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
Startup Challenge Fall 2024
Early Bird Rates Expire Today, September 2!
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.
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional Competition
Apply by THIS FRIDAY, September 6
Compete on September 23 in the Sacramento region Startup World Cup competition organized by HumanBulb. Winners advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco, joining 70+ regional winners for a chance at a $1 million investment prize in October 2024! Learn more and Apply.
This Week
Sacramento AI Meet Up featuring Strived Co-Founder Shweta Gandhi
Tue, Sep 3, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in Folsom
Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. This month features Strived Co-Founder, Shweta Gandhi. Strived is an academic data platform aiming to augment teacher decision making through the use of AI. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with ValleyMatch and DominoFX Group
Wed, Sep 4, 9 – 10 AM, Online
A weekly Zoom meetup where entrepreneurs present their early-stage businesses to an audience of their peers for advice and feedback. Presenters: ValleyMatch connects singles for in-person first meetings with matchmaker support; DominoFX Group assists underserved female founders in accessing small business financing by matching them with funders. Read more.
CleanStart Perspectives with Kacy Marrs & Vanessa Fione
Thu, Sep 5, 9 -10 AM, Online
Join Kacy Marrs & Vanessa Fione for an insightful session on Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, exploring its impact on renewable energy, grid stabilization, and future opportunities for entrepreneurs and energy professionals.Read more.
Agstart’s Learn from a Local: Martin Ruebelt, CSO & VP of R&D, NatureSweet Brands
Thu, Sep 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join us to hear Martin Ruebelt, CSO & VP of R&D at NatureSweet, share his company’s journey building a national consumer vegetable brand. Read more.
Clean Tech 4 All Workshop & Mini Expo
Sat, Sep 7, 2 – 6 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Explore clean tech innovations, join hands-on workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and engage with local entrepreneurs. Discover the latest technologies, learn from industry experts, and enter to win prizes! Read more.
Next Week
Founder Institute: How to Develop a Winning Product Strategy for Your Startup
Mon, Sep 10, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Online
Master Rootquotient’s proven framework for developing effective product strategies. With real-world examples and a step-by-step playbook, learn from Moshe Mikanovsky and enhance your startup’s growth. Read more.
Accessing Federal Grant Funding for Climate and Ag Founders
Mon, Sep 10, 01:00 PM, Online
Join Aggie Climate Action for Equity (ACE) as successful entrepreneurs share their insights on securing non-dilutive federal grants for climate and Ag tech founders. Learn from experts about application timing, agency selection, and developing your research narrative. Read more.
Startup Folsom Beer & Geeks
Thu, Sep 12, 6 – 9 PM, In-person in Folsom
Startup Folsom hosts this startup networking event at The Fat Rabbit. Love startups or have a startup idea? Come mingle with like minded people. Make a connection and this could be the seeds for the next big thing! Read more.
Plan Ahead
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.
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.
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.
Plan Way Ahead
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
Applications Open for Calling All Dreamers
Application Date Extended – Apply by September 4
Submit your business idea to the Calling All Dreamers business incubator for a chance to win a $120,000 startup package, including $20,000 cash and business services. Join workshops and receive expert guidance to launch your downtown Sacramento storefront. Learn more/Apply.
Applications Open for CLTRE: EveryDay Creative Program
Apply by Sunday, September 8
This eight-month program offers mentorship, training, financial support, and storefront residency to empower BIPOC entrepreneurs in Sacramento’s creative economy. The program transforms creative projects into sustainable ventures, fostering a thriving community and helping participants achieve lasting success in their craft. Learn more/Apply.
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 September 13 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.
