St. Louis is the place to be for entrepreneurs, tech aficionados, and marketers during the week of March 3-9. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, has carefully crafted a guide to help you make the most of the upcoming events and opportunities. Connect, learn, and thrive in our vibrant community.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Application Open // Creative Space Activation Grant | Missouri Main Street Connection
Missouri Main Street Connection offers a $10,000 grant to local Main Street organizations to activate outdoor public spaces in historic districts. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement and vibrancy through placemaking projects. Applications are accepted annually. (Funding)
Application Open // Techstars Tokyo Accelerator
A three-month accelerator in Tokyo supports early-stage startups across industries like Deeptech, Fintech, Cleantech, and Climatetech. Participants receive mentorship, funding, and access to a global network to scale their businesses. Major industry and government partners back the program to foster innovation and growth. (Accelerator)
Application Open // Square One Ignite | Cortex
This four-week program assists early-stage entrepreneurs in validating their business models. Participants engage in weekly sessions to test business assumptions, connect with mentors, and identify crucial steps for launching their ventures. The program focuses on industries such as advanced manufacturing, food, information technology, and services. (Bootcamp)
Due March 10 // Inno Maddness 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
This bracket-style competition by Inno spotlights the innovation, tech, and startup community. Nominated local startups compete in a six-round voting contest by readers to crown the Inno Madness Winner, fostering city ecosystem awareness. (Community Contest)
Due March 14 // SLU New Venture Accelerator | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
This 14-week accelerator program offers Saint Louis University students and recent alumni equity-free investments of up to $50,000, focusing on customer discovery, validation, business development, and revenue modeling. Participants engage in weekly in-person sessions in St. Louis, culminating in a demo day for investors and partners. (Accelerator)
Due April 11 // Missouri Startup Weekend
A three-day event at EquipmentShare HQ allows participants to develop business ideas with mentorship and investor support. Competitors can win a $10,000 cash prize, $15,000 in MVP development services, and potential investments exceeding $150,000. The program fosters innovation and connects entrepreneurs with industry leaders. (Startup 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.
Marketing, Startup, and Tech Events
March 3
How to Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset | Founder Institute
Join a transformative discussion that delves into adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. This event will equip participants with essential strategies and insights, fostering creativity and innovation in personal and professional endeavors. (Virtual)
March 4
Evolve: Nonprofit Marketing Summit
Engage with nonprofit professionals at a pivotal event designed to empower your organization. This summit will feature innovative sessions exploring marketing strategies, technology trends, and community-building techniques that can propel your mission forward in the digital age. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Hear Dream
Experience a refreshing approach to networking by joining other introverted women in this empowering event. Dive into curated discussion topics that foster sincere interactions, allowing your voice to shine amidst a nurturing environment where everyone is heard. (Virtual)
AI for productivity: Work smarter, not harder | Enterprise Nation
Witness the cutting-edge methods for improving workplace efficiency through AI technologies. This event promises a deep dive into actionable strategies that empower professionals to streamline their operations and reduce unnecessary workload. (Virtual)
Retail Kickoff: Trends to Watch in 2025 | EMARKETER
Ignite your knowledge of shifting retail landscapes by participating in discussions that emphasize analytics-driven decisions. Connect with experts who will provide clarity on which retailers are set to excel based on emerging trends. (Virtual)
March 5
PitchSTL | Presenters: The Green Premium
Connect with passionate entrepreneurs during this vibrant pitch night, offering them stage time and audience engagement. Presenters will share their visions while attendees provide essential feedback, fueling creativity and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Brewed Connections | HSSU – Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Celebrate the spirit of collaboration as you connect over coffee with like-minded individuals eager to grow their ventures. Discover what the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship has to offer while expanding your professional network in this engaging environment. (Virtual)
G.R.I.T. Women’s Wellness Event | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Explore the innovative strategies shared by respected professionals who are dedicated to fostering women’s health. With a focus on resilience and vitality, participants will leave inspired to take control of their wellness journeys. (In-Person)
