Plug into the pulse of St. Louis innovation! From December 22-28, 2025, entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and marketers can access a dynamic range of events designed to foster growth and collaboration. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, shares the opportunities that will define your week.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Due January 5 // Innovation in Philanthropy Awards 2026 – Nominations
An annual recognition highlights up to three innovative partnerships between companies and nonprofits that meaningfully strengthen the St. Louis community. Nominations should showcase creative approaches to major local challenges, such as racial equity, education, or social justice, with selected honorees featured in a special publication. (Community Award)
Due January 5 // Startups to Watch 2026 – Nominations
A regional awards program highlights promising early-stage startups under five years old that have raised less than $25 million. Honorees are selected for their momentum and potential to make a significant impact in the coming year, with nominations open to founders and community members. (Community Award)
Due January 9 // Founder Framework | T-REX
A free, 11-week in-person program helps early-stage founders build core startup fundamentals, from customer discovery to go-to-market strategy and financial storytelling. Participants create practical outputs each week and develop an investor-ready narrative, gaining clarity, structure, and tools to move their businesses forward. (Bootcamp)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
December 22
December 22-28 // Wild Lights | St. Louis Zoo
Join the holiday celebration with dazzling new light displays and themed areas. Warm up with hot cocoa and festive treats as you visit animal exhibits like Penguin & Puffin Coast and Sea Lion Sound. Capture memories with Santa photos and explore a lively Holiday Market. Closed December 24-25. (In-Person | Saint Louis Zoo)
December 22-28 // Garden Glow | Missouri Botanical Gardens
Revel in the brightest and biggest Garden Glow yet, featuring new animations at Tower Grove House, vibrant illuminated flowers, family-friendly activities, sensory-friendly hours, and delicious dining options for a magical holiday outing. Closed December 24-25. (In-Person | Missouri Botanical Gardens)
December 22-28 // Anheuser-Busch Brewery Lights | Anheuser-Busch
Explore a festive wonderland where the brewery transforms into a vibrant holiday display. Experience cozy fire-pit gatherings, sip signature brews, and take advantage of flexible ticket options for effortless planning. Closed December 24-25. (In-Person | Anheuser-Busch)
2026 Intention Setting – If You Can See It You Can Be It | Digital Boost
Explore a targeted one-hour virtual workshop that centers on setting powerful intentions for the new year. Business leaders will map out clear strategies and actionable steps to fuel progress and bring their visions to life. (Virtual)
Putting an End to Data and AI Disasters | DataCamp
Take in a spirited review of the year’s biggest AI and data missteps, as seasoned voices blend critique, storytelling, and practical foresight to spotlight where hype clashed with reality—and how teams can steer toward smarter, more grounded innovation in 2026. (Virtual)
Your 1st 100k to Your 1st Quarter Million & Beyond! | Small Business University
Transform your entrepreneurial skill set by attending live webinars featuring real-world experts eager to share their knowledge across essential topics, such as business planning, social media marketing, and financial management, all available completely free online. (Virtual)
Cybersecurity Product Strategy: Inside 1Password’s Growth | Product School
Gain clarity on how to shift from concept to predictable income by integrating focused business principles with mindset support, guided by professionals with decades of coaching and creative strategy experience who emphasize both practical steps and psychological reinforcement throughout the presentation. (Virtual)
AI Meets Design: How to Use AI to Create Stunning Visuals | SCORE Orange County
Discover how to blend speed with storytelling using AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Canva AI for creating impactful marketing visuals. See firsthand demonstrations of balancing automation with creative direction to improve efficiency in your presentations and social media content while maintaining emotional resonance. (Virtual)
Rock Star MBA – Untapped Lessons on Entrepreneurship from Artists | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Explore how entrepreneurial wisdom extends beyond traditional business into the creative world of art during this engaging webinar. Dr. Martin J. McDermott presents vital themes, including crowdfunding, bootstrapping, innovation, and measuring success through the lens of artistic insight. (Virtual)
December 23
Marketing 101 for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses | VetBiz Central
Understand the fundamentals of effective outreach in a competitive landscape, as this session unpacks different marketing types, their roles in brand awareness, and the practical tactics small business owners can adopt to amplify results with limited resources. (Virtual)
Mastering Generative AI: Tools, Trends & Real-World Business Impact | Nation Innovation
Dive into the transformative influence of generative AI on innovation and workplace evolution with guidance from industry experts. Gain valuable insights into real-world applications, prompt engineering techniques, and essential skills for preparing for future AI-driven career opportunities beyond 2025. (Virtual)
December 24
Beyond the Hype: Real-Life AI for Real-World Impact | Gvahim
Gain authentic career strategies as industry veteran Beny Rubinstein demystifies AI’s role in Israel’s tech landscape. This online event provides actionable advice for professionals seeking meaningful direction amid geopolitical shifts and technological advances. (Virtual)
December 25
December 25 – January 1 // Chanukah @ The Arch | Chabad of Greater St. Louis
Soak up the beauty of Chanukah as the Staenberg Menorah brightens the St. Louis skyline nightly. Embrace the season with family-friendly festivities, including ice skating near the Arch from December 26 to 31 for an extra festive touch. (Free | Keiner Plaza)
December 26
December 26-28 // Winterfest | Gateway Arch to Park
Experience eight weeks of community celebration, featuring an outdoor ice rink with exceptional free skating, festive markets showcasing local artisans, weekend DJ performances, character meet-and-greets, and cozy fire pits for roasting s’mores, all illuminated by twinkling lights beneath the iconic Arch. (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)
Microbusiness Socials | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Connect with fellow microbusiness owners at this monthly gathering designed to foster growth through knowledge exchange and community support. Attendees refine pitches, track progress, share strategies, and celebrate achievements while building lasting connections that drive ventures forward in an inspiring St. Louis setting. (In-Person | Urban Eats)
No Bourbon Friday This Week
December 27
Creating A Social Media Strategy For Your Small Business | Business & IP Centre Liverpool City Region
Learn how directing website traffic from social media can multiply purchase likelihood and grow your customer base during this 30-minute webinar. The session covers platform types, strategic approaches to boost engagement and brand visibility, plus techniques for converting online visitors into buyers. (Virtual)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
We’re curious: what’s giving you a boost of energy this week? Share your story in the comments! Your input helps us make the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem stronger for everyone. Have an event coming up? Email us at [email protected].
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