St. Louis’ vibrant ecosystem is buzzing with opportunities for entrepreneurs, techies, and marketers from August 26 to September 1. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has meticulously crafted a guide to ensure you maximize the upcoming events and resources. Dive in and elevate your professional journey.
Funding, ESO, and Accelerator Opportunities
Due August 31 // Queer to Stay | Human Rights Campaign
This initiative supports LGBTQ+ small businesses, focusing on those owned by people of color, women, and transgender individuals. Grants address financial hardships; this program has awarded over $1 million to over 100 businesses since 2020, providing crucial support and promoting community resilience. (Grant)
Due August 31 // EmpowHer Grants | Boundless Futures Foundation
This grant program supports early-stage women entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations that assist female business owners. Individual entrepreneurs can receive up to $25,000 for businesses addressing social issues, while nonprofits can request up to $30,000. Grants focus on poverty, sustainability, and community building. Individual applications are open year-round, reviewed quarterly, and for nonprofits twice a year. Funding aids business expenses and program support, fostering impactful and sustainable female-led ventures. (Grant)
Due September 3 // Apple Entrepreneur Camp
This program offers immersive technology labs, mentorship, and support for underrepresented founders of app-driven businesses. Participants gain access to Apple engineers, designers, and experts to enhance their apps, refine business strategies, and expand their networks. The initiative focuses on empowering diverse leaders to innovate and scale their ventures. Applications are open for upcoming sessions, and selected participants attend a hands-on experience at Apple’s headquarters. (Incubator)
Due September 15 // ROMBA Startup Pitch Competition
Pitch your startup to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors who will provide valuable feedback and advice on your pitch and business model. The winner will receive a $2,500 prize to help move their venture to the next level. All entrants must be current LGBTQ+ or active ally MBAs/graduate students. (Pitch Competition)
Due September 15 // Outta Excuses Small Business Empowerment Grant
This grant program offers $3,000 quarterly to small businesses, with a bonus $10,000 grant opportunity. Applicants must have a registered LLC or non-profit, earn under $500,000 annually, and participate in strategic coaching if selected. Benefits include financial assistance and 30 days of free strategic coaching aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. (Grant)
Due September 17 // Female Founder World Grant
This grant offers $15,000 and marketing support to a U.S.-based small business within a specific community, aimed at those with annual revenues between $40,000 and $1,000,000, fewer than 10 employees, and demonstrated product-market fit. The funds are intended for marketing, manufacturing, or R&D efforts. (Grant)
Due September 21 // Pet Care Innovation Prize | Purina
This program awards $150,000 in total to five early-stage companies in the pet care sector. Each finalist receives $25,000, with an additional $25,000 for the grand prize winner. Benefits include a business development bootcamp, an opportunity to pitch at a major industry expo, and access to a network of industry innovators. (Pitch Competition)
Due October 1 // Olin StartUp Grants | WashU Olin Entrepreneurship Program
This program offers $25,000 non-dilutive grants to early-stage startups with ties to Washington University or St. Louis. Participants submit a pitch deck, and top startups present to students and venture capitalists. The selection process provides real venture capital experience. Applications are open from August 1 to October 1. (Grant)
Free WordPress Speed Optimizations for Non-Profits
Tenacity has officially launched SwingSpan, a Digital Divide program that provides free WordPress Speed Optimizations for Non-profits. So if you are part of a non-profit or know someone who is, and they use WordPress for their website, apply at Swingspan.app.
