Sacramento Startup Digest November 2
Techstars Startup Digest Sacramento
A round up of the best events for founders and entrepreneurs in the Greater Sacramento region!
If you have questions about any of the events listed below, please contact the event organizer directly.
Featured
CLTRE Coffee & Conversation
Wed, Nov 4, 9 – 11 AM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Entrepreneurs, creatives, investors, and community builders can expand their networks, exchange ideas, and discover opportunities for collaboration across Sacramento. The informal gathering also features Old Soul Coffee and a live pop-up podcast in a welcoming, conversation-focused setting. Read more.
Startup Challenge
Fri–Sun, Nov 13–15, Carlsen Center at Sacramento State
Turn an idea into a business in one action-packed weekend of learning by doing. Work with a team to develop, test and pitch a new business idea with guidance and support from Sacramento's startup community. No idea or prior business experience required. Read more.
Applications Open: Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy 2027
Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders can gain hands-on business education, mentorship and connections to Sacramento's entrepreneurial community through the Academy's 2027 cohort. The program runs January–May, with Saturday morning sessions covering customer research, marketing, finance, business planning and pitching. Learn more.
This Week
EIR Office Hours with Dr. Brian Gladden
Mon, Nov 2, 4 – 5 PM, Online
Founders unsure whether their strategy reflects real customer demand can learn how to challenge assumptions and design simple experiments before committing more resources. Bring a specific obstacle for guidance on business-model refinement, overlooked market opportunities, or translating a broad vision into focused goals and measurable action. Read more.
Grow Your Business: Introduction to Federal Contracts
Tue, Nov 3, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Small-business owners interested in government contracting can learn the fundamentals of finding and pursuing federal opportunities. This introductory session will explain how federal contracts can support business growth, offer practical tips for getting started, and provide time for participant questions. Read more.
Digital Marketing Series: Laying the Digital Marketing Foundation & Crafting Your Buyer Persona
Tue, Nov 3, 10:30 AM – 12 PM, Online
Learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and how to build a buyer persona that guides where you spend your marketing effort. Instructor Ramin Ramhormozi opens this three-part NorCal SBDC webinar series for emerging entrepreneurs; later sessions cover SEO, paid search and social ads, and email and social media marketing. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with TurboNIW
Wed, Nov 4, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Hear from TurboNIW, a startup developing an AI-powered platform to help individuals navigate employment-based U.S. immigration applications, including self-petitioned green cards, without relying on a law firm. The founder will give a six-minute presentation followed by questions, feedback and advice from the community. Read more.
How to Do Business with Sacramento County
Wed, Nov 4, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn how Sacramento County buys goods and services, how to register as a vendor, and where to find contracting opportunities. Useful for founders and small business owners who want a practical introduction to government procurement and a chance to connect with procurement professionals. Read more.
EIR Office Hours with Mariah Lichtenstern
Wed, Nov 4, 12:30 –1:30 PM, Online
Founders deciding how and when to fund their growth can gain an investor’s perspective on fundraising readiness, early traction, and available capital options. Bring questions about your pitch, go-to-market strategy, or whether venture funding, grants, or revenue-based growth makes the most sense for your business. Read more.
From Zero to AI: Funding Research & Application Writing
Wed, Nov 4, 5:30 – 7 PM, Made Studio & Makerspace in Sacramento or Online
Learn how to use AI to research funding opportunities and prepare stronger grant and loan applications. This free, hands-on workshop from the Alliance for Community Development covers analyzing funding requests, drafting application responses and creating a reusable toolkit to streamline future funding applications. No technical experience required. Read more.
Learn from a Leader: Matt Ferry, Frido Silva and Meghan Poon
Wed, Nov 4, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, AgStart in Woodland
Learn how to structure commercial partnerships that won’t limit your financing, future partnerships or exit options. Three Morrison Foerster partners cover evaluating agreements, IP, manufacturing, distribution, exclusivity and negotiating with stronger corporate partners, followed by 1:1 office hours for Food+Ag founders. Read more.
AI for Business Workshop: Building an AI Product That Benefits Your Business
Wed, Nov 4, 6 – 8 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Learn how to judge whether an AI idea is worth pursuing, what to design before writing code, and why many AI projects fail after the demo. Glissando AI founder Amin Rabinia shares systems he has built for businesses and founders, and what to prepare before hiring a developer. Part of the free monthly AI for Business series supported by the City of Roseville. Read more.
SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program for Small Businesses
Thu, Nov 5, 9 –10 AM, Online
Small contractors can learn how SBA-backed guarantees may help them secure the bid, performance, and payment bonds required to pursue larger public- and private-sector projects. The webinar will explain eligibility, the application process, and practical steps for strengthening long-term bonding capacity. Read more.
MedStart CEO Roundtable: Featuring Dr. Brandon Zipp
Thu, Nov 5, 6 – 8 PM, The MarkeTech Group in Davis
Pressure-test your medical or life science startup with peers facing the same clinical, regulatory, hiring and fundraising hurdles. Founder Dr. Brandon Zipp opens a facilitated discussion for CEOs and founders, limited to 12–16 seats, with a chance to build relevant local connections. Read more.
AMA with Cam and JDM
Fri, Nov 6, 12 –1 PM, Online
Founders testing whether customers truly value their idea can receive candid feedback on early traction, customer acquisition, and the assumptions shaping their business. Join the live discussion or submit a question in advance to identify weak spots, sharpen priorities, and avoid spending time on strategies that are not producing results. Read more.
Next Week
EIR Office Hours with Dr. Brian Gladden
Mon, Nov 9, 4 – 5 PM, Online
Founders competing in crowded markets can learn how to identify unmet demand and build a more distinctive business strategy. Bring an idea or current roadblock for practical guidance on refining your model, testing customer interest with low-cost experiments, and turning strategic priorities into clear next steps. Read more.
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Nov 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with startup founders, entrepreneurs and tech professionals from across the Sacramento region. This informal networking event brings together people building new businesses and technologies to exchange ideas, meet potential co-founders and collaborators, and strengthen relationships within the local startup community. Read more.
Develop New Revenue Streams
Mon, Nov 9, 6 – 7 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Explore new ways to grow your business and determine which revenue opportunities are the best fit. This Sierra SBDC workshop provides a framework for evaluating options including new customer segments, wholesale, e-commerce, recurring revenue, partnerships and government contracting. Read more.
Legal Grounds: Practical Legal Conversations for Founders
Tue, Nov 10, 8 – 9:30 AM, Moneta Ventures in Folsom
Get practical answers to the legal questions that come up while starting and growing a company. This monthly gathering from StartupSac and Witan Law begins with a brief discussion of a timely legal topic, followed by an informal, founder-driven conversation with an experienced startup attorney. Bring your questions and learn from other entrepreneurs. Read more.
Grow Your Business: Introduction to Federal Contracts
Tue, Nov 10, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Small-business owners looking to diversify their revenue can learn how federal contracting opportunities work and what it takes to begin pursuing them. The session will cover essential concepts, practical starting tips, and common questions about entering the government marketplace. Read more.
How to Do Business with Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT)
Tue, Nov 10, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn what SacRT buys, how its procurement process works, and how to register and search for solicitations in PlanetBids. Founders seeking public-sector sales opportunities can also get an overview of small and local business programs, DBE certifications, and where to get help. Read more.
Market Research for Government Contracting
Tue, Nov 10, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Learn how to use state, local, and federal sources to research government buyers, find open bids, and identify competitors before pursuing solicitations. For founders considering public-sector sales, this session offers practical guidance on where to look and how to assess fit. Read more.
Marketing Mornings at the BBB
Tue, Nov 10, 9 – 11 AM, Better Business Bureau in Sacramento or Online
Get practical advice for improving your small business marketing while connecting with other local entrepreneurs and business owners. This monthly gathering covers topics including branding, SEO, answer engine optimization, social media and other ways to strengthen your marketing. Read more.
Startup Funding & Legal Basics
Tue, Nov 10, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Bloom Workspaces in Sacramento
Learn how to build a financially sustainable business and establish the right legal foundation for your startup. This free Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy workshop, led by Kit Ryan of Pillsbury and Brian Hoblit of CTW, covers revenue models, pricing, break-even calculations, business entity types, licensing and local compliance requirements. Participants will gain practical guidance on the financial and legal steps needed to launch their businesses. Read more.
