Get ready to network, learn, and grow in St. Louis! The week of January 20-26 is bursting with opportunities for the entrepreneurial, tech, and marketing community. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated a guide to help you navigate this exciting landscape.
Accelerator, Funding, and ESO 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 10 // STL Startup Week Committee Applications
STL Startup Week is organized primarily by local startup champions, advocates, civic leaders, and founders. This outstanding team of volunteers has continued to make sure STLSW happens annually since 2019. Help us make STLSW 2025 our best year yet! Check out a list of all of the STL Startup Week committee roles that need to be filled. (Community Opportunity)
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.
Tech, Marketing, and Startup Events
January 20
No events today!
January 21
2025 Funnel Focus: Build Your Video Funnel for Consistent Leads | Connect Video
Venture into a transformative experience with a hands-on workshop to develop your video marketing funnel, complemented by script creation and AI tools. Gain essential tactics for lead generation that will propel your business forward. (In-Person | Adventure Unknown)
Networking for Fundraising and Market Access | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Engage in a transformative online session where founders will learn how to expand their networks strategically. Marion Siboni, an expert in creating impactful connections, will guide participants in nurturing relationships leading to funding and market access opportunities. (Virtual)
How to Close More Sales with Email Marketing | WE NYC
Experience the power of email marketing in this engaging workshop designed for small businesses and nonprofits. Attendees will learn strategies to build their email lists, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales through effective marketing practices. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Her Dream
Unite with other introverted women who understand the desire for deeper connections over superficial interactions. This online event invites you to explore new relationships through structured, relaxed conversations that enhance your visibility among peers. (Virtual)
January 22
January 22-23 // AI Deep Dive Edition | Google Cloud
Indulge your curiosity by diving into the complexities of AI frameworks that drive innovation today. Engage with experts while investigating how Generative AI and Gemini models are shaping diverse sectors, encouraging attendees to apply new concepts within their own practice areas. (Virtual)
January 22-23 // Virtual Conference: The Year Ahead in Marketing | American Marketing Association
Kick off two days of insightful discussions focused on the evolving marketing landscape. Engage with industry experts as they share key trends and innovative strategies essential for success in a rapidly changing environment. (Virtual)
Using AI insights to make smart business moves | Enterprise Nation
Appreciate the opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert in this concise 30-minute webinar. Tara Elzingre will guide you through actionable AI applications that can transform how you engage with customers and optimize your marketing approach. (Virtual)
Speed Mentoring | Focus St. Louis
Attend this free mentoring event to jump-start your 2025 career resolutions! Gain access to the knowledge of seasoned leaders ready to help you tackle your leadership challenges head-on in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. (In-Person | Missouri Athletic Club)
Coffee Talks @21c: Ownership | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Take part in a dynamic Coffee Talk that dives deep into the significance of nurturing business acumen in youth. Participants will engage with experts from Dreambuilders 4 Equity, discussing critical mentorship roles and community support in entrepreneurship. (In-Person | 21c Hotel)
Recognise and Respond to Gender Bias | CreativeMornings
Embark on a journey to understand gender bias through dynamic reenactments. This engaging workshop will explore subtle biases experienced in workplaces and equip participants with practical strategies for fostering more inclusive environments. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Treasure Wallet Hunt & Midwest Express Home Care
Marvel at the creativity of local founders sharing ambitious ideas while benefiting from constructive questions and support from fellow participants—this nurturing community is dedicated to making every pitch matter. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Brewed Connections | HSSU – Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Bask in a morning filled with coffee and conversation as the startup community gathers to connect and learn. Discover the supportive programs at the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship while sharing your insights with fellow entrepreneurs. (In-Person | The Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Customer Discovery Workshop | Skandalaris Center
Join fellow entrepreneurs to explore essential strategies for market discovery. Under the guidance of Ryan Osero, delve into methods that reveal customer needs and enhance your approach to problem-solving and innovation. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Understanding Financial Statements | SCORE – St. Louis Bi-State Region
Engage in a workshop designed to demystify business financial statements. Participants will learn essential accounting terms, meanings, and fundamental rules over a concise 1.5-hour virtual session, perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their financial knowledge. (Virtual)
What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research | Founder Institute
Uncover the essential traits that define successful entrepreneurs in an enlightening online session. Jonathan Greechan will share insights from extensive research and help you evaluate your potential as a startup founder through engaging discussions. (Virtual)
January 23
Data-Driven Strategies for Retail Success | MARTECH
Participate in an engaging exploration of innovative tactics that drive retail success today. Expert speakers will delve into practical applications of AI, A/B testing, and personalization techniques aimed at maximizing impact during the peak shopping seasons and beyond. (Virtual)
Beyond Prompts: How Agentic AI Redefines Real-Time Decision Making | EMARKETER
Witness firsthand how agentic AI is paving the way for smarter business decisions. This session aims to provide marketers with actionable knowledge on leveraging advanced AI technologies to streamline processes and drive innovation across their organizations. (Virtual)
Thrive Thursday @ NCIC | NCIC – North County Innovation Center
Celebrate your professional journey by uniting with fellow innovators during a dynamic networking session. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange insights, and empower your career growth amidst a supportive community at the North County Innovation Center. (In-Person | NCIC)
Inbox Zero: Conquer Your Email with Automation and AI | The Commons
Join this session to finally find the secrets to conquering your inbox! Gain practical knowledge about leveraging AI and automation, ensuring you can transform overwhelming email clutter into an organized system that empowers your daily productivity. (In-Person | The Commons)
BuildIT @ the Post | TechSTL
Kick off your next big idea night at BuildIT @ the Post, where local tech innovators converge to share insights and experiences. Engage in meaningful conversations aimed at inspiring collaboration among St. Louis’s brightest minds in technology. (In-Person | The Post Building)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Revel in a relaxed atmosphere designed for fostering meaningful connections between founders. As you share laughs and stories, let the evening unfold into valuable networking opportunities that could shape your entrepreneurial future. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
WashU/T-REX Geospatial in Motion | WashU Continuing & Professional Studies
In partnership with the T-REX Innovation Center, WashU Continuing & Professional Studies is hosting this event for prospective and current students interested in GIS to learn the importance of geospatial science and connect with geospatial professionals. (In-Person | T-REX)
January 24
Learn & Earn: Grow Your Biz & Benjamins! | Grow With Google
Connect with industry experts during an interactive online workshop series where you can learn how to attract customers through Google tools. Gain valuable insights into boosting sales and marketing your business effectively, with opportunities for amazing rewards. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
During this exciting happy hour, partake in a unique blend of entrepreneurship and bourbon tasting. Attendees will have the chance to mingle and exchange ideas, gaining insights from fellow innovators while savoring delightful whiskey selections throughout the evening. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Microbusiness Socials | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Explore connections and reflections at Urban Eats, where microbusinesses gather for shared learning and networking. Engage in pitching practices, celebrate achievements, and check on objectives—discover the power of community support for business success. (In-Person | Urban Eats)
January 25
Makers and Murals | Loutopia
Experience the fusion of art and community as participants delve into the fundamentals of mural creation and placemaking, at this workshop, led by Jayvn Solomon, contributing to Loutopia’s inaugural site. This inclusive event welcomes individuals from all creative backgrounds to collaborate and express their artistic talents. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
January 26
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Take in an afternoon dedicated to coding and networking within the tech community. With interactive introduction circles and member-led workshops, participants can dive into their projects while soaking up advice from peers. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Tell us what you’re looking forward to in the coming days! Your thoughts help elevate the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing ecosystem. Don’t forget to reach out to [email protected] if you have an upcoming event or important date to share.