St. Louis is brewing something special for innovators! Entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketers will discover a week packed with growth opportunities during January 12-18, 2026. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has handpicked the events that will expand your horizons and your network.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities at LaunchCode
LaunchCode is seeking volunteers for upcoming virtual opportunities supporting data analysis students and early-career technologists. Opportunities include mock interviews, capstone project evaluations, demo day facilitation, and Lunch & Learn speaking engagements on topics like software development, AI, cybersecurity, and professional growth. Volunteers receive guidance and help learners prepare for careers in tech. (Volunteer)
- Data Analysis Mock Interview
- Data Analysis In-Class Project Demos
- Data Analysis Demo Day (Public Event)
- Lunch N Learn Speaking Engagements
Due January 26 // Launchpad 725 | TechArtista Foundation
This six-month accelerator supports early-stage founders from underrepresented backgrounds or those building social or environmental impact ventures in St. Louis County. Participants receive free coworking, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, peer support, a cash stipend, and extended coworking access to help move their businesses forward. (Accelerator)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
January 12
Generative AI and magical thinking | ITU AI for Good
Delight in a comprehensive overview of recent advances in Generative AI, where experts explain the probabilistic nature of Large Language Models. Understand how these systems operate, their shortcomings, and the valuable opportunities for human-AI partnership in real-world applications. (Virtual)
Discover How Entrepreneurs Create Multiple Income Streams Without Overwhelm | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Connect with top entrepreneurs and bestselling authors in this engaging online session as they discuss innovative ways to sustainably expand income streams, adapt to market trends, and accelerate brand growth for solo or microbusinesses. (Virtual)
January 13
Crypto in Contention: Digital Assets Disputes | STEP
Bask in expert discussions during a focused webinar week aimed at unpacking the complexities of digital assets. Participants will explore practical implications, regulatory considerations, and innovative uses shaping today’s digital economy. (Virtual)
Social Media to Sales: Strategy for Consistent Conversions | Digital Boost
Enhance your marketing skills with a focused session on transforming social media presence into reliable sales streams. Discover a batch-content workflow designed for consistent visibility, building trust, brand growth, and simple automations to boost conversions effectively. (Virtual)
The New Sales Leader | Consensus
Uncover the essential shift from traditional management to hybrid leadership, where AI agents play a central role. Kristie Jones examines the core competencies modern sales leaders need to master, blending team development with system orchestration for peak efficiency. (Virtual)
Why every business needs a strategic plan | Enterprise Nation
Appreciate the value of well-designed strategic plans in sustaining a strong sales pipeline and achieving business growth without burnout. Led by seasoned entrepreneur Tammy Whalen Blake, this 30-minute online event shares actionable tips for turning visions into thriving enterprises. (Virtual)
Data Trends and Predictions 2026 | DataCamp
Gain a forward-looking perspective on data and AI as thought leaders analyze past forecasts, spotlight 2026’s transformative trends, and discuss their impact on tools, team structures, and essential practitioner skills for a rapidly evolving digital environment. (Virtual)
Business Improv for Creatives Who Want to Collaborate | CreativeMornings
Indulge in an interactive virtual experience where creatives come together to break myths about solo entrepreneurship. Through improvisation exercises and group collaboration, attendees spark fresh ideas and build connections that could inspire future ventures. (Virtual)
2026 Trends: AI Adoption & Workforce Development | Educate 360
Unite with professionals in this insightful session revealing how organizations can manage change effectively while adopting AI. Gain knowledge on addressing readiness gaps that hinder progress and learn techniques to streamline innovation through cohesive people-process-technology alignment. (Virtual)
Unleash the Power of AI for Marketing | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Revel in a comprehensive session that demystifies AI-driven marketing techniques, perfect for all skill levels. Discover how to boost content creation and craft compelling campaigns using the latest AI technology to save time and gain a competitive edge. (Virtual)
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Organic Storytelling | Aviatra Accelerators
Venture into a dynamic online session led by an award-winning journalist, focusing on harnessing storytelling as a key marketing tool. Participants will engage in writing exercises and discover strategies to grow their business audience confidently. (Virtual)
Leadership St. Louis Informational Session | Focus St. Louis
Uncover what makes a strong candidate for Leadership St. Louis and discover what the program offers through an engaging session led by experienced staff and past participants. (Virtual)
Prompt Writing 101 | General Assembly
Connect with an expert career coach in this hands-on class designed to sharpen your ability to write effective AI prompts. Discover simple strategies for prompt formatting and optimization that improve generative AI outcomes, alongside a live Q&A for personalized guidance. (Virtual)
How to Boss-UP: Lay the Foundation for Success with VAs, Automation, & AI | Small Business University
Cherish the opportunity to learn from industry leaders about leveraging Virtual Assistants and cutting-edge Automation tools. This session highlights practical ways to reduce your workload’s time-consuming parts, enabling you to focus on growth and profitability efficiently. (Virtual)