Transforming Your Board Meeting: The Board Meeting Is Broken | Techstars
Be part of a transformative virtual series where Techstars and Zeck guide you through the intricacies of board dynamics. Learn how to convert pain points into effective practices, fostering better relationships between founders and investors in engaging sessions. (Virtual)
Business Use of Credit | SCORE Bi-State Region
Elevate your understanding of small business funding by discovering various credit avenues such as personal lines of credit and loans. Engage with experts committed to supporting your journey toward financial empowerment. (Virtual)
Founders Unplugged | TechSTL
Attend an inspiring fireside chat designed for the St. Louis entrepreneurial community. With VC Vik Lakhwara leading the discussion, guests will explore new opportunities while enjoying refreshments, making this a fantastic chance to widen your professional circle. (In-Person | The Post Building)
2025 Women’s History Month Breakfast | Focus St. Louis
Share an inspiring morning of networking and insight with St. Louis leaders at this dynamic breakfast event. Engage in meaningful discussions about leadership, career navigation, and community impact, igniting a passion for female empowerment and the journey toward transformative change. (In-Person | Missouri Athletic Club)
March 6
WP:25 Virtual Conference | Human Made
Experience insightful discussions on how WordPress will redefine enterprise solutions by 2025. Engage with leading experts as they delve into the innovations and trends that position WordPress at the forefront of business strategy. (Virtual)
The Security Paradox: More Tools, Less Security? | Google Cloud
Transform your understanding of modern cybersecurity at this engaging event that tackles the irony of more tools equating to less security. Dive deep into discussions that explore practical solutions and innovative thinking amidst a rapidly evolving tech environment. (Virtual)
The Hidden Threat of Email Decay: Strategies to Improve Your Database and Deliverability | MarketingProfs
Gain vital knowledge about the hidden risks associated with outdated email addresses. This webinar provides practical advice on improving database hygiene and safeguarding against degradation, helping you elevate your marketing efforts moving forward. (Virtual)
5 Webinar Trends for 2025 That Will Transform Your Marketing | American Marketing Association
Participate in this groundbreaking session where leading marketers will discuss vital trends impacting webinars. Learn how to create compelling experiences that connect with your audience and help achieve business goals. (Virtual)
She Suite 2025 | Olin Business School
Engage with accomplished women making an impact in business and beyond. This event features an insightful keynote, strategic negotiation techniques, and a mentorship panel highlighting career-shaping experiences. A networking reception follows, fostering meaningful connections and empowering discussions. (In-Person | Knight Hall)
Skandalaris Venture Competition Semifinals | Skandalaris Center
Embrace an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration as you join fellow attendees for an unforgettable night filled with entrepreneurial energy and excitement around innovative ideas competing for recognition and prizes (In-Person | Crowder Courtyard)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Engage in a crucial conversation about data privacy as founders gather for insights from legal expert Hannah Ji-Otto. Discover the essentials every entrepreneur must understand about protecting their venture from cybersecurity threats while navigating complex technology regulations. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
March 7
New Skills for Work/SuperCollider: Strategy & Clarity | Filament
Witness the transformative experience of mastering SuperCollider’s functionalities during this enlightening session. Participants are encouraged to engage actively, sharing ideas while learning how to navigate challenges with strategic precision and enhanced clarity. (In-Person | Filament)
Bourbon Friday
Celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship at this lively gathering where startups and changemakers unite. Engage with fellow innovators while savoring some exquisite bourbon, fostering a community dedicated to sharing insights and building lasting relationships. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
March 8
TechUp Bootcamp: Supercharge your Online Platform w/Websites & Mobile Apps | TechSTL & Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship
Learn from seasoned tech professionals as you navigate critical aspects of building impactful websites and mobile apps. The TechUp Bootcamp offers essential skills and support to help you succeed in the evolving digital landscape. (In-Person | Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship)
March 9
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Experience a dynamic blend of coding and community at this welcoming co-working session. Whether you’re working on a project, networking, or simply socializing, the space is yours to explore. A special session on Geospatial AI will uncover how location data drives real-world insights. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments! Your feedback helps us continually improve the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. And if you have an event or deadline to share, contact us at [email protected].