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
FourthWave Info Session: Accelerator for Women-Led Tech Startups
Tue, May 13, 12–1pm, Online
Explore this impactful program for women-led technology companies. Learn about the 2025 cohort, the June 6 application deadline, and hear from alumni about their experience in the accelerator. Read more.
Connect Labs at Aggie Square Open House
Thu, May 15, 3–6pm · In-person at Aggie Square in Sacramento
Celebrate the opening of Aggie Square and explore Sacramento’s growing health and life sciences innovation sector. Includes networking, facility tours, panel discussions, and local food and drink. Read more.
This Week
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, May 13, 1:00–3:00 PM, In-person in Roseville
Got a startup idea or early-stage business? Get personalized guidance from Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence during these weekly office hours. Complete the intake form before attending. Registration required and subject to approval. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with Purple Door Finders
Wed, May 14, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Entrepreneurs present their early-stage businesses to an audience of their peers for advice and feedback. This week’s presenter is Purple Door Finders, a digital platform to help find vacancies in housing and care in senior living across the nation with resources to support the journey of caring for an aging adult. Read more.
Traction Lab Startup Office Hours
Thu, May 15, 5–6pm · In-person in Sacramento
Got a startup question or need traction advice? Join Josh David Miller and Cameron Law of Traction Lab for a no-fluff, founder-first session focused on real challenges and honest feedback. Read more.
Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe Featuring Fortuna CEO Jack Smith
Thu, May 15, 6 – 8 PM, In-person in McClellan Park
Connect with veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses, and allies at this fireside chat and networking event. Hear from Fortuna CEO Jack Smith and build relationships in a supportive founder community. Read more.
Plan Ahead
25th Annual Big Bang! Awards Ceremony
Tue, May 20, 5–8pm · In-person in Davis
Celebrate the innovators competing in the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition. Join the entrepreneurial community as winners are announced and over $100K in prizes are awarded. Pizza included. Read more.
MedStart: Brad Niles, CEO of ARIZ Precision Medicine
Thu, May 22, 6–8pm · In-person in Sacramento
Hear how ARIZ Precision Medicine is developing targeted therapies to treat cancer at the gene level. Founder Brad Niles will share insights at this MedStart event, now hosted at Connect Labs in Aggie Square. Read more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Thu, May 22, 5:30 – 6:30 PM, Online
Watch two venture-ready startups pitch and get expert feedback in this monthly workshop hosted by StartupSac, Startup Folsom, and Startup Grind Sacramento. Read more.
Lean Startup Bootcamp
Fri, Jun 13, 5–8pm & Sat, Jun 14, 9am–2pm · In-person in Sacramento
Learn how to take your startup or nonprofit idea from concept to pitch. This two-day, hands-on bootcamp covers lean startup tools, investor expectations, and community building. Meals included. Read more
Applications
FourthWave Accelerator
Apply by June 6
For women-led tech companies looking to scale. Includes mentorship, training, and peer support. Learn more.
Virtual Incubator for Green Entrepreneurs (FlexPath)
Applications Open Now
Free support for SEDI entrepreneurs building green businesses in California. Apply now.
Tomorrow’s Innovators Design & Tech Accelerator
Apply by June 27
This free 10-week program equips aspiring entrepreneurs—especially from BIPOC and underserved communities in Sacramento—with hands-on training in design thinking, 3D printing, and business strategy. Starts Jul 11. Must live or have a business in Sacramento city limits. Apply Now.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Next session May 22
Apply to pitch and get feedback from experienced coaches. Read more.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Get funding-ready, fast. Ideal for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups. Read more.
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course
Apply by May 16 for Next Session
Program Dates: June 9, 12, & 23 5 – 8 PM, Online
Validate your STEM startup idea in UC Berkeley’s free NSF I-Corps course. Use Lean LaunchPad to explore customers and value. Eligible teams may qualify for a $50K NSF grant and $5K in AWS credits. 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.