Startup, Marketing, and Tech Events
August 26
August 26 – September 1 // TechSTL Takeover at Heydays HQ | TechSTL
Embrace a delightful week of coworking with fellow members at TechSTL’s event! Indulge in complimentary snacks while attending exciting gatherings such as the Networking Breakfast on Tuesday morning or the fun-filled Pizza Lunch on Friday afternoon. (In-Person | Heydays HQ)
“Intrapreneurship” to Elevate Your Career! | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Discover the secrets of intrapreneurship with Nora Ali as she shares her multifaceted journey. Understand how to innovate in your current role, harness relationships, and elevate your career through actionable insights from her diverse industry experiences. (Virtual)
Typical Branding Pitfalls Masterclass | CreativeMornings
Celebrate the opportunity to enhance your branding prowess in a lively masterclass led by industry expert Vannett Li. Attendees are encouraged to submit their business details for a personalized analysis of potential branding shortcomings during this enlightening experience. (Virtual)
August 27
Without Walls Marketing Conference | Without Wall Marketing
Join fellow marketers and content creators for a transformative day with dynamic keynotes and engaging workshops. Learn innovative strategies from industry leaders to amplify your skills in digital media while connecting with other creatives eager to expand their networks. (In-Person | Rung for Women)
Intro to the Tech Business Model Canvas | MO SBDC
Learn valuable approaches during this engaging webinar where technology startups can discover how to build a business model canvas. This session will equip you with essential tools for understanding market dynamics and customer needs that fuel innovation. (Virtual)
Revolutionizing Your Consumer Insights Program | AMA
Absorb pivotal consumer insights as you engage with leaders from PepsiCo and Zappi. This course unfolds its transformative journey to creating a consumer-centric brand, equipping attendees with tools needed to foster the integration of insights into business decisions. (Virtual)
The Legal Implications Of Artificial Intelligence | SCORE Bi-State Region
Transform your understanding of artificial intelligence law through this compelling online event. Participants will investigate pressing questions regarding liability and ethical usage of AI, making it a must-attend for forward-thinking professionals. (Virtual)
Mastering Email Campaign Execution | Martech
Experience an informative exploration of email marketing’s evolving landscape. The webinar covers the critical role of execution in campaigns, featuring case studies and discussions on future trends and technology that empower marketers to engage effectively with customers. (Virtual)
August Virtual Meet & Greet | Techstars
Dive into the world of entrepreneurship with Techstars’ virtual meet and greet. Participants can learn about valuable resources, including capital access and mentorship programs, while connecting with industry experts ready to guide startup acceleration. (Virtual)
Simplifying Disruption, Demand, and Data for Financial Services Marketing | EMARKETER
Understand how to cut through the noise in financial services marketing during this engaging webinar. Expert presenters will share proven techniques to effectively harness data, drive demand, and create impactful marketing campaigns in a saturated environment. (Virtual)
Sustainability Lab: Healthy & Climate-Resilient Homes | OneSTL
Ignite your passion for sustainability by attending a dynamic conversation featuring key findings from the transformative report on housing health issues. Network with various stakeholders and discover actionable steps toward fostering an environmentally conscious community in St. Louis. (In-Person | T-REX)
August 28
My two successful exits and what I look for in investments | Enterprise Nation
Gain insights into scaling tech companies and discover what investors seek in potential ventures. Join Pip Wilson as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting two successful exits and providing key strategies for aspiring business leaders. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenter: Seamly Systems
Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey by connecting with like-minded innovators in St. Louis at this inclusive event series. Watch as selected startups present their ideas while receiving valuable advice to enhance their business strategies. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
2024 Fall M&A Bootcamp: The Ultimate Guide to Mergers & Acquisitions | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Unveil key tactics and winning approaches as renowned experts tackle pressing mergers and acquisitions questions. This event aims to equip attendees with knowledge crucial for making informed business decisions. (Virtual)
G.R.I.T. Community August Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Bask in the rich discussions fostered by our expert panelists as they share their unique experiences in entrepreneurship. Connect over shared goals and ideas while savoring delicious food. (In-Person | Des Peres Lodge)
How To Build an $8 Million Inbound Machine | Moz
Connect with leaders in the marketing field during a live session focusing on inevitable challenges faced in client acquisition today. Together, participants will explore actionable insights on leveraging SEO and content strategies for lasting success. (Virtual)
