This week begins with Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember those who gave their lives in military service. For many, it’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and quiet remembrance—and a reminder of the cost of the freedoms we enjoy.
Looking ahead, there’s a lot happening for entrepreneurs and startup founders. We’ve curated a short list below; for a full listing of everything 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 Core Impact CEO Samuel Taylor
Tue, May 27, 5:00 – 7:00 PM, In-person in Elk Grove
Mix and mingle with fellow founders over drinks and appetizers, and hear from Samuel Taylor, Co-founder and CEO of Core Impact—a sports tech startup helping athletes improve performance. Hosted by StartupSac and the Carlsen Center. Sponsored by Invest Elk Grove. Read more.
Pitch Elk Grove is Back!
Applications Due Monday, June 23
Applications are now open for Northern California’s premier startup pitch competition, offering $20,000 in total prize money. Open to tech startups based in El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sutter, Yolo, or Yuba County, this high-impact event connects founders with investors, mentors, and community leaders. Finalists will pitch live on September 4 in Elk Grove. Apply now.
Startup Business Training for Del Paso Heights
Applications Due Friday, June 13
StartupSac is offering a free 12-week entrepreneur training program this summer for residents of Del Paso Heights who are ready to turn their startup idea into a real business. Participants will meet weekly starting July 9 and gain hands-on guidance, mentorship, and tools to launch their venture. Space is limited, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Jun 9, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
Join founders, tech pros, and innovators for casual networking, guided conversations, and community building over pizza and beer. Hosted at Hop Garden on Franklin Blvd. Read more.
This Week
Drop-in 1-on-1 Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
Tue, May 27, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, In-person in Roseville
Got a startup idea or early-stage business? Get guidance from Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence during open office hours at Roseville Venture Lab. Registration and intake form required. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento: E-magine Labs & VibeSafe AI
Wed, May 28, 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Online
This week’s presenters are E-magine Labs, creators of GRIEVANCE-IT—a consumer advocacy app for holding companies accountable—and VibeSafe AI, a command-line tool helping developers identify security vulnerabilities in their code. Join this weekly Zoom meetup where local entrepreneurs present early-stage ventures and get audience feedback. Doors open at 8:45 AM for optional networking. Read more.
CleanStart Perspectives on the Startup Rewriting the Rules of Power Conversion
Thu, May 29, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Online
Learn how PeraWatt, a cutting-edge startup, is using advanced magnetic materials to improve energy efficiency in EVs and data centers. Co-founder Edson Perez will share insights on power conversion breakthroughs and their potential climate and policy impacts. Includes Q&A with opportunities to dive into tech, markets, and sustainability. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Business 101: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and New Business Ventures
Tue, Jun 3, 1 – 2:30 PM, In-person in Sacramento
This hands-on workshop is your ultimate guide to building a successful business, no matter your background. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or looking to refine your business strategy, this presentation provides actionable insights to help you launch and grow your business with confidence. Read more.
How to Build Your MVP Using Artificial Intelligence
Wed, Jun 4, 10:00 – 11:30 AM, Online
Learn how to build your MVP faster using AI tools and proven startup tactics in this live workshop led by Aram Melkoumov, CEO of Crowdlinker. You’ll explore AI-driven approaches to ideation, prototyping, and product development, with real-world insights from a veteran startup advisor. Presented by Founder Institute. Read more.
Strategyzer Live with David Bland
Wed, Jun 4, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Online
Join lean startup expert and bestselling author David Bland for a hands-on session on applying Strategyzer tools to real-world startup challenges. Designed for founders and innovators, this workshop will help you map your path to product-market fit, test assumptions, and build smarter. Includes live coaching, examples, and Q&A. Read more.
Learn from a Local: Dr. Fatma Kaplan, CEO of Pheronym
Thu, Jun 5, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, In-person in Woodland
Join AgStart for their monthly Learn from a Local series featuring Dr. Fatma Kaplan, CEO and Co-Founder of Pheronym, as she shares insights on using pheromones to regulate nematode behavior. Includes networking, refreshments, and a Q&A session. 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
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 session is June 12, 5:30-6:30 PM, Online. Read more.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Get funding-ready, fast. Ideal for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups. Read 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.