Attention St. Louis game-changers! The week of January 13-19 is set to ignite your professional growth. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated a list of unmissable events and opportunities for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketing maestros.
Funding, ESO, and Accelerator Opportunities
Due January 18 // DevLab Call for Speakers | TechSTL
DevLab, hosted by TechSTL in St. Louis, offers deep-tech development opportunities with expert trainers and innovative projects. Aimed at developers, designers, and managers, it features hands-on sessions enhancing intermediate-level tech skills. Topics include AI, cybersecurity, programming, and more. The event encourages active participation and skill development for portfolio enhancement. (Speaker Opportunities)
Due January 24 // BALSA Grant | The BALSA Foundation
The BALSA Grant provides first-time entrepreneurs in St. Louis a $1,500 cash grant, a 10-week Learning Series, mentoring, and a $5,000 Follow-on Grant eligibility. Applications open biannually, with the next deadline on January 24, 2025. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and can apply across all business sectors. (Funding)
Due January 24 // Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program | Watson Institute
The program is a 16-week virtual training for 25 underserved retail entrepreneurs transforming agricultural inputs or working directly in agriculture. Participants receive training, mentorship, and funding for retail readiness certifications. It includes workshops, a two-week orientation, and an Impact Workshop. Eligible applicants are impact-driven with proven products and revenue. (Training & Stipend)
Due January 31 // ’25 SXSW Midwest Madness Pitch Competition | Midwest House
Midwest House is hosting a March Madness-style pitch competition featuring 64 Midwest startups at SXSW. The top 8 finalists receive travel stipends and compete live for a $10,000 cash prize. This platform highlights innovative early-stage startups in the region. Submissions are open now! (Pitch Competition)
Due February 4 // Idea Fund | Missouri Technology Corporation
The IDEA Fund makes direct equity-based investments in Missouri’s most promising emerging companies to promote growth and encourage additional future investment. They have 4 programs: Proof of Concept for early-stage entrepreneurs, the TechLaunch for pre-seed, Seed Capital for the Seed stage, and the Venture Capital Program, which supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000. (Funding)
Due February 21 // Evergreen Climate Innovation 501VC Fund
Evergreen Climate Innovations offers investments ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 to early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region of the United States. Eligible companies should develop solutions to environmental challenges, be at the Pre-Seed or Seed stage, and be based in the specified region. (Funding)
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.
Marketing, Startup, and Tech Events
January 13
Sales Success for Non-Salespeople | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Engage in a dynamic online session designed for individuals who want to demystify sales. Led by a renowned journalist, participants will explore effective strategies to counter challenges and enhance profitability without the pressure of traditional selling techniques. (Virtual)
Lessons Learned: Founding to Scaling – Sales & Branding with Mark Kosoglow | Founder Institute
Join a dynamic conversation featuring Mark Kosoglow, where startups can glean valuable knowledge on building high-performing sales teams and navigating sustainable growth through innovative GTM tactics developed during his prosperous career in the tech sector. (Virtual)
January 14
Predict ’25 | Techstrong
Embark on exploring the future in technology and business at this premier virtual event. Engage with influential speakers who will uncover transformative shifts that await us, helping professionals navigate the evolving innovation landscape. (Virtual)
Strategies to Convert More Website Visitors & Close More Sales | WE NYC
Explore key practices that elevate your website’s conversion rate. This interactive session enables participants to identify weaknesses in their web strategy and offers actionable steps toward optimizing online engagement and revenue. (Virtual)
Startup Mindsets: A Blueprint to Thrive with Earl Valencia | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Understand the mindset characteristics that distinguish top innovators, as Earl Valencia reveals practical approaches to empower yourself and your business. This event is designed for those eager to adapt swiftly in an economically fluid environment, maximizing potential through creativity. (Virtual)
Vetworking STL January 2025
Share your experiences and grow your network with fellow veterans in a supportive environment. The event is designed for transitioning service members and job-seeking veterans, providing invaluable connections with local organizations and businesses eager to assist you. (In-Person | PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub)
January 15
Boost your productivity with AI | Enterprise Nation
Attend a dynamic online event where experts delve into leveraging AI for heightened productivity. The session will spotlight practical AI applications and trends designed to simplify operations and boost business performance, making integrating technology into your daily tasks easy. (Virtual)
Coffee with Colleagues | 39 North
Connect with fellow professionals during this cozy Coffee with Colleagues event. Set for early morning, it’s the perfect occasion to network, discuss plans for 2025, and possibly walk away with two coveted tickets to see “Shucked the Musical.” (In-Person | The Hub)
PitchSTL | Presenter: Inner Solutions & EMBr
Take in the vibrant energy of St. Louis entrepreneurship at PitchSTL every Wednesday morning. Attendees can witness firsthand how emerging business ideas are shaped and refined with constructive guidance from fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
The Future of Creativity: 5 AI Tools to Unlock Your Next Big Breakthrough | CreativeMornings
