As we pause to honor those who served this Memorial Day week, the St. Louis entrepreneurial community also has much to look forward to the week of May 25-31, 2026. Entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and marketers will find meaningful opportunities to grow and connect. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, has gathered this week’s best events and opportunities for networking, development, learning, and community spirit.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Apply Now // Square One Ignite | Cortex
Built for idea-stage founders, this fast-paced four-week program helps entrepreneurs pressure-test their business ideas, validate assumptions, and start building a real path forward. Participants work through the business model canvas, connect with mentors, and plug into the local startup ecosystem as they prepare for next-stage growth opportunities. (Bootcamp)
Due May 26 // Fast 50 2026 | St. Louis Business Journal
The region’s fastest-growing private companies are getting recognized. This annual ranking highlights high-growth businesses across the St. Louis area based on three-year revenue growth, giving standout companies major visibility through a special publication and live awards event. (Community Award)
Due June 7 // Inno Under 25 2026 | St. Louis Business Journal
St. Louis’s next generation of startup talent is getting recognized. This annual list spotlights founders, innovators, student entrepreneurs, and community builders under 25 who are already making an impact across the region’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. (Community Award)
Due June 10 // Techstars Accelerators
This global network of three-month accelerator programs provides early-stage startups with seed capital, world-class mentorship, curated workshops, and access to a vast ecosystem of investors and alums. Founders receive strategic resources, Demo Day exposure, and lifetime access to Techstars’ network. Applications are now open for: ABN AMRO + Future of Finance, AI Health Baltimore, Alabama EnergyTech, Anywhere, Boulder, Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, Future of Food Powered by Ecolab, Healthcare Powered by Permanente Medicine Mid-Atlantic States, New York City, and Space. (Accelerator)
Due June 26 // Small Business Launchpad | St. Louis County Library
Built for formerly incarcerated individuals ready to build a new chapter, this eight-week entrepreneurship program provides hands-on training in business planning, marketing, sales, and funding. Participants develop real-world startup skills, receive expert guidance, and pitch their business ideas for a chance at startup funding. (Bootcamp)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
May 25
Enjoy Your Memorial Day!
May 26
LinkedIn: How to be seen by the right people | Enterprise Nation
Dive into a targeted online session led by a multi-award-winning LinkedIn strategist to explore 360Brew’s impact, learn which behaviors boost visibility, how profiles are analyzed, and receive concrete, easy-to-apply steps to increase reach and relevance after registration. (Virtual)
Drive Cybersecurity Investment in the AI Era With Outcome-Driven Metrics and Benchmarks | Gartner
Take in a Gartner research-driven webinar exploring how security leaders can frame cybersecurity investment as AI reshapes the threat and operations landscape, with a focus on outcome-driven metrics, defensible benchmarks, and practical approaches for aligning spending decisions with measurable business risk and resilience. (Virtual)
Bagels & Business Networking Monthly (May) | Serendipity Labs
Elevate your professional network at a one-hour monthly meetup where attendees enjoy fresh bagels and coffee, participate in guided networking segments followed by open mingling, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals seeking clients, partners, and shared ideas in a casual café setting. (In-Person | Serendipity Labs)
BuildIT: AI Bootcamp for Businesses & Non-Profits | TechSTL
Thrive through a structured 90-minute learning experience that highlights high-impact AI use cases across team and project management, customer outreach, and internal operations, offering practical demonstrations, implementation tactics, and immediate next steps tailored for startups, non-profits, and small businesses. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S Sarah)
Databases Roadmap: The Foundation for Your Agentic AI Future | Google Cloud
Engage with a step-by-step roadmap that connects Google Cloud database capabilities to agentic application needs, highlighting migration considerations, security and governance patterns, performance tuning, and practical checkpoints to move from prototypes to scalable, maintainable autonomous systems. (Virtual)
How Nonprofits Should Think About Their Website as a Platform | TechSoup
Understand practical steps to design websites as scalable platforms rather than one-off projects, including integrating with CRM and marketing systems, establishing processes for continuous optimization, and using user behavior insights to align site evolution with organizational programs and long-term goals. (Virtual)
The Non-Dilutive Capital Stack | Carta