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Entering a Contract | Freelancers Union
Understand essential contract elements in this engaging session tailored for freelancers. Discover how to avoid key mistakes, ensure timely payment, protect your creative output, and prepare for potential challenges in your working relationships through expert guidance. (Virtual)
STL Global PetCare Innovation District Meetup — Series Kickoff | T-REX
Celebrate the kickoff of a dynamic series of meetups focusing on connecting St Louis’ diverse PetCare companies and expertise. Engage with industry leaders aiming to transform the city into a global growth hub for PetTech and VetTech innovations. (In-Person | T-REX)
Vetworking STL Jan 2026 | Global Brew Tap House
Join a premier event dedicated to uniting veterans from various backgrounds including students, transitioning service members, and military families. Connect with leading companies and nonprofits focused on empowering the STL veteran community. (In-Person | Global Brew Tap House)
Legal Office Hours for Entrepreneurs | St. Louis County Library
Unite with fellow entrepreneurs in this virtual program offering a unique chance to consult directly with legal professionals. Each participant receives a 30-minute session to discuss specific business-related legal questions confidentially. (Virtual)
January 14
PitchSTL
Dive into PitchSTL’s vibrant community where St. Louis startups come together each week to present innovative ideas. With optional pitch decks and plenty of networking opportunities, it’s an ideal way to gain exposure and helpful insights without an RSVP or fee. (In-Person | Northside Economic Empowerment Center)
Forming Your LLC or DBA | Michigan SBDC
Explore foundational business setup strategies, focusing on Michigan-based DBAs and LLCs. This webinar walks through required filings, organizational documents, and core operational habits like basic bookkeeping for sustainable business management. (Virtual)
Build Agentic AI with Semantic Kernel and Graph RAG on PostgreSQL | Microsoft
Delight in practical skill-building as you construct a Retrieval-Augmented Generation app with semantic tools. The session blends AI capabilities with Postgres and Apache AGE, emphasizing enriched data queries and advanced vector-based search techniques. (Virtual)
Managing Nervousness in Public Speaking | UXPA International
Join a detailed discussion where public speaking coach Brandon Harpold explores what triggers nerves and what unfolds inside our bodies when facing an audience, paired with practical strategies to manage anxiety effectively. (Virtual)
SEO to AEO: Navigating the future of search | Webflow
Attend a dynamic webinar where top experts discuss the shift from SEO to AEO amidst AI advancements. Gain valuable insights on optimizing your site for AI-driven search engines and learn actionable tactics tailored for modern digital marketing environments. (Virtual)
Close more deals: The workflow that transforms your sales cycle | Demandbase
Enhance your sales strategies by understanding how top organizations leverage engagement insights and CRM data enrichment to accelerate pipeline growth. This interactive panel guides you through an entire opportunity cycle with practical steps for sales and marketing alignment. (Virtual)
Validate Faster: AI Playbook for Founders | Founder Institute
Appreciate how this online event guides aspiring entrepreneurs through an AI-driven validation playbook. Learn to quickly verify your startup concept, engage real customers with pain points, and outmaneuver competitors to set your business up for success. (Virtual)
How to Start a Business With No Money | Network After Work
Ignite your new venture journey through expert guidance on cost-free startup techniques. This masterclass offers clarity on avoiding common financial pitfalls and attracting clients using what you already have at hand. (Virtual)
From SEO to AEO: The Rise of FAQs | Nextiny / HubSpot
Embrace the future of content marketing by understanding how AI models evaluate expertise via questions. Discover techniques to turn customer interactions into structured, AI-optimized FAQs that boost your online presence with practical insights and automation strategies. (Virtual)
Marketing Plan 101 | SCORE
Immerse yourself in a two-hour seminar focusing on creating an effective marketing plan. Learn how to identify strengths and weaknesses, engage with your target audience, use AI technologies, and refine branding for measurable results. (Virtual)
How to Build a Multi-Six Figure Business Through Social Media | Network After Work
Marvel at the step-by-step guidance offered to scale your business quickly using social media platforms, podcasts, and live stages, while discovering techniques for scheduling high-ticket sales calls consistently during this engaging virtual session. (Virtual)
Generative Media: AI-Powered Creative Is Just a Prompt Away | Google Cloud
Embrace a journey through AI innovation, highlighting how creative processes are transformed by generative media technologies. Attendees will experience demonstrations and discussions on leveraging AI for dynamic content creation. (Virtual)
January 15
MAC Business Development Group Meeting | Missouri Athletic Club
Unite with professionals at an engaging meeting focused on solving the 2026 talent gridlock, where you’ll gain surprising insights into workforce challenges and practical steps to attract and retain top talent effectively. (In-Person | Missouri Athletic Club)
Marketing on a Budget: How Small Teams Can Achieve Big Results | AMA Saint Louis
Soak up expert advice from Cody Goodrich, who shares proven strategies to maximize growth through efficient marketing. Learn how to prioritize activities and leverage affordable approaches that empower small teams to create meaningful results without a full in-house department. (In-Person | The Shack)
Coffee Connections – Year in Review: Wins, Challenges, & Lessons; Planning for Next Year | SMPS St. Louis