Discover the transformative power of AI in the creative sector through live demos focused on simplifying your work processes. Attendees will be able to experiment with the host and develop actionable skills to revitalize their creativity immediately. (Virtual)
Email Marketing Mastery for 2025: Boost Engagement, Deliverability, and ROI | American Marketing Association
Gain actionable insights from seasoned experts on improving your email strategies. This webinar highlights key takeaways that include crafting personalized campaigns and optimizing them with innovative technology for superior results in engagement. (Virtual)
How to Build a Simplified, Sensible Marketing Plan | SCORE – St. Louis Bi-State Region
Experience an insightful seminar designed to assist participants in building a simplified marketing plan. During this one-hour webinar, attendees will gain valuable knowledge about developing effective strategies for their unique business objectives. (Virtual)
Lunch & Learn: The Improv Shop | CIC St. Louis
Delight in an interactive Lunch & Learn that employs improvisation techniques to enhance teamwork and communication. Attendees will gain insightful strategies, new vocabulary, and a meal to enjoy while learning. (In-Person | The Showroom at CIC St. Louis – 20 S Sarah)
The $100K Website Free Marketing Masterclass | Network After Work
Join a transformative session with Estie Starr, where you’ll explore how to build a $100K website. During this engaging masterclass, learn key techniques for converting visitors into buyers and discover essential steps to achieve your business goals. (Virtual)
January 16
MAC Business Development Group Meeting | Missouri Athletic Club
Revel in an inspiring atmosphere where impactful discussions unfold. Amidst networking opportunities, immerse yourself in Jenn Whitmer’s wisdom about self-intelligence, aimed at enriching both individual leadership styles and the overall workplace experience. (In-Person | Missouri Athletic Club)
Unlock Your Unique Visibility: A Workshop for Introverted Entrepreneurs | Building Her Dream
Learn how to elevate your presence as an introverted entrepreneur through a supportive workshop on authenticity. Exchange experiences with fellow participants while crafting strategies aligned with your goals, enabling you to embrace visibility in a way that’s genuine to you. (Virtual)
Digital Marketing Trends in 2025 | American Marketing Association – St. Louis
Witness a unique opportunity to refine your marketing skills at this informative luncheon. Hear from expert Terry Sullivan as he shares insights on thriving amidst change, focusing on AI innovations, data strategies, and maximizing online customer experiences. (In-Person | Maggiano’s Little Italy)
Leadership St. Louis Info Session | Focus St. Louis
Embark on a journey of leadership exploration at this upcoming session, where interested candidates can learn everything about Leadership St. Louis—from application tips to understanding the experiences of past participants—all aimed at fostering future leaders. (Virtual)
Human-First Sales: Connecting with Clients Through Values | Freelancers Union
Experience a transformative online workshop designed for freelancers and small business owners. Through innovative approaches, discover how to align your sales strategies with your values, making the sales process authentic and effective while connecting with your ideal clients. (Virtual)
Volunteer and Networking Event: Operation Food Search | St. Louis Agribusiness Club
Join this networking event to reconnect with fellow club members and attendees as they kick off another year of St. Louis AgriBusiness Club events. Here is the information about Operation Food Search. (In-Person | Operation Food Search)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Thrive in a relaxed atmosphere designed for entrepreneurs where you can share experiences and network with fellow innovators. Enjoy connecting over stories and laughter while uncovering potential collaborations and partnerships that could shape your future ventures. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
2025 Business After Hours – Puerto Rican Society | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Unite with fellow professionals during an engaging evening designed for networking within the Hispanic Chamber. Experience a welcoming atmosphere while connecting with members and non-members who share your commitment to community and collaboration. (In-Person | The Post Building)
January 17
Learn & Earn: Grow Your Biz & Benjamins! | Grow With Google
Ignite your potential this January by participating in a workshop series dedicated to growing businesses financially and strategically. Each session promises fun learning experiences and chances to win gift cards, ensuring knowledge gain and reward. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
Celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in St. Louis through engaging discussions and bourbon tastings. This weekly event invites you to appreciate local stories, challenges, and triumphs while sipping on expertly selected bourbons. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
January 18
Business Growth Strategies in 2025 | TechSTL & Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship
Take an enriching experience at the TechUp Bootcamp, small business owners will learn vital tech tools and growth strategies tailored for 2025. Engage with industry experts through intensive workshops to elevate your business in a competitive environment. (In-Person | Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship)
New Year, More Intentional You Brunch | Smart Counseling Solutions
Marvel at an invigorating gathering that prioritizes genuine connection over mere resolutions. Throughout this brunch, you’ll partake in activities aimed at reflecting on personal aspirations while building community bonds alongside fellow attendees. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s got you excited for the upcoming week? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Your feedback is crucial in helping us enhance the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. And if there’s an event or deadline we should know about, email us at [email protected].