Explore how founders can fund growth while preserving equity, drawing on Carta’s perspective on layering non-dilutive options like grants, venture debt, revenue-based financing, and related instruments into a coherent capital strategy that complements traditional equity rounds. (Virtual)
Strategies for Mobile and Desktop App Development | Esri
Uncover methods for developing focused GIS applications using ArcGIS Maps SDKs for Native Apps to craft 2D and 3D maps, leveraging Maps SDKs for Game Engines to create immersive 3D experiences, and applying ArcGIS Pro SDK for .NET to extend desktop capabilities. (Virtual)
May 27
The AI Advantage | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Embrace practical AI techniques in an accessible online workshop that guides learners from foundational prompts to strategic applications, focusing on productivity gains, marketing improvements, streamlined content creation, and client relationship tools, paired with immediate, usable methods for everyday professional use. (Virtual)
Coffee Talks at 21c: Art Therapy: Untangling Trauma | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Transform your morning with a guided conversation on art therapy, where Safe Connections’ Adolescent Clinical Manager Tamara Eberle explores creative approaches to help survivors and adolescents process trauma, rebuild emotional safety, and foster resilience through hands-on reflection, shared stories, and practical insights. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Suzie’s Treasure Trove & ES Biodesign
Revel in a lively weekly meetup where early-stage founders deliver six-minute pitches followed by twenty minutes of audience Q&A and feedback, fostering candid critique, networking with other entrepreneurs, and connections to sponsors and resources, with presenters applying to showcase their ideas. (In-Person | Northside Economic Empowerment Center)
5 Essential Steps to Scaling AI in 2026 | SmarterX / Marketing AI Institute
Immerse yourself in a strategic webinar that maps the critical trends shaping AI in 2026, demonstrates a repeatable scaling framework, and provides hands-on advice for leaders to overcome legacy systems, regulatory concerns, and workforce resistance as they expand AI across the organization. (Virtual)
Beyond The Code | Women In Tech – St. Louis | Blueflag Security
Join an executive luncheon and panel featuring senior women across cybersecurity and tech who will discuss resilience, clarity, and career pathways guided by the themes of the book We Can Do Hard Things. At the same time, attendees engage in authentic networking over a curated meal. (In-Person | Le Meridien Hotel)
Elevate Data and AI Agent Security with GitLab and Google Cloud | ODSC AI
Explore hands-on approaches to move from pipeline visibility to comprehensive risk management, showing how GitLab and Google Cloud integrate cloud identity, analytics, and policy automation to secure code, workloads, and AI agents while optimizing BigQuery and simplifying compliance across the DevSecOps workflow. (Virtual)
GRIT May Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Network with local professionals at a two-hour in-person luncheon hosted by Jennifer Bardot and presented by Holly Breuer, featuring targeted presentations, facilitated conversation, and ample time for relationship-building, designed to deliver practical insights and new contacts in a polished setting. (In-Person | The Lodge)
Win the Bid! How to Build Estimates & Project Bids for Photographers | Freelancers Union
Cherish a focused 90-minute session offering a clear framework to define project scope, identify unknowns, and outline inclusions and exclusions. Megan Madden demonstrates methods for pricing work, accounting for time and contingencies, and presenting bids that reflect creative value without underselling. (Virtual)
A CEO’s read on AI search | Webflow
Savor a candid conversation with a CEO who’s navigated platform shifts, exploring how AI search reshapes marketing priorities, what gets ignored, and which teams move first; the session closes with a live AMA for tailored leadership questions and follow-up access to the recording. (Virtual)
Fundamentals of Message Design: Increasing the Chances You Get a Yes | MarketingProfs
Appreciate a focused keynote where Tamsen Webster dismantles common persuasion myths and outlines a practical framework for crafting messages that convert, showing before-and-after examples, clear evaluation criteria, and immediate steps to improve social content, campaigns, and client pitches for measurable action. (Virtual)
Clicks with Credibility: Science on Social Media | American Chemical Society
Learn how scientists and communicators can build trust and engagement when sharing research on social media platforms, with practical guidance on framing, accuracy, audience strategy, and navigating misinformation, all delivered through the American Chemical Society’s continuing education programming. (Virtual)
How to Write a Book That Positions You as a Thought Leader | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Attend an intimate virtual conversation focused on crafting nonfiction that establishes authority, as professionals walk through choosing themes, distilling expertise into resonant messages, and ghostwriting techniques that transform raw material into readable, persuasive books designed to grow reputation and reach. (Virtual)
