Midway through August, the opportunities keep coming for St. Louis entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketing professionals the week of August 17-23, 2026. From collaborative events to solo skill-building, there’s something to match every goal. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, has assembled this week’s top events and opportunities for networking, growth, learning, and community.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Apply Now // Venture Ready Missouri | Capital Innovators & Missouri Technology Corporation
Missouri founders can sharpen their fundraising skills through this free, two-part venture readiness program. Entrepreneurs learn how to navigate venture capital, craft compelling investor pitches, and develop a fundraising strategy, with top participants advancing to one-on-one coaching and a live pitch showcase before investors. (Bootcamp)
Apply Now // Square One (SQ1) Bootcamp | Cortex’s Square One
Ready to move beyond the idea stage? This intensive 10-week accelerator helps entrepreneurs transform early traction into a fundable business through expert-led instruction, hands-on coaching, and practical deliverables like financials, a business model, and a polished pitch deck. (Bootcamp)
Due August 21 // Lift Beauty Accelerator 2026 | Rare Beauty Brands
Early-stage beauty brands led by founders from underrepresented communities can compete for one of three spots in this free accelerator offering at least $10,000 in non-dilutive funding, hands-on mentorship from beauty industry experts, and more than $24,000 in in-kind testing, consulting, and design services. Selected brands also receive practical support tackling real startup challenges and an opportunity to pitch JCPenney for potential online or in-store distribution. (Accelerator)
Due August 31 // Empower Growth Micro-Grant | Black & Brown Founders
Underrepresented entrepreneurs with demonstrated revenue over the past 12 months can apply for one of four micro-grants designed to help scale, stabilize, or systematize an existing business. Funds can support marketing, technology and automation, website or e-commerce improvements, consultants, hiring support, or expanded production and service delivery. Applicants must provide proof of revenue, explain how the funding will support growth, and complete the assessment, with finalists also submitting a one-minute video pitch. (Grant)
Due September 3 // Founder Framework Fall 2026 Cohort | T-REX
Early-stage founders can build a stronger foundation for growth through this free, competitive 11-week program led by venture capitalist Vikram Lakhwara. In-person sessions at T-REX cover customer discovery, value propositions, business models, market sizing, go-to-market strategy, financial storytelling, and investor readiness, helping participants validate their ideas, refine product-market fit, and develop practical materials for future grants, pitch competitions, and fundraising. (Bootcamp)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
Coming Soon!
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What are you working on this week? Share in the comments below! Your feedback helps us continue to grow the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem. For event announcements or important dates, reach out to us at [email protected].
© Tenacity, LLC. This content was curated and compiled by hand, requiring hours of work each week. You may not copy, repost, or reproduce this content without permission. However, we welcome and appreciate links to the original post if you’d like to share it with your community. Thanks!