Following the devastating tornado that hit St. Louis on May 16, 2025, we stand in awe of our community’s resilience and strength as recovery efforts begin. In spite of these challenges, St. Louis movers and shakers, take note! May 26 – June 1 brings exceptional events for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketing professionals. We have developed a strategic guide to help you maximize your engagement with our vibrant community.
tornado response resources
For those affected by the storm, St. Louis is coming together to provide much needed resources. Here are few and ways to find even more.
Tornado Recovery Information | City of St. Louis
The main resource center for the region that provides links to city services, utilities, volunteering, donations, and more.City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund
This fund supports the City of St. Louis’ efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term rebuilding of areas impacted by the tornado. This fund will be supported by charitable dollars only.Volunteer for Storm Recovery | Action St. Louis
Volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute items to individuals affected by the storm. Volunteers will also help with debris removal.Preliminary Business Assessment | SLDC
This survey will be used to determine the extent of the damage done in the business community in order to determine solutions and needs going forward.WeBuild Initiative | TechSTL
This is a rapid-response effort to connect volunteer tech talent to support the work addressing urgent community needs after the recent tornadoes. Get support or volunteer.Free Coworking | TechartistA, Spark Coworking, and ThriveCo
If you are someone you know was impacted by the storm, free cowork available at the TA UCity & Downtown, Spark St. Louis, and ThriveCo Locations Locations. No Signup Necessary.
Please stay safe. help if can, when you can. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger than before.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Application Open // Square Ignite | Cortex Square One
This four-week program helps early-stage entrepreneurs validate 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 June 11 // Techstars Accelerators
A three-month accelerator that 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. Applications are now open for Future of Finance, Build in Tulsa, AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alabama EnergyTech, Boston, Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, Economic Mobility Powered by Samvid Ventures, Future of Food Powered by Ecolab, Healthcare powered by Permanente Medicine Mid-Atlantic States, New York City, San Diego powered by San Diego State University, Space, and Tech Central Sydney powered by the NSW Government. (Accelerator)
Due June 15 // Inno Under 25 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
To highlight some of our youngest entrepreneurs and innovators, St. Louis Inno compiles a list each year of promising and accomplished future leaders in the city’s startup scene. This is a recognition of the top founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders under 25 in the St. Louis region. (Community Awards)
Due June 15 // Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
The Champions for Diversity & Inclusion program will honor individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace and the St. Louis community. Additionally, two awards will honor companies and nonprofits championing the cause of making St. Louis a more diverse and inclusive. (Community Awards)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
May 26
Memorial Day Observances & Celebrations
There are so many opportunities to take part in Memorial Day in St. Louis. (In-Person | Various)
May 27
QFest St. Louis | Cinema St. Louis
Engage with a vibrant showcase of LGBTQ+ films at the festival, celebrating bold narratives and brave storytellers. Explore themes of defiance through various documentaries and features that highlight the fight for visibility and liberation. (In-Person | Hi-Pointe Theatre)
Your Countdown to AI Success | Women Empowering Women
Transform your approach to business by participating in a dynamic networking event focused on empowering women. Gain insights from experienced professionals and learn how collaboration can drive growth and innovation in your journey. (In-Person | Firefly Grill STL)
AI Agents: Your Business on Autopilot | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Dive into the world of AI as you learn how to create tailored AI agents that can automate your business workflows. Discover practical strategies for accelerating growth and making informed decisions with expert insights from industry leaders. (Virtual)
How to Structure a Business Plan | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with this focused online workshop aimed at shaping exceptional business plans. Attendees will learn valuable skills in market research, strategy formulation, and financial structuring, critical for launching new ventures. (Virtual)
May Virtual Meet and Greet | Techstars
