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
Empowering Women: Show Her the Money
Sat, Sep 14, 10 AM – 2 PM, In-person in Sacramento
This event highlights the challenges women entrepreneurs face, receiving only 2% of venture capital funding. Featuring a documentary screening, speaker panel, and Women’s Small Business Showcase, it’s a powerful call to action for funding equity. At the Sophia Theater. 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.
Homegrown Accelerator: Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs
Apply by TODAY, Monday, September 9
The Homegrown Accelerator is a free eight-week program supporting minority entrepreneurs, especially Black business owners, with mentorship, resources, and networking. Participants will receive expert guidance, business development tools, and a stipend to help cover startup costs. The program starts on September 19. Learn More
This 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, 1 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.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with On to the Next Door
Wed, Sep 11, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join 1 MC Sac for a weekly virtual event where entrepreneurs present their startups to the community for feedback and connections. This week, On to the Next Door, a housing resource consulting agency, will share their story. 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.
Next Week
Startup Policy Seminar: Startups’ Impact on 2025 Tax Policy Changes
Mon, Sept 16, 10 – 11 AM, Online
Explore how upcoming tax policy changes will impact startups, with topics including QSBS treatment and R&D expensing. Join experts in a virtual conversation hosted by Engine featuring startup founders and policy experts. Read more.
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.
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.
Plan Ahead
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.
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.
Plan Way 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 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.
