Exciting opportunities await the entrepreneurial, tech, and marketing community in St. Louis during the week of April 7-13. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, invites you to explore a variety of events and resources that will help you connect, learn, and succeed. Immerse yourself in our ecosystem and make the most of it.
Funding, Accelerator, and ESO 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)
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)
Due May 1 // Emerging Artists as Entrepreneurs | St. Louis Art Fair
This two-year program helps emerging artists develop business skills, covering pricing, selling, display, and copyright laws. Participants apprentice with professional artists, attend seminars, and later showcase their work at a top art fair. The program includes portfolio reviews, financial consulting, and eligibility for a cash award.
(Incubator)
Due May 6 // Idea Fund & Proof of Concept | Missouri Technology Corporation
A venture capital initiative uses public funding to spur economic growth by investing in Missouri-based tech startups. It offers matching equity or convertible debt investments at pre-seed, seed, and growth stages, requiring a 1:1 private co-investment. The initiative has invested over $53 million in startups and created thousands of jobs. (Funding)
Due May 14 // 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)
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, Marketing, and Tech Events
April 7
Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Make the Transition to Startup Founder | Founder Institute
Ignite your entrepreneurial potential by joining this engaging session designed for anyone dreaming of starting a company. As you explore crucial topics and uncover insights through shared experiences, you’ll also make invaluable connections with peers in the entrepreneurial landscape. (Virtual)
April 8
GEOINT 2025 Sneak Peek Event | Geofutures
Connect with others who are passionate about geospatial intelligence at this sneak peek event. It’s an opportunity to hear from industry insiders about what participants can expect at the upcoming symposium, fostering connections that will enhance professional growth. (In-Person | T-REX)
Master B2B Sales: GTM Strategy & Deal Execution for High-Growth Startups | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Take part in an illuminating hour that reveals the interconnectedness of sales dynamics. With expert guidance from Seth Banks, you will acquire actionable frameworks designed to enhance your startup’s ability to engage enterprise clients successfully. (Virtual)
St. Louis Business Expo & Business Growth Conference
Thrive in a dynamic environment designed for business growth, where attendees engage with hundreds of vendors, meet decision-makers face-to-face, and seize opportunities to build brand visibility, generate leads, and gain immediate market insights. (In-Person | St. Charles Convention Center)
Unleash the Power of AI in Marketing | WE NYC
Learn how to leverage cutting-edge AI technologies during a focused workshop designed for marketers of all levels. Delve into practical strategies that streamline content creation and enhance audience engagement for your business. (Virtual)
LinkedIn Live Events for Business Growth | Network After Work
Discover powerful methods to engage clients through LinkedIn Live in a captivating online seminar. Scott Aaron will teach participants essential tips for maximizing engagement and credibility while promoting successful virtual events tailored toward boosting sales. (Virtual)
Vetworking STL
Transform your career prospects by connecting directly with leading companies in the St. Louis area. This event provides a unique platform for veterans to explore job opportunities, share resources, and strengthen their professional networks in a relaxed environment. (In-Person | Global Brew – O’fallon, IL)
Tech on Tap Networking – St. Louis | TechSTL
Experience an evening of networking tailored for the St. Louis tech community at Urban Chestnut Brewery. Engage with local professionals over drinks and pizza while discussing current trends in technology, all without any registration requirements. (In-Person | Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Bierhall)
Rewrite Your Rules: Morgan DeBaun | Leftbank Books
Transform your perspective on success with insights from Morgan DeBaun, founder of Blavity Inc. Engage in a dynamic conversation as she shares actionable strategies from her book that challenge conventional norms and empower personal growth. (In-Person | Edison Theatre at WashU)
April 9
April 9-11 // Founders Lounge Global AI Summit | Founders Lounge Global
Share in the excitement of an inspiring week dedicated to nurturing creativity and collaboration within tech entrepreneurship. With keynote speeches and community-oriented activities, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate an AI-first landscape.
Day 1
- Opening Ceremony & Keynote Presentation
- AI Founder Pitch – Sponsored by Pitch STL
- Leveraging AI For Beginners
- AI Builder Night
Day 2
- AI Technical Workshop (Advanced)
- Scaling Ventures in an AI-First World
Day 3
- Designing Agentic Systems – Technical Workshop
- Closing Party – Sponsored by Bourbon Friday
(In-Person | Spark Coworking)
Lifting Leaders | USGIF
Appreciate the importance of continuous leadership growth by joining us this April. Attendees will discover various approaches to leading effectively and enhancing their capacities to manage organizational challenges while driving positive change. (In-Person | Greater St. Louis Inc.)