Soak up the dynamic energy as industry pioneers unveil their projects, sharing insights on trends that shape our digital landscape. This is an exceptional opportunity to network and expand your knowledge in a hands-on environment designed for growth. (Virtual)
Sustainability Lab: Regional Green Workforce Analysis | OneSTL
Join experts and community members for an engaging Sustainability Lab focusing on job creation in the St. Louis region. Attendees can partake in insightful discussions about workforce needs and opportunities while addressing barriers to retention, such as transportation challenges. (In-Person | T-REX)
Tech on Tap Networking – Metro East STL | TechSTL
Soak up the atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie as you connect with fellow tech professionals. With insightful talks from industry leaders and refreshments available, this gathering promises fruitful exchanges that inspire future innovations. (In-Person | Old Herald Brewery)
AI Happy Hour | Saint Louis Generative AI Lab
Kick off engaging conversations about artificial intelligence in a welcoming environment. Join fellow enthusiasts in discussing various topics of interest while enjoying food and beverages available for purchase as you make new connections. (In-Person | Westport Social)
May 28
Coffee Talks @21c: Ending the Cycle – Together in St. Louis | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
At this community-focused event, venture into a crucial dialogue addressing period poverty and diaper need. Engage with local advocates, learn about impactful solutions, and discover how you can contribute to ending these pressing health issues affecting families in St. Louis. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis)
G.R.I.T. Women’s Leadership Expo – 3rd Annual | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Share in a transformative experience designed for women leaders, featuring inspiring talks from G.R.I.T. authors and booths showcasing local entrepreneurs. Enjoy networking opportunities amidst food trucks and engage with like-minded individuals committed to growth and empowerment. (In-Person | Maryville University)
Strategy Lab Marketing & Branding Workshop – May Edition | Connect Video
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs collaboratively as you explore practical branding techniques. This workshop promises fresh insights, plug-and-play tools, and connections to amplify your business’s success. (In-Person | Servpro Team Chestnas)
Run Effective Meetings Across Cultures | Talaera
Enjoy an opportunity to enhance your meeting leadership skills through this insightful session. Participants will receive practical takeaways tailored for international teams, ensuring they leave equipped with knowledge that fosters better collaboration. (Virtual)
AI for BI Innovation Roadmap | Google Cloud
Participate in an exclusive session led by product management leaders, focusing on innovative strategies at the intersection of AI and Business Intelligence. This unique opportunity invites insightful discussions to shape the future roadmap for industry advancements. (Virtual)
Cap Table Basics: Formation to Early Stage Funding | Women Founders Network
Gain clarity on cap table mechanics as Kelly Siobhan Laffey of SA&M unpacks key concepts like ownership allocation, rights to acquire equity, and dilution. Follow the trajectory from startup formation to financing while exploring strategies to preserve stakeholder ownership. (Virtual)
How To Get 5-10 New High Paying Clients In 90 Days Using AI | Network After Work
Join a transformative online event designed for professionals seeking substantial growth. Engage with industry experts as they share secrets on using AI to supercharge your sales efforts and create lasting business connections in just 90 days. (Virtual)
Using AI to Vet and Write Government Proposals | NJSBDC
Take part in a unique learning experience focused on using artificial intelligence to improve proposal writing and vetting processes for government contracts, equipping you with indispensable skills necessary for your business growth. (Virtual)
Strictly Social | T-REX
Mingle with fellow community members during a relaxed happy hour as Francis Chmelir, known for his leadership in tech innovation, steps behind the bar. With no presentations or formalities, this casual gathering promises light-hearted connections and laid-back conversations. (In-Person | T-REX – 5th Floor)
May 29
Smarter Growth: Harnessing AI to Scale Your Business | Gearhart Law
Venture into the world of artificial intelligence at this online seminar, exploring practical use cases that show how businesses have leveraged AI for boosted growth and enhanced operations. Gain insights into creating a scalable AI strategy for your organization. (Virtual)
Loan Ready: Make your Small Business a Great Funding Prospect! | Start Small Think Big
Enhance your understanding of business financing in a one-hour session with Pursuit Lending, exploring vital topics like capital sources, loan documentation, and lender evaluation criteria. Discover how to present your business as a compelling candidate for funding. (Virtual)