Biotech Mixer
Tue, Nov 10, 6–8 PM, Connect Labs by Wexford in Sacramento
Biotech founders and professionals can connect with scientists, engineers, investors, students, and other members of Sacramento’s growing life-sciences community. Attendees can exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and learn about new research and ventures in the region. Read more.
AI for Marketing Panel Discussion
Tue, Nov 10, 6–8 PM, Frequency Coworking & Events, Rancho Cordova, CA
A panel on how local businesses are using AI for content creation, customer targeting, marketing automation, and saving time. Founders can pick up practical workflows, hear what is and isn’t working, and connect with local business owners and marketers. Read more.
Cleantech Meetup: What's Next for Sacramento's Mobility and EV Innovation?
Wed, Nov 11, 5–8 PM, California Automobile Museum in Sacramento
A meetup focused on electric vehicles, fleet electrification, and e-mobility startups, with regional mobility founders and California EV ecosystem leaders discussing charging solutions and incentives. Founders in clean mobility can use it to learn market needs and meet people working in Sacramento’s mobility community. Read more.
Honor Veterans: SBA Resources & Insights with the Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe
Thu, Nov 12, 9–10:30 AM, Online
Veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs can learn how to access SBA certifications, loan programs, technical assistance, and specialized counseling to start or grow a business. Attendees can also connect with Sacramento-area peer networks and discover mentorship and community resources for veteran-owned businesses. Read more.
Get Your Business & Life Back On Track Before the Holidays Hit
Thu, Nov 12, 11 AM–12:30 PM, Online
A practical masterclass for entrepreneurs who feel stuck, procrastinate, or struggle to sustain momentum. It focuses on clearing internal blockers and using mindset tools that can help founders stay focused and move toward results. Read more.
SacTech Morning Social at The Urban Hive
Fri, Nov 13, 9 – 10 AM, The Urban Hive in Sacramento
Connect with Sacramento-area programmers, designers and creative professionals at this casual morning networking event hosted by The Urban Hive and SacTech Social. Exchange ideas, discuss projects and technologies, and meet potential collaborators from the local tech community. Attendees are also welcome to work from The Urban Hive for the rest of the day. Read more.
Global Entrepreneurship Week, Nov 16 – 20
Capital Innovation Summit
Mon, Nov 16, 9 AM – 4 PM, Carlsen Center at Sac State
Founders and early-stage teams can build a practical AI-powered “second brain,” watch local ventures pitch, and connect with investors and innovation leaders. Afternoon discussions will explore opportunities in AI and robotics, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and the funding landscape shaping the Capital Region’s next companies. Read more.
Sacramento Entrepreneurial State of the Union & Silent Pitch
Mon, Nov 16, 4:30–7:30 PM, Carlsen Center at Sac State
Founders, investors, and startup supporters can meet 10 promising regional ventures, hear their pitches, question the teams, and vote for their favorites. The evening will also explore Sacramento’s startup outlook, early-stage capital, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and stronger connections among founders, funders, and institutions. Read more.
Women’s Health Innovation Forum
Tue, Nov 17, 8:30 AM – Wed, Nov 18, 4 PM, Aggie Square in Sacramento
Women’s health founders, researchers, investors, and industry leaders can connect with potential partners and explore how promising research can move into commercial and clinical use. The two-day forum will also examine funding strategies, care gaps, and priorities shaping the next decade of women’s health innovation. Registration requires approval. Read more.
Startup Happy Hour with Trophy Beauty Spa CEO Destiny Oliphant
Tue, Nov 17, 5 – 7 PM, Flatland Brewing Company in Elk Grove
Connect with fellow founders and entrepreneurs at StartupSac's final Startup Happy Hour of 2026, held during Global Entrepreneurship Week. This month's Ask Me Anything (AMA) guest is Destiny Oliphant, CEO of Trophy Beauty Spa and creator of Insta Brow, a patent-pending beauty product that recently won two awards at Pitch Elk Grove 2026. Hear about her entrepreneurial journey, product development and lessons learned while building multiple businesses. This event is sponsored by the City of Elk Grove. Read more.