Entrepreneurship Certificate Info Session | UMSL Anchor Accelerator
Join this engaging online session, where you will explore pathways to enhance your entrepreneurial skills. Learn about targeted courses to help scale your business effectively through specific strategies and solutions tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs. (Virtual)
Mastering Client Attraction in The Age of AI | Network After Work
Venture into the future of business networking beyond traditional methods. Join this dynamic event to explore cutting-edge digital strategies that promise to boost your contacts and accelerate achieving your business goals. (Virtual)
USGIF SLAWG Meeting | USGIF
This meeting focuses on enhancing St. Louis’s geospatial science careers and education, fostering collaboration among professionals to support regional development. (In-Person | The GEOINT Hub at T-REX)
STL Black Tech Gathering at Heydays HQ | TechSTL
Delight in a networking experience that showcases talented individuals making waves in technology. This event aims to uplift voices from the Black community through engaging dialogues and opportunities for collaboration. (In-Person | Heydays HQ)
Funding for Founders Incubator Graduation and Networking Event | HSSU – The Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Witness the culmination of hard work and innovation at this engaging graduation event. Network with nonprofit leaders and volunteers while exploring opportunities for collaboration that support critical community needs throughout St. Louis and beyond. (In-Person | The Moto Museum)
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas | Founder Institute
Take part in this inspiring workshop aimed at uncovering the secrets to developing groundbreaking startup ideas. Network with like-minded individuals while gaining insights from industry leader Jonathan Greechan, who will help you transform your rough concepts into viable business plans. (Virtual)
August 29
Women’s Business Certification | New Growth Women’s Business Center
Dive into an enlightening discussion about the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program during this no-cost webinar. Learn directly from Igor Soares as he outlines valuable benefits and necessary steps for certification in government contracting. (Virtual)
The Art of AI Prompting for B2B Marketers | Goldcast & MarketingProfs
Immerse yourself in an enlightening workshop dedicated to refining your AI prompting skills. With hands-on guidance, you will acquire essential techniques for producing compelling marketing copy that resonates deeply with audiences, resulting in impactful communications. (Virtual)
Ask An Expert: Perfecting your Pitch! | Start Small Think Big
Gain invaluable insights from seasoned experts in this dynamic event tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees will receive guidance on key pitch elements before diving into practice sessions that allow for real-time feedback and improvement. (Virtual)
Downtown Summer Nights: Performance Night | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Revel in the festive spirit of summer nights at Kiener Plaza! With activities like film screenings and dynamic live music lined up weekly between June and August, enjoy delightful evenings filled with community camaraderie. (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Entrepreneurs can enjoy an evening fostering relationships, exchanging stories, and gathering insights. It promotes networking, provides opportunities for potential collaborations, and includes inspirational talks from successful entrepreneurs. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
Social Club Thursdays! | KRe8 Spaces
Cherish the opportunity to unwind with fellow creatives each week at Social Club Thursdays! Featuring diverse gaming options and entertaining discussions, this event guarantees relaxation and meaningful connections in a comfortable environment. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
August 30
August 26 – September 1 // Fall 2024 Queeny Art Fair
Appreciate the blend of fine arts and lively entertainment at this accessible venue. Visitors can relish in varied musical acts alongside the impressive artwork each day, creating an inviting space for conversation and connection. (In-Person | Queeny Park)
Bourbon Friday @ TechArtista Downtown
It’s Friday, and it’s not Friday without Bourbon Friday. And you can join us at Techartista Downtown for our weekly social gathering celebrating the St. Louis startup scene. Stop by for 3 minutes or 3 hours for more great drinks and better conversations. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
September 1
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Savor an afternoon of creativity and collaboration as St. Louis Code and Coffee brings together tech experts and newcomers. In this relaxed environment, engage in project work, networking, or chat over coffee. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s sparking your interest this week? Let us know in the comments! Your feedback is essential for us to continue improving the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. For any upcoming events or deadlines, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].