Snacks with RAC | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Connect over snacks and drinks at a friendly, free RAC gathering where full-time staff circulate to answer questions and engage with attendees; hosted quarterly on the main City Foundry walkway beneath Great Rivers Greenway, registration on Eventbrite is recommended because space is limited. (In-Person | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis)
Strictly Social | T-REX
Partake in an unstructured happy hour with a prominent hospitality leader behind the bar, serving drinks and swapping stories from years shaping notable dining destinations, while attendees mix, network casually, and enjoy an open, presentation-free social scene. (In-Person | T-REX)
Cocktail Connections – May 2026 | SMPS St. Louis
Unite with fellow A/E/C professionals in a welcoming, informal setting focused on conversation, relationship-building, and low-pressure networking. The ticket includes the first beverage; attendance is capped to encourage engagement; and the series rotates venues each quarter for variety. (In-Person | Schlafly Bottleworks)
Return of DevOps STL
Take part in a low-key revival gathering where hosts Dan and Calvin H. provide drinks and light snacks, mixing casual networking with a concise Lean Coffee session designed to solicit member priorities and co-create the agenda for upcoming meetups. (In-Person | Sketch Development Services)
Reskilling for the AI Age – How to Stay Relevant in Evolving STEM Roles | Women 4 STEM
Ignite your career planning with a concise, one-hour webinar that outlines actionable reskilling steps, from technical transitions to ethical decision-making, as a diverse panel of practitioners and leaders discuss how to adapt, seize opportunities, and remain competitive in STEM fields. (Virtual)
May 28
Microbusiness Coffee Hour | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Experience a recurring, supportive forum for entrepreneurs to test pitches, collect feedback, and map monthly milestones alongside peers. Casual conversation over coffee blends networking with practical troubleshooting, resource sharing, and the celebration of small victories to sustain ongoing business growth. (In-Person | Neighborhood Innovation Center)
Building an AI-Powered Sales Team | Section AI
Engage with Section and Adobe leaders as they outline a practical playbook for AI-native sales teams, exploring what success looks like, common friction points, and examples of mature AI use. Expect strategic guidance, real rollout challenges, and an interactive Q&A session. (Virtual)
Social Media Safety in the Age of Gen-AI | CreativeMornings
Understand practical steps to stay safe online through a structured talk covering privacy settings on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn; awareness of Gen-AI advances such as deepfakes; and concrete tactics for monitoring and safeguarding your identity and digital presence. (Virtual)
How data science teams use Codex | OpenAI Academy
Unveil practical workflows where Codex gathers context from messy inputs, structures analysis, and supports review and refinement, helping teams move from fragmented data to clear artifacts such as business impact readouts and starter prompts for immediate adaptation. (Virtual)
Turn Your Contact List Into Your Most Valuable Asset | Constant Contact
Discover how the webinar breaks down every stage of email list building, from signup incentives and high-converting forms to segmentation strategies and proactive list hygiene, delivered by experienced digital marketers offering practical tactics to turn contacts into engaged, revenue-driving subscribers. (Virtual)
Drilling Down on Business Demographics with Simply Analytics (and more) | St. Louis County Library
Absorb techniques for building detailed market profiles with Simply Analytics and complementary SLCL databases, learning to cross-tabulate variables, map demographic trends, and generate reports that translate complex data into clear strategies for targeting customers and informing business decisions. (In-Person | Clark Family Branch)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Fundraising at the Early Stages | Women Founders Network
Learn how early-stage founders often misstep when raising initial capital, with a clear exploration of valuation, dilution impacts, diligence preparation, and co-founder relationships, plus targeted strategies to anticipate investor concerns and position your startup for a smoother, more successful fundraising process. (Virtual)
Founders Lounge Global
Appreciate a community-driven learning experience where attendees discuss practical AI topics, review real deployment lessons, collaborate on workflows, and gain insight into model behavior and system design, all aimed at helping startups and operators make thoughtful, effective use of AI in their work. (In-Person | Spark Coworking)
Guardrails: AI Governance & Cybersecurity for Startups | Founder Institute
Applaud a panel of industry leaders, legal experts, and cybersecurity professionals as they discuss AI governance, regulation, trust, and risk, offering practical frameworks and case studies to help startups scale securely while balancing compliance and innovation under moderator Rawle Annandsingh. (Virtual)