Testing Your Business Ideas with David Bland
Tue, Nov 17, 5 – 7 PM, Roseville Venture Lab in Roseville
Learn how to test your business idea before investing significant time and money in building it. David Bland, co-author of Testing Business Ideas and founder of Precoil, will lead this hands-on Global Entrepreneurship Week workshop on identifying critical assumptions, evaluating customer demand and business viability, and designing practical experiments to reduce risk. Participants will apply the techniques to their own business ideas. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Monava and CognitiveProsthetics.AI
Wed, Nov 18, 8:30 – 10 AM, Carlsen Center at Sacramento State or Online
Celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week with two early-stage startups: Monava, which is developing ready-to-drink coffee beverages for the healthcare community, and CognitiveProsthetics.AI, which is creating a wearable device to help people with ADHD manage focus, memory and daily tasks. Each will give a six-minute presentation followed by questions, feedback and advice from the community. Arrive at 8:30 AM for networking before the 9 AM presentations, or join via Zoom. Read more.
Mentor Sprint
Wed, Nov 18, 10:45 AM–12:30 PM, Carlsen Center at Sac State
Early-stage entrepreneurs and small-business owners can receive focused feedback on their current challenges through a series of 15-minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions. Participants can gather actionable advice, hear perspectives from mentors across different industries, and build connections within Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community. Read more.
NorCal AngelCon 2026
Wed, Nov 18, 5:30–8:30 PM, Connect Labs by Wexford at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Founders, investors, and startup supporters can connect with promising regional companies and watch four finalists pitch for more than $100,000 in equity-backed and non-dilutive funding. Attendees can also hear student lightning pitches, meet startups and investors, and help select the winner of a $10,000 Audience Award. Read more.
SMUD Spark Sacramento: Innovation Showcase
Fri, Nov 20, 8:30 AM – 12 PM, SMUD Customer Service Center in Sacramento
Discover six emerging startups developing clean energy technologies and solutions for a smarter, more sustainable power grid. This Global Entrepreneurship Week showcase features startup presentations and feedback from a panel of SMUD experts, exploring innovations in grid modernization, transportation electrification, energy management and power generation. Connect with founders, industry experts and potential partners working to advance clean energy solutions in the Sacramento region. Read more.
Applications
Build Up Sacramento 2027 Applications Open
Rolling Admission Open Now through Nov 30
Sacramento businesses are invited to apply for this no-cost accelerator designed to help companies scale sustainably. Over four months, participants receive expert advising, peer learning, office hours, and practical strategies for strengthening operations, expanding customers, and preparing for long-term growth. Only 20 businesses will be selected, and qualified applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. Online Info Sessions on Nov 2 and Nov 4 at 5 PM. Read more.
Winter 2027 NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Program
Apply by Thu, Jan 14 | Online program, Jan 28 – Feb 23, 2027
Learn how to evaluate the commercial potential of a STEM-based innovation through customer discovery. This free UC Davis Venture Catalyst program helps early-stage technology teams identify target customers, test value propositions and explore scalable business models through workshops and customer interviews. Teams of 2–4 people are eligible, including those without university affiliations. No prior business experience required. Read more.
Traction Lab: Investment Readiness Engine
Applications Open
Apply for this 9-month go-to-market acceleration program supporting Sacramento-area founders with B2B sales development, enterprise pilot strategy, investor readiness, and traction-building support. Led by Traction Lab in partnership with Right Box and the Carlsen Center, the program includes a $20K non-dilutive experimentation pool shared across the cohort, with $500–$2,000 grants for validated pilots and culminates in a $100K SPV Investment Showcase. Read more.
GFN Office Hours – Apply for 1:1 Mentorship
Applications Open | Roseville
Apply for a free one-on-one session with a GFN Entrepreneur-in-Residence and get personalized feedback on your startup idea or business challenges. Sessions are held every Tuesday. Read more.
Sacramento Startup Events App Startup Digest volunteer curator Manoj Keechilot of Gilentic Technologies has created a free Android app to help entrepreneurs discover Sacramento startup events, accelerator opportunities, and application deadlines. Browse upcoming events, filter by date, add events to your calendar, and access registration links—all in one place. Download Sacramento Startup Events free on Google Play.
This Techstars Startup Digest newsletter is curated by Laura Good, Emilie Sholomytska, Harmeen Kaur, and Manoj Keechilot.
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