Securing Tomorrow’s Science: A Cybersecurity Roadmap for Innovation | CIC St. Louis
Network with like-minded professionals eager to explore robust cybersecurity frameworks tailored for life science and biotech industries. This event offers invaluable knowledge on aligning security protocols with growth demands and compliance regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S Sarah)
Q1 Venture Capital Review: From SAFEs to Exits | Carta
Absorb timely venture capital intelligence in a live discussion highlighting Carta’s Q1 2025 analyses. With detailed breakdowns of fundraising patterns and private market movements, this webinar equips attendees with a deeper grasp of startup finance and investor behavior. (Virtual)
VentureMatch Virtual Pitch Event | FedTech
Celebrate the launch of FedTech’s VentureMatch program by witnessing high-impact startup pitches featuring cutting-edge innovations. This event is perfect for investors seeking early access to game-changing technologies emerging from research labs. (Virtual)
Intuitive Writing Workshops for Introspective Minds | CreativeMornings
This intuitive writing workshop invites participants to express their thoughts and emotions freely. Attendees will connect deeply with their inner selves, fostering empowerment and compassion in an encouraging environment for neurodiverse minds. (Virtual)
Unlocking Adobe’s Top 5 Content Supply Chain Innovation Pillars | American Marketing Association
Understand the pillars of innovation that drive content supply chains in this engaging session featuring Adobe GenStudio. Experience valuable takeaways centered on enhancing your organization’s creation, delivery, and measurement processes. (Virtual)
How PMs Can Use No-Code and AI to Drive Ops Efficiency | Product School
Savvy product managers won’t miss this chance to dive deep into operational strategies enhanced by no-code platforms and artificial intelligence. The workshop promises valuable takeaways for anyone seeking an edge in today’s competitive landscape. (Virtual)
From 0 to 1: Design Your First AI Product | UX Woman
Uncover essential strategies for effectively designing your first AI product through this online event. Learn from experts about the best practices and attitudes needed to succeed in the emerging landscape of artificial intelligence. (Virtual)
Founders Lounge Global
Cherish the opportunity to connect with ambitious founders and innovators at this vibrant gathering. Weekly meetups offer workshops for those looking to elevate their business acumen while fostering meaningful relationships within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. (In-Person | Spark Coworking)
May 30
Influencer marketing for start-ups and SMEs | Enterprise Nation
Transform your approach to digital marketing by discovering best practices in influencer collaboration. This online workshop will equip you with tools to seek out passionate influencers, build lasting connections, and effectively design campaigns that engage targeted audiences. (Virtual)
EmpowerHER – Reinvent. Reimagine. Rise. | Filament
Witness the incredible potential within each participant as they embark on journeys of self-discovery at this unique event. Engaging collaborations will break barriers, fostering an atmosphere where ideas flourish and dreams become actionable plans. (In-Person)
Optimizing Your Digital Marketing Strategy for 2025 Success | SCORE
Revel in an engaging online session designed specifically for entrepreneurs seeking to boost their digital marketing efforts. This event will highlight the latest trends and offer tangible insights on adapting them for improved business success in 2025. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday // Entrepreneur Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Share your stories, struggles, and successes over a glass of bourbon in an inviting setting designed for networking. This three-hour event encourages participants to foster genuine relationships, celebrate accomplishments, and enjoy flavorful tastings among peers. (In-Person | Techartista Downtown)
May 31
Curiosity by TEDxStLouis
Attend this unique event that combines knowledge-sharing with live entertainment. With themes ranging from leadership challenges to ecological awareness, you’ll learn valuable lessons and find opportunities to network with like-minded individuals. (In-Person | Missouri History Museum)
Office Hours
May 28, 2025 // Get Expert Advice for Your New Business | Kirkwood Public Library
Connect with experienced startup professionals during this engaging virtual event, where aspiring entrepreneurs can pose questions and receive tailored advice on business strategy, funding, marketing, and operations. This interactive session empowers new business owners to navigate the startup landscape better. (Virtual)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s catching your eye in the coming days? Let us know in the comments! Your perspective helps us foster a thriving St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing environment. Have an event or deadline to announce? Send information to [email protected].
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