Kick off your day by joining fellow professionals for an engaging discussion on yearly wins and challenges. This meet-up offers valuable networking opportunities, practical case studies, and a platform to strategize marketing/business development goals for the future. (In-Person | Coma Coffee)
Small Business Jam: Online Skill Lab | OpenAI Academy
Dive into a beginner-friendly online session that equips small business leaders with step-by-step techniques to build efficient AI tools designed for everyday operations such as drafting messages or managing bookings, supported by live mentorship. (Virtual)
Future-Proofing Your Supply Chain with Automation | Association for Advancing Automation
Enhance your perspective on supply chain dynamics as industry voices dissect the realities of automation logistics. Learn how buying behaviors, connectivity, and strategic planning are reshaping how automation technologies reach the market. (Virtual)
VC Fast Pitch: Pitch to Investors | Black Dog Venture Partners
Experience a vibrant virtual gathering where startups connect directly with leading venture capitalists and accredited investors. Benefit from pitch deck reviews, live Q&A sessions, expert coaching, and promotional opportunities designed to accelerate funding and business growth. (Virtual)
30|30 Webinars: AEO/GEO Marketing | Conductor
Explore essential tactics in AI search and SEO as the webinar breaks down recent developments in a fast-paced, half-hour session, guided by Conductor’s VP of Services & Thought Leadership. (Virtual)
BOSS BIA Happy Hour | Come & Go Women’s Networking
Unite with like-minded women professionals at a come-and-go networking event offering laid-back vibes, great drinks, and community support. This free gathering encourages authentic conversations and relationship-building in an inviting local venue. (In-Person | Saucy’s Pizzeria – High Ridge)
Quantum Inspired Facial Recognition
Venture into the fusion of quantum mechanics concepts with machine learning as this event outlines a novel approach to face recognition using interference-like modulations. Participants will learn how to design and train deep learning networks enhanced by quantum-inspired architectures. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
Curated By CURIOSITY: MO Variety | STL.org
Explore the dynamic spirit of St. Louis at this month’s Curated by CURIOSITY event featuring MO Variety. Join spirited locals for an evening of aerial artistry, eclectic performances, and casual mingling with complimentary drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. (In-Person | STL.org)
Founders Lounge Global – Powered by Metis Analytics
Be part of an inspiring collective that fosters growth through interactive discussions, exclusive workshops, and networking sessions aimed at boosting your entrepreneurial journey. (In-Person | Spark Coworking – St. Louis)
January Education Series 2026 | African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Absorb key strategies for leveraging creative branding to advance your business during this online gathering. The session highlights Raknida’s innovative approach in connecting art lovers and organizations while promoting sustainable earnings for marginalized artists. ( | Online)
January 16
AI and Labor Markets: What Do We Know So Far? | Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Learn about the evolving impact of AI on labor markets through expert discussions, examining what has been discovered to date about employment shifts and technological influence. (Virtual)
Wavelength: Staying the Same, On Purpose | Filament
Partake in a reflective gathering where the theme centers on deliberately sustaining one’s essence, uncovering why preserving identity and continuity is purposeful and impactful. (In-Person | Filament)
AI Disruption Strategies: Navigating the Ripple Effects of Innovation | Gartner
Appreciate how AI’s deeper disruption lies beyond automation, as this session explores the cascading effects of AI innovations. Discover how second-order shockwaves redefine industries, shift business models, and demand strategic pivots for future resilience. (Virtual)
St. Louis Veterans Curation Program Resource Fair | New South Associates
Celebrate community support at this resource fair designed exclusively for veterans. Attendees can engage with local groups like VA Recreation Therapy and VetBiz, attend workshops, and connect with peers to discover opportunities and resources enhancing their lives in St. Louis. (In-Person | Robert A. Young Federal Building)
Content Marketing Friday Forum | MarketingProf
Immerse yourself in a dynamic event featuring three sessions focused on enhancing B2B content marketing. Learn to create compelling messages, streamline workflows with AI, and develop practical content strategies that boost engagement and leadership buy-in. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
Ignite your Friday with a unique blend of networking and bourbon sampling. Meet fellow entrepreneurs at TechArtista UCity, exchange stories about startup life, and savor selected bourbons over three hours of engaging interaction and fun. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Whopathon | Skandalaris Center
Immerse yourself in the dynamic experience of designing and launching a digital venture over one weekend. This event offers hands-on opportunities to develop a product that goes beyond ideas, directly entering a marketplace shared by millions without requiring prior technical expertise. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
January 18
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Attend a welcoming gathering for tech professionals and hobbyists alike, where you can engage in self-directed coding sessions, participate in brief introductions to share your projects and skills, and join optional member-led workshops to enhance your expertise. (In-Person | St. Louis Code and Coffee)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s your top priority for the next few days? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. We also invite your feedback on what our St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing community needs next. To feature an event, please email [email protected].
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