Social Thursdays | Kre8 Spaces
Uncover a midweek pick-me-up that blends relaxation and sociability, offering attendees an informal setting to mingle, recharge, and connect with local creatives; the event emphasizes low-pressure conversation, friendly vibes, and opportunities to expand your social and professional circles. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
May 29
CreativeMornings St. Louis | Presenter: Daniella Statia, Saint Louis Art Museum
Embark on a curated morning program that pairs two concise museum talks about art, cross-cultural exchange, and wellness-focused programming, followed by light refreshments and an accessible art-making drop-in in the Education Center to connect and create together. (In-Person | Saint Louis Art Museum)
Ameren Illinois MDI Spring Solar Job Fair | EcoHealth Strategies
Learn practical pathways into the solar industry through hourly information sessions, employer meet-and-greets, resume clinics run onsite by SEEL, and panel discussions addressing Illinois equity registration, company staffing needs, and available financing tools for contractors and aspiring solar entrepreneurs. (In-Person | Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation)
Bourbon Friday | Sponsored by Tenacity
Savor a relaxed weekly social gathering for the local startup community featuring guided bourbon tastings, casual conversation, and networking opportunities where attendees trade stories, struggles, and successes while sampling curated pours and meeting entrepreneurs, founders, and supporters in an informal, welcoming setting. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
Code til Dawn (May) | TechSTL
Transform your development workflow during a late-night session designed for hands-on work: collaborate with peers, receive team-level or one-to-one mentorship, use an optimized space for focused work, and move projects forward while connecting with a regional community of technical practitioners. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
2026 QueerTechSTL Kickoff & Strategy Reveal | TechSTL
Engage with local queer professionals and allies during a check-in and networking hour; observe the official strategy reveal detailing recruitment, integration, and leadership priorities; contribute in focused, career- and stack-based huddles; and leave with concrete next steps and volunteer opportunities. (In-Person | The Post Building)
ELLA – 12th Annual HCCSTL Women’s Conference – 2026 | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Witness a dynamic day of intentional connection where top speakers deliver actionable insights on confidence and authenticity, a panel of Latina innovators shares real-world leadership stories, and attendees gather for cocktail networking before an upbeat afterparty featuring live music. (In-Person | Anheuser-Busch Biergarten)
Culture & Connection: An Evening of Networking and Inspiration | The 89th Collective
Experience an intimate two-hour gathering that blends practical international business storytelling with facilitated speed networking, interactive business connections, and panel-style conversation around scaling, cultural fluency, and partnership building, giving entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives structured time to learn, exchange contacts, and collaborate. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
May 30
Rung for Women Open House
Venture into a welcoming open house where guests tour at their own pace to learn about career coaching, financial and skill-building programs, and wellness resources, beginning with an optional yoga class and including visits to the garden, chickens, and complimentary coffee and bagels. (In-Person | Rung for Women)
African Chamber Men’s Business Group | African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Connect with peers in a friendly, in-person session designed to exchange experiences, brainstorm solutions, and expand professional networks. The gathering fosters authentic dialogue, potential collaborations, and access to resources that can help attendees learn, iterate, and grow their businesses. (In-Person | African Diaspora Council Inc)
Edge of Possible by TEDxStLouis
Unite with curious-minded people during a lively pre-show happy hour featuring DJ entertainment, complimentary beverages, and exhibit access, before brief, powerful talks exploring sleep as treatment, micro- and nanoplastics, accessibility innovations, creative photography, spoken word, and movement-driven social change. (In-Person | Missouri History Museum)
May 31
St. Louis Code & Coffee
Share an informal coworking experience designed for all skill levels: arrive at the open workspace, hear community announcements, join a short intro circle to share your project and any assistance you can offer, then collaborate, socialize, or attend a scheduled member-led workshop until the event ends. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or TikTok.
How are you making the most of this week? Drop a comment and let us know! We’re passionate about advancing the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem. If you have an event or important date coming up, email us at [email protected].
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