for-profit and social ventures in the Greater Sacramento region. Hosted by the Calsen Center at Sac State, there is a $20,000 prize pool. Learn more.
Apply to Startup World Cup Sacramento Regionals
Apply by Oct 30, Contest on Nov 9
Applications are open for the Sacramento Startup World Cup Regionals. The Sacramento winner will secure a spot in the Startup World Cup Finale on December 1, 2023 in San Francisco with an opportunity to win $1 Million in investment. Learn more.
This Week
Qualifying for SBIR and STTR Grants
Wed, Oct 25, 9 to 10:30 AM, Online
Learn how to access grant funding through the Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer programs which encourage small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization. Read more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Wed, Oct 25, 6 – 7:30 PM, Online
Observe as three startups present their 5-minute startup pitch and receive valuable feedback from our experienced pitch coaches. Organized by Startup Folsom and StartupSac. RSVP here. Interested in presenting? Apply to present at a future session here.
Grand Opening Celebration ReadyStart CleanRooms & IncuStart Wet Labs
Thu, Oct 26, 10 AM – 1 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Join Thermogenesis for the exciting Grand Opening Celebration of ReadyStart CleanRooms & IncuStart Wet Labs! Get ready to experience a one-of-a-kind event where we showcase our state-of-the-art cleanrooms and fantastic new wet labs. Read more.
Big Bang! Workshop: Starting Something That Matters
Thu, Oct 26, 5 – 7 PM, Online
Join Joe DiNunzio, of the UCD Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, for an intro to the most important skill any entrepreneur needs: the ability to build a network around their ideas. Additionally, an attorney will address the concept and concerns surrounding intellectual property (IP), often a new venture’s first tangible asset. Read more
Plan Ahead
Startup Happy Hour featuring an AMA with Acorn Finance CEO
Mon, Oct 30, 5 – 7 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Let’s get the startup vibes flowing at this month’s Startup Happy Hour: network, mingle, and learn during an AMA with Acorn Finance CEO, Giri Addanki. Join StartupSac and the Carlsen Center at Tipsy Putt in Downtown Sacramento. No host bar, appetizers provided! Read more.
Craft Your Entrepreneurial Blueprint with the Lean Canvas
Thu, Nov 2, 6:15 – 7:45 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Join us for a transformative workshop where we’ll guide you through the art of “business blueprinting” using the Lean Canvas. Taught by Calrson Center executive director, Cameron Law. Read more.
Application Deadlines
Sacramento Entreprenership Academy
Apply by Nov 17, Cohort starts Jan 2024
SEA is a real-world business program designed to fast track participants on the road to entrepreneurship. Sessions are in-person on Saturday mornings in Sacramento. Program runs January to May. Apply here.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open, Happens Last Wed of the Month Online
Three startups present their pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Organized by StartupSac and Startup Folsom. Next open slots are Nov 29. Apply here.
CleanStart CEO Crash Course
Apply by Dec 24, Starts Jan 16, In-person & Virtual
Want to learn how to operate your business as a real CEO? The CEO Crash Course is designed for early-stage clean tech companies with existing business plans and provides intensive training with peer and expert feedback. Learn more.
Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Ongoing, Apply by Oct 20 for November session, Online
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. Learn 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.
