St. Louis entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketers, listen up! The week of February 3-9 is brimming with opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated a must-see guide to help you make the most of our dynamic community.
Funding, Accelerator, and ESO Opportunities
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
February 3
How to Build a World-Class eCommerce Business, Step by Step | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Join a comprehensive online session aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs, where you will learn how to successfully sell on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay while effectively marketing your business through social media. (Virtual)
Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Trasition to Startup Founder | Founder Institute
Take in the essential lessons and experiences shared by individuals who have made the leap from job security to founding their own companies. Attendees will discuss challenges, strategies, and get insight into their own entrepreneurial journeys during this informative session. (Virtual)
February 4
February 4-5 // ReACH AgriFood Innovation Summit | BioSTL
Transform your understanding of regenerative agriculture by connecting with pioneering innovators and industry leaders. This event promises a wealth of knowledge through insightful talks, shared experiences from farmers, and unique networking opportunities aimed at fueling sustainable change in agrifood systems. (In-Person | Donald Danforth Plant Science Center)
The Creative Freelancers Guide to Thriving in 2025 | Freelancers Union
Uncover strategies that will empower you as a freelancer in 2025! Join an inspiring workshop where renowned coach Justine Clay shares invaluable insights on enhancing focus, overcoming challenges, and positioning yourself as a leader amidst rapid change. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Her Dream
Gain insights and lasting relationships as you connect with fellow introverted women professionals. Engage in energizing small-group conversations where your voice matters, making this a perfect opportunity to collaborate, share challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes. (Virtual)
Customer Discovery Workshop | Skandalaris Center
Enhance your skills in recognizing market needs through an interactive workshop led by a seasoned design strategist. Attendees will explore methodologies for effectively validating their ideas against real customer problems. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Personal Credit for Entrepreneurs | WE NYC
Dive into the world of personal finance and discover how to leverage your credit for business growth. You’ll explore effective methods for maintaining good credit and safeguarding against pitfalls that can hinder your entrepreneurial ambitions. (Virtual)
February 5
PitchSTL | Presenters: Vivamax & Riverwatz
Explore the vibrant ecosystem designed for St. Louis startups, featuring local entrepreneurs presenting their innovative ideas in a supportive, collaborative environment. Attendees can connect while absorbing valuable feedback during interactive Q&A sessions following each pitch. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Brewed Connections | HSSU – Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Explore the vibrant ecosystem designed for St. Louis startups, featuring local entrepreneurs presenting their innovative ideas in a supportive, collaborative environment. Attendees can connect while absorbing valuable feedback during interactive Q&A sessions following each pitch. (Virtual)
Prioritizing Bootstrapping: Strategies for Entrepreneurs in Consumer Retail | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Embrace the chance to learn from accomplished women entrepreneurs as they share their paths to success through bootstrapping. The speakers will offer insights into effective decision-making processes and highlight when to adopt this powerful approach for long-term sustainability. (Virtual)
4 LinkedIn Engagement Growth Hacks for 2025 | Network After Work
Enhance your LinkedIn strategy by mastering the creation of interactive polls tailored to pertinent groups. This approach not only stimulates engaging discussions but also provides actionable insights, elevating your network’s interaction and expanding your professional reach. (Virtual)
February 6
How Employee Advocacy Brings the Human Back to B2B | MarketingProfs
Unveil the impact of employee advocacy on brand awareness and business outcomes. Industry experts discuss successful programs that connect brand initiatives to measurable results, highlighting the types of content that inspire employees to build credibility and drive engagement. (Virtual)
Business Plans Made Simple | SCORE – St. Louis Bi-State Region
Absorb valuable insights during this concentrated hour focused on making business planning accessible. Participants will leave equipped with practical knowledge and renewed determination, setting the stage for future success. (Virtual)
Beers with the Beat | St. Louis Business Journal
Enhance your professional network by engaging with key players in St. Louis’ entrepreneurship scene during this informal event. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss industry trends, exchange insights, and explore potential partnerships in a convivial setting. (In-Person | Spark Coworking – St. Louis)
Intro to the Tech Business Model Canvas | MOSBDC
Gain insights into market research and customer discovery for technology-driven businesses. This webinar introduces essential frameworks for analyzing market needs, differentiating solutions, and leveraging data to shape a startup’s growth strategy from the ground up. (Virtual)
Skandalaris Center IdeaBounce® | Skandalaris Center
Experience the dynamic energy of IdeaBounce®, where innovators present their business concepts in a supportive environment. Participants deliver concise pitches, receive constructive feedback from entrepreneurial leaders, and engage with peers to foster collaboration and growth. The event culminates with cash prizes awarded to standout ideas, encouraging excellence and innovation within the community. (In-Person | Umrath Lounge @ WashU)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Enjoy an evening dedicated to fostering connections among aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. With inspirational talks lined up, you’ll gain fresh perspectives to help propel your startup towards success and collaborative ventures ahead. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
February 7
EMARKETER Summit: Creator Economy Trends 2025 | EMARKETER
Explore the emerging trends of the creator economy, as experts share insights on AI’s role and brand partnerships. Gain valuable strategies for adapting content across various platforms and discovering the impactful creators in this evolving landscape. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
Partake in an inspiring gathering focused on entrepreneurship as you enjoy quality bourbon tastings. This event offers a unique platform for creatives and entrepreneurs in the St. Louis area to network and engage in meaningful conversations about their journeys. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
February 9
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Engage with a vibrant community of tech enthusiasts at this open co-working event aimed at all skill levels. Whether you prefer networking over coffee or diving into projects, the choice is yours in this welcoming atmosphere. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Let us know in the comments what’s exciting you for the days ahead! Your insights and ideas are instrumental in shaping the future of the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. And for any events or deadlines you’d like us to be aware of, please email us at [email protected].