Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to turn your business idea into reality? Do you want to connect with fellow founders and ecosystem supporters in the local startup community? If so, there are a plethora of opportunities available this week and next just for you! From workshops and networking events to pitch contests and virtual demos, the startup ecosystem is buzzing with activity. Here’s a curated list of events and programs that you wouldn’t want to miss:
Featured
- Applications Open for StartupSac FastTrac Bootcamp:
- Apply by Wed, Feb 5, Starts Feb 19
- This 12-week program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs in the City of Sacramento to gain the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to launch and grow their businesses. Learn more and apply now!
- Startup Happy Hour:
- Tue, Jan 29, 5-7 PM, In-person in Sacramento
- Join entrepreneurs, founders, and ecosystem supporters in a relaxed setting to network, share ideas, and build relationships in the local startup community.
- Applications Open for Kings Capitalize Pitch Contest:
- Apply by Fri, Feb 7
- The 10th Annual Sacramento Kings’ Capitalize: Technology contest offers local startups a chance to win $10,000, mentorship, and exposure. Open to startups within 70 miles of Golden 1 Center.
- SizeUp Sacramento Virtual Demo:
- Thu, Jan 30, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM, Online via Zoom
- Discover how SizeUp Sacramento, a free business analytics tool, can support your business at any stage. Sign up for the City of Sacramento’s info session to learn more.
This Week
- SBIR & STTR Workshop:
- Tue, Jan 28, 9 – 10:30 AM, Online
- Explore funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs in this hands-on workshop.
- Weekly Drop-in Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs:
- Tue, Jan 28, 11 AM – 1 PM, In-person in Roseville
- Get 1-on-1 guidance from Growth Factory Entrepreneurs-in-Residence on starting, accessing resources, and building momentum for your startup.
- 1 Million Cups Sacramento:
- Wed, Jan 29, 9 – 10 AM, Online
- Connect with the Sacramento startup community at this weekly event where entrepreneurs share their stories and receive feedback.
- UCD Big Bang! Workshop: Market, Business, and Technology Validation: Building Your Commitment:
- Wed, Jan 29, 12 – 1:30 PM, Online
- Gain insights on validating market, business, and technology ideas in this workshop to refine your approach.
- Startup Grind Sacramento: CFO Basics for Startups:
- Wed, Jan 29, 5 – 6 PM, Online
- Join CFO Bob Wang for a session on startup financial strategies and preparing your business to be investment-ready.
Plan Ahead
- Folsom AI Meetup Featuring HuLoop CEO Todd Michaud:
- Tue, Feb 4, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in Folsom
- Join Startup Grind Sacramento for an evening of conversations on AI with insights from HuLoop CEO Todd Michaud.
- UCD Big Bang! Workshop: The Pitch: Telling Your Story:
- Wed, Feb 5, 12:00 – 1:30 PM, Online
- Craft compelling narratives for pitching your ideas effectively to investors and stakeholders in this workshop.
- Perspectives on Climate Forecasting and Risk Assessment:
- Thu, Feb 6, 9 – 10 AM, Online
- Gain insights into climate forecasting advancements and risk assessment methodologies to mitigate climate-related challenges.
Plan Way Ahead
- Folsom Tech Week 2025:
- Mon-Fri, Feb 24-28, In-person in Folsom
- Join the inaugural event showcasing local innovations, including a 24-hour hackathon, expert panels, startup pitch contest, and job fair.
- Startup Challenge Spring 2025:
- Fri-Sun, Mar 21-23, In-person in Sacramento
- Explore, test, and launch your business ideas with mentorship and pitching opportunities at this 3-day event.
Applications
- Economic Gardening 2.0 Program:
- Apply by January 31
- Receive market research consulting and matching funds for growth if you meet the eligibility criteria. Learn more about this program.
- Alchemist Microenterprise Academy:
- Apply by February 9
- Enroll in a 12-week business training course designed to simplify starting a food business. Mandatory info sessions are required before applying.
- Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator:
- Apply by February 14
- Scale your startup with funding, mentorship, and resources through the Berkeley SkyDeck program. Learn more about the upcoming program.
- 2025 Circular Economy Innovation Competition:
- Apply by February 21
- Showcase your solutions for transforming waste into resources and compete for cash awards with mentorship support from WPWMA.
- NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course:
- Apply by February 28 for Next Session
- Validate your STEM-based startup idea and qualify for grants and credits through UC Berkeley’s NSF I-Corps course. Learn more about accelerating product-market fit.
Connect
Looking to connect with others in the startup community? Join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group where founders and supporters exchange ideas and collaborate.Resources
Explore the StartupSac Website for resources to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Discover capital, connections, training, and talent at the NorCal Entrepreneur Hub for building your business in NorCal.Conclusion
In conclusion, the startup ecosystem is brimming with opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and founders to network, learn, and grow their businesses. From workshops and pitch contests to AI meetups and innovation competitions, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these exciting events that can propel your startup journey to new heights!Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the deadline to apply for the Economic Gardening 2.0 Program?
- The deadline to apply for the Economic Gardening 2.0 Program is January 31.
- How can I enroll in the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy?
- To enroll in the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy, you must apply by February 9 and attend a mandatory information session.
- What is the funding amount offered by the Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator?
- The Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator offers $200,000 in funding to help startups scale.
- When is the deadline to apply for the NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course?
- The deadline to apply for the NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course is February 28 for the next session.
- Where can I learn more about the 2025 Circular Economy Innovation Competition?
- You can learn more about the 2025 Circular Economy Innovation Competition and apply by February 21 on the competition website.
- How can I join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group?
- You can join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group by visiting the group page and requesting to join.
- What resources are available on the StartupSac Website?
- The StartupSac Website offers resources to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, including capital, connections, training, and talent.
- Is the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy suitable for starting a food business?
- Yes, the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy is a 12-week business training course designed to simplify the complexities of starting a food business.
- Who is hosting the Perspectives on Climate Forecasting and Risk Assessment event?
- CleanStart is hosting the Perspectives on Climate Forecasting and Risk Assessment event.
- What is the focus of the Folsom AI Meetup featuring HuLoop CEO Todd Michaud?
- The Folsom AI Meetup will focus on combining human decision-making with AI automation, with insights shared by HuLoop CEO Todd Michaud.
Tags: Startup Events, Entrepreneurship, Sacramento, Innovation, Networking, Pitch Contests, Business Development, Funding, Mentorship, Climate Forecasting, Circular Economy, Startup Resources.
- The Folsom AI Meetup will focus on combining human decision-making with AI automation, with insights shared by HuLoop CEO Todd Michaud.
