Entrepreneurs, techies, and marketers in St. Louis, gear up for an eventful week! During the week of January 27 – February 2, our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated a detailed guide of events and opportunities to help you connect, learn, and thrive. Get out and make the most of our thriving ecosystem.
Funding, Accelerator, and ESO Opportunities
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 ensured STLSW happens annually since 2019. Please help us make STLSW 2025 our best year yet! Check out a list of all the STL Startup Week committee roles that need filling. (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)
Due March 1 // The Startup Challenge | Powered by Snowflake
Early-stage AI startups can compete for up to $1 million in investments, mentorship from industry leaders, and global exposure by building applications leveraging Snowflake’s Data Cloud. Finalists gain opportunities for networking, showcasing innovations, and significant industry recognition. (Competition)
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, Tech, and Marketing Events
January 27
Plan, Engage, Execute: A Video Marketing Strategy for Entrepreneurs | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Enhance your business acumen by mastering video marketing strategies that effectively convert audiences, boost revenue, and garner media attention for your expertise. This workshop is tailored for entrepreneurs leveraging video content to elevate their brand presence. (Virtual)
January 28
Modeling, Simulation & Gaming Working Group Meeting | USGIF
Take part in an engaging virtual meeting featuring insights from the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation team. Discover advancements in imagery characterization that enhance remote sensing techniques and foster collaboration across the geospatial intelligence community. (Virtual)
Realize Your Creative Vision in 2025 | Martech
Ignite your creative potential in this informative session that will reveal how Connected TV can enhance your marketing strategy. Learn effective video techniques and the right timing for refreshing your video creatives to ensure impactful advertising. (Virtual)
Power Your Your Sales Strategy Potential | WE NYC
Embrace the opportunity to enhance your sales acumen in this interactive workshop. Led by Sandra Garcia, participants will explore strategies to recognize key opportunities, deepen client relationships, and effectively close deals using hands-on techniques and expert guidance. (Virtual)
How to Transition to Entrepreneurship Full-Time | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Understand the pathways of successful career transitions in this interactive session led by esteemed educators. Participants will walk away equipped with practical tools and approaches to evaluate their unique circumstances and make informed job moves. (Virtual)
Understanding Google’s Turbulent Year and What’s Next in 2025 | Wheelhouse DMG
Imagine exploring Google’s impactful changes that have defined the past year. This event promises valuable strategies and practical insights for navigating the evolving search landscape in 2025. (Virtual)
Sustainability Lab: St. Louis County Comprehensive Plan | OneSTL
Dive into an engaging discussion on sustainability at the Lab, focusing on community needs including affordable housing and efficient energy solutions, essential elements highlighted through extensive public input. (In-Person | T-REX)
Turn KPIs into a Winning Business Strategy: Measuring What Matters | Start Small Think Big
Participate in an engaging session on mastering KPIs every small business should follow. Gain valuable insights on traffic, conversion rates, and customer retention that will help refine your decision-making process for sustainable growth. (Virtual)
January 29
PitchSTL | Presenters: Phoenix & Inner Critic Coaching Hypnosis
Kick off your entrepreneurial journey with PitchSTL, the supportive platform for startup founders in St. Louis. With dedicated time for presentations and invaluable feedback from peers, this event promotes growth through shared insights and community engagement. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Effective Interviewing: Practice and Perspective | CreativeMornings
Witness a transformative experience as you navigate effective interviewing strategies during this workshop. Led by an expert coach, participants will gain insider knowledge and actionable insights to empower their job search endeavors. (Virtual)
Utilizing the Library for Business Research | SCORE – St. Louis Bi-State Region
Engage with essential business insights during this unique event, where you’ll learn how to utilize library resources for market research. This engaging 60-minute session offers valuable strategies for smart entrepreneurs seeking to expand their competitive edge. (Virtual)
VisionBOOST: Pitching for Capital | HSSU – Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs in an immersive learning environment to gain insights into effective pitching methods. This event will empower you with the tools necessary to captivate investors and elevate your venture. (In-Person | The Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Gen AI Observability for Javascript Developers | Google Cloud
Soak up groundbreaking strategies tailored for modern JavaScript development at this unique event. Participants will gain critical knowledge essential for implementing effective observability practices, creating robust applications that meet users’ evolving needs. (Virtual)
Mastering Client Attraction in The Age of AI | Network After Work
This webinar will equip you with essential skills for navigating client attraction using AI tools. Learn from industry leaders about effective marketing strategies that promise to double your contacts and significantly reduce your sales cycles. (Virtual)
Why health? Reimagining what we think about when we think about health | The Assembly Series, Washington University
Enjoy an enlightening presentation where Dean Galea encourages us to reflect on what it means to be healthy today. Emphasizing achievements while challenging conventional wisdom, this event aims to provoke critical thinking about the true essence of health in society. (In-Person | Graham Chapel)
January 30
Five sales strategies to confidently grow your business | Enterprise Nation
Ignite your sales potential by learning innovative strategies to reshape your interactions with customers. This insightful webinar by Leisa Pickles will provide tools to overcome sales challenges through authentic connections and enjoyable processes. (Virtual)
Developing a Marketing Strategy | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Thrive as you engage in this valuable online event where seasoned facilitators help you shape your marketing foundations. This module will cover everything from crafting personas to mastering elevator pitches—all vital skills for today’s successful businesses. (Virtual)
GRIT January Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Transform your perspective on resilience through a compelling panel discussion focused on triumphs in challenging environments. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights to navigate their career journeys with confidence. (In-Person | The Lodge Des Peres)
Innovators Hour | BIOGENERATOR
Experience a vibrant gathering as innovators in bioscience come together for the inaugural Innovation Hour. This monthly event offers a unique opportunity to explore the dynamic ecosystem of St. Louis’s bioscience sector and network with like-minded individuals. (In-Person | BioSTL Building)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Elevate your networking opportunities by joining a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can socialize, learn, and find potential partners as you navigate the challenging waters of startup development. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
January 31
Bourbon Friday @ TechArtista Downtown
Unite with fellow entrepreneurs for an unforgettable night filled with inspiration and distillation! Attendees will enjoy mingling with like-minded individuals while indulging in handcrafted bourbon tastings that celebrate innovation and community spirit. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Learn & Earn: Grow Your Biz & Benjamins! | Grow With Google
Venture into a world of business growth at an interactive workshop series. Each session introduces practical skills and knowledge aimed at transforming your business strategy while offering chances to win weekly gift cards for attendees. (Virtual)
February 1
TechUp Bootcamp: AI-Powered Email Newsletters & Social Media | TechSTL & Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship
Experience a transformative bootcamp focusing on AI-driven solutions. Small business owners will master creating profitable email newsletters while optimizing social media strategies to elevate their market reach in today’s digital landscape. (In-Person | Urban League – Center for Entrepreneurship)
February 2
NFTs Decoded: The New Frontier For Creative Entrepreneurs | nan
Share in an exciting exploration of NFTs for artists seeking innovative ways to earn. Attendees will learn everything from cryptocurrency requirements to actual minting processes, culminating in personal creations ready for market placement. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
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What’s got you excited in the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing world this week? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you’re hosting an event or have a key deadline approaching, please let us know at [email protected].