M/WBE Certification Webinar | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Dive into the essentials of becoming certified as an M/WBE in this online seminar led by experts from the NYC Department of Small Business Services. You’ll learn about registration, application processes, and further assistance options. (Virtual)
Geosaurus | Presenter: We Hear You
Immerse in a tech-driven discussion on transforming accessibility. Explore how We Hear You fuses hardware and mapping tools to pinpoint accessible doors and elevate user independence, while revealing plans to expand geospatial data for smarter, seamless mobility solutions. (In-Person | T-REX)
Getting Started with AI for Nonprofits | Open AI
Learn foundational AI concepts tailored to nonprofit needs in a session designed for all experience levels. The presentation features interactive examples and strategic guidance, culminating in a Q&A with representatives from OpenAI and the AI for Nonprofits Sprint. (Virtual)
Networking Mixer | NCBW – Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter
Enhance your network at this essential networking gathering focused on uplifting Black women. Attendees can expect enlightening conversations aimed at driving forward the mission of gender equity, ensuring everyone leaves feeling empowered and connected. (In-Person | Midwest Wine Bar)
Live Coding Workshop – FREE Intro to Full Stack Development | TechSTL & Savvycoder
Embark on a journey into the tech world with an exciting live coding workshop designed for budding developers. Engage in hands-on sessions covering Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Python, all while experiencing full stack web development firsthand. (In-Person | T-REX)
BALSA Grant Spring 2025 Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the achievements of this year’s grant recipients during a remarkable ceremony filled with inspiration and community spirit. Attendees can network and recognize contributions within the organization, creating lasting connections. (In-Person | Greater St. Louis, Inc.)
April 10
Branding basics and standing out in a competitive market | Enterprise Nation
Join an engaging workshop where you’ll learn the essentials of branding with expert Lucy Werner. Discover effective strategies for crafting your brand identity, ensuring it resonates and thrives in a competitive marketplace. (Virtual)
Meaningful Community Engagement For Businesses | Enterprise University
Gain insights into building trust through purposeful engagement with communities. Through an introductory look at storytelling techniques, outreach methods, and media amplification, participants will learn how to create meaningful connections that support both business and societal goals. (Virtual)
Imposter Syndrome… Learning to Get Out of Your Own Way | Women Empowering Women
Be part of a transformative experience that tackles imposter syndrome head-on. Join fellow attendees as Tara Hurst shares strategies for personal growth, enabling everyone to build self-assurance and pursue their goals with renewed vigor. (In-Person | Bella Milano Edwardsville)
Canva Create 2025
Marvel at innovative displays that showcase the latest in tech evolution. Attendees will be immersed in hands-on activities, presenting them with valuable skills for navigating a fast-paced digital landscape. (Virtual)
Fundamentals of Effective Business Networking | SCORE Bi-State Region
Connect with the essentials of strategic networking as this session explores how to cultivate meaningful relationships. Attendees will gain tools to expand their networks, deepen business ties, and unlock new opportunities through trusted referrals. (Virtual)
Leverage LinkedIn to Gain Leads | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Join an enlightening online session focused on leveraging LinkedIn effectively with expert Maggie Carey. Gain practical knowledge on optimizing your profile and unlocking the platform’s full potential to generate valuable business leads. (Virtual)
The Impact of ChatGPT and Generative AI on Search: Insights from Industry Experts | Search Engine Land
Discover the ways AI-driven technologies are altering traditional search paradigms. During this enlightening webinar, industry experts will share their invaluable wisdom on emerging trends and effective adaptation strategies. (Virtual)
The State of Customer Engagement in 2025 | EMARKETER
Kickstart your journey into customer engagement evolution by joining a dynamic discussion led by marketing experts. Learn about pivotal trends influencing brand interactions in 2025, and learn how AI can enhance personalized communication. (Virtual)
SheCan Connect PowHER Pitch Night!
Unite with like-minded women at this transformative event to blend spiritual growth with business acumen. Enjoy enlightening discussions, enriching testimonials, and a thrilling competition to enhance women’s financial literacy and leadership skills. (In-Person | HSSU – Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
April 11
Website Optimization Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Take in invaluable insights from three industry experts as they explore conversion optimization strategies. Learn copywriting techniques and design tips that can drastically enhance your website’s effectiveness in generating leads and improving sales outcomes. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday @ Founders Lounge Global AI Summit
Ignite meaningful networking opportunities at this unique gathering focused on creativity in the tech field. Indulge in exquisite bourbons, share insights from the Founders Lounge Global AI Summit, and toast to the next milestones in innovation. (In-Person | Spark St. Louis)
April 12
Loutopia Lab 004: Trust Building | Loutopia
Venture into an immersive creative experience designed to foster collaboration. Participants will engage in activities that intertwine storytelling with artistic expression to revitalize the Mississippi Valley Trust Building’s identity as a prime destination. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
We’re curious to know what’s got you fired up this week! Share your enthusiasm in the comments section. Your input is vital in strengthening the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. If you have an event or deadline to announce, drop us a line at [email protected].
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