There’s a lot going on this week and next for entrepreneurs and startup founders. 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!

Featured

Pitch Elk Grove
Thu, Sep 19, 4:30 – 8:15 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Cheer on local entrepreneurs as they compete for a share of $20,000 at Pitch Elk Grove! Eight innovative startups will pitch live! Free to attend. Appetizers, wine and beer included. Read more.

Startup Challenge Fall 2024
Fri, Sep 27 – Sun, Sep 29, In-person in Sacramento
Learn how to launch a startup by doing it! Find co-founders, join a team, prove you’re onto something real, and compete for awesome prizes. This weekend-long event is at the Carlsen Center at Sac State. Read more.

This Week

Catching Up with SEA: Fall Social
Tue, Sep 17, 6 – 7:30 PM, In-person in West Sacramento
Join Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy for an evening of networking and camaraderie at Drakes. Alumni and anyone interested in learning more about SEA are welcome to attend this relaxed mixer featuring drinks, appetizers, and great conversations. Read more.

1 Million Cups Sac with AIVision Food
Wed, Sep 18, 8:45 – 10 AM, Online
Join fellow founders and startup enthusiasts on Zoom for networking and to hear from AIVision Food Inc as they present their AI-based insect detection technology for feedback. Freeform socializing begins at 8:45 AM; presentations start at 9:00 AM. Read more.

CHOOSE FOLSOM: NCID Pitch Night
Thu, Sep 19, 5 – 6:30 PM, In-person in Folsom
Join the Northern California Innovation District’s monthly pitch night to hear from local startups with early and mid-stage investment opportunities. A great chance to connect with innovators and explore investment prospects. Read more.

Lean Startup Bootcamp (Two-Day Session)
Fri, Sep 20, 5 – 8 PM, Sat, Sep 21, 10 AM – 2 PM, In-Person in Sacramento
This two-day bootcamp, offered by the Carlsen Center, provides participants with essential tools, startup mindsets, and the opportunity to pitch ideas to potential investors, all while connecting with a community of passionate entrepreneurs. Read more.

Next Week

Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional Competition
Mon, Sep 23, 6 – 8 PM, In-Person in Sacramento
Join this regional competition where 10 startups will pitch live to investors for the chance to become the regional winner and advance to the Global Grand Finale. The event features networking, dynamic pitches, and a live audience vote to support local innovators. Read more.

Startup Happy Hour With Sonny Mayugba
Tue, Sep 24, 5 – 7 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join fellow startup enthusiasts for an evening of networking at Alaro Craft Brewery. Connect with peers and participate in an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Sonny Mayugba, a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of several startups. Sonny is known for his expertise in marketing, business development, and building innovative companies. Read more.

1 Million Cups Sacramento Birthday Bash!
Wed, Sep 25, 8:30 – 10:15 AM, In-Person in Sacramento
1MC Sac is celebrating 8 incredible years of building a vibrant, supportive community of entrepreneurs. Join us for inspiring presentations, meaningful networking, a heartfelt reflection on our shared journey, and, of course, cake! Read more.

MedStart Event: Digital Marketing Basics for Startups
Thu, Sep 26, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Learn digital marketing basics for startups, including SEO, content, and social media, in this workshop led by Rich Foreman. Networking from 6 PM, presentation at 6:30 PM. Food and beverages provided. Read more.

Cleantech Meetup: Circular Economy
Thu, Sep 26, 6 – 9 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join CleanStart for a Cleantech Meetup focused on the Circular Economy at Upcycle Pop. Explore sustainable practices and innovative recycling with entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry experts. Networking and presentations included. Read more.

Plan Ahead

NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024
Sat & Sun, Oct 5 & 6, 9 AM – 5 PM, In-Person in Folsom
Join innovators and problem-solvers for NASA’s global hackathon, tackling real-world and space challenges with NASA data. Open to all skill levels, this free event offers collaboration and the chance to showcase solutions to local experts. Advance registration required. Held at Granite City Coworking. Read more.

GFX24 Venture Summit & Startup Showcase
October 10, All Day, In-person in Roseville
Experience GFX24! Connect with decision-makers, investors, and partners to secure investments, form partnerships, and access talent. Join the Growth Factory to explore innovative solutions and shape the future. Use code SEGAECOSYSTEM for a 25% discount on passes. Read more.

GrowTECH FEST 2024
Wed, Nov 6, 9 AM – 7 PM, In-person in Chico
GTF2024, organized by ChicoSTART and GrowTECH, gathers startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and students from Northern California. The event includes a full day of inspiration, motivation, and innovative insights to boost the region’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Read more.

Application Deadlines

HumanBulb Startup Accelerator
Apply by Monday, September 16
Join a 10-week accelerator program designed for sustainability innovators, offering tailored tracks, expert insights, and targeted support in areas like mobility, clean economy, agtech, and AI. Separate tracks for new ideas vs existing companies. Read more.

Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open, Happens 4th Wed of the Month Online
Three startups present their investment pitch for advice and feedback from a panel of experts. Organized by StartupSac and Startup Folsom. Next open slots October 23. Apply here.

Intro To Lean Startup: NSF I-Corps Method
Apply by October 11 for Next Session
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.