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
Startup Happy Hour with HMCI CIO J.P. Morgan
Tue, Apr 22, 5–7 PM, In-person in Rancho Cordova
Network with fellow entrepreneurs over drinks and appetizers at Startup Happy Hour, featuring an AMA with J.P. Morgan, CIO of the Human Machine Collaboration Institute. Presented by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Read more.
Capital Region Small Business Week
May 4–10, Various locations in the Capital Region
SAVE THE DATES! A full week of events to celebrate and support local entrepreneurs. Highlights include networking mixers, resource fairs, mentorship sessions, awards, and a small business pop-up market. Learn more.
Mentor Sprint: Fast-Paced Mentoring for Entrepreneurs
Wed, May 7, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Part of Capital Region Small Business Week, this high-energy event connects early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners with experienced mentors in rapid 15-minute sessions. Get expert advice, fresh insights, and new connections — all before lunch! Free, but space is limited. Read more.
This Week
Startup Board Development Series: Founder & Board Panel
Tue Apr 22, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, Online
The series concludes with a panel of founders and board members sharing real-world insights on building and serving on startup and advisory boards. Get practical takeaways from those who’ve done it. Read more.
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, Apr 22, 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 SmartStart AI and Vital Transitions
Wed, Apr 23, 9:00–10:00 AM, Online
This week, SmartStart AI shares how it’s simplifying the path to homeownership for first-time buyers, and Vital Transitions presents its life-readiness platform for schools and educators. Join the conversation and offer your feedback. Read more.
Cleanstart: Perspectives on Navigating California’s Water Regulations
Thu, Apr 24, 9–10 AM, Online
Laura Ramos of the California Water Institute explores California’s evolving water regulations, funding opportunities, and strategies for sustainable groundwater management in this session, Read more.
SacTech Social Monthly Meetup
Thu, Apr 24, 6–8 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Connect with local tech professionals at SacTech Social—a welcoming, inclusive meetup for devs, designers, and the tech-curious to talk shop, share ideas, and build community. Read more.
Plan Ahead
2025 UC Davis Research Expo
Wed, Apr 30, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, In-person in Davis
Explore research tools, connect with collaborators, and gain insights at the UC Davis Research Expo. Featuring exhibits, workshops, and networking for researchers across disciplines. Read more.
Aggie Square Grand Opening Ceremony
Fri, May 2, 9:30 AM–4:00 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Celebrate the launch of Aggie Square, a new hub for innovation, research, and community on the UC Davis Sacramento campus. Enjoy a ribbon cutting, open house with tours, food trucks, music, and hands-on experiences. Read more.
Founders First Fridays
Fri, May 2, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, In-person in Roseville
An exclusive monthly meetup for founders who’ve met with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Connect with peers, share insights, and build momentum toward product-market fit. Read more
SacBiz Connect: Small Business Week Resource Expo and Kickoff
Mon, May 5, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Kick off Capital Region Small Business Week at this resource-packed expo! Connect with 30+ support organizations, discover tools to grow your business, and network with fellow entrepreneurs. Food available for purchase. Read more.
SEA 2025 Showcase
Thu, May 8, 5 – 8 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Celebrate the next generation of entrepreneurs as fellows from the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy present their ventures. Network with local leaders, investors, and innovators at this annual showcase. Read more.
Applications
Virtual Incubator for Green Entrepreneurs (FlexPath)
Applications Open Now
FlexPath is a free, virtual incubator for SEDI (Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals) entrepreneurs in California’s green economy. Run by HumanBulb and funded by Empower California, the program offers customizable workshops, consulting, and resources to support your business growth. Apply now.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Fast-track your startup’s growth! This accelerator, powered by The Right Box and the Carlsen Center, helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders in tech-enabled sectors reach product-market fit and get funding-ready—twice as fast. Read more.
Scout Launch Academy – SBIR Training + Scholarships
Apply now for May 2025 cohort
Scout helps early-stage startups win SBIR/STTR grants with expert-led training, coaching, and AI tools. Full-tuition scholarships available for high-potential teams. Cohort starts May 1. Learn more.
Startup Pitch Workshop
Applications Open for this Monthly Event
Refine your startup pitch and get feedback from experienced coaches. Two founders will pitch and receive insights—apply in advance to pitch. Next open spots on May 15, Online. Read more.
SEGA Innovation Grant Competition
Apply by August 1
SEGA’s Accelerate CA Hub is awarding $150,000 in non-dilutive grants to support AgriFoodTech, Health & Life Sciences, and CleanTech/ZEV innovation clusters, with $50,000 per cluster. 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.