I just learned that TechCrunch Disrupt 2021, which happens Sep 21-23, will once again be held virtually. So 2021 is looking a lot like 2020 where industry conferences are concerned. This could be the new normal even when it’s “safe” to meet in person again. If you want to commit to attending, you can save money by registering now. They bill the conference as “the startup world’s annual rite of passage” and having attended in person a few times, I’d say that’s about right. Super Early Bird can get you in for under $100. Check it out here.

The Mark Haney Show recently interviewed two local CEOs, Chris Peacock of Aquaoso who just completed a $2M seed round, and Trifecta’s Greg Connolly who is in the process of raising a Series B, to learn how they have thought through and executed on their funding roadmap. I first met both of these founders early in their startup journeys and it’s exciting to see where they are now! If you are thinking about fundraising, I recommend watching it on YouTube or listening to the Podcast.

The 2021 FedEx® Small Business Grant Contest is on! FedEx is offering over $250,000 in cash and prizes to entrepreneurs across the country. Applications are due by March 9 so if you’re interested, get busy! To qualify, shipping needs to be key to your business model. Learn more/apply here.

Best Bets

1 Million Cups Sacramento, Wed Mar 3 at 8:45 AM: Join this weekly coffee-fueled event where 2 founders present their startups to their peers for advice and feedback. Presenters: OBG and OpenGrants.io.

Big Bang! Workshop: Pitching Like a Pro, Thu Mar 4 at 6 PM: Come learn how to pitch your idea in a more compelling way. Whether you are starting a business, building a nonprofit or presenting a new idea to your boss, this workshop will provide you with a set of tools to effectively pitch like a pro.

Social Innovation Workshop 4-part Series, Fridays Mar 5-26: This Series provides civic and social innovators with proven and repeatable tools and methods for generating tangible ideas to social challenges. It will empower civic and social innovators to bring new ideas to the floor and build a culture of innovation.

There’s a lot more going on the next couple of weeks – check out all the details in this week’s Startup Digest. And for more startup resources, browse the StartupSac website.

Looking to connect with other founders? Find your peers when you 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.