St. Louis is buzzing with opportunity! The week of August 11-17, 2025, is filled with events for entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and marketing minds. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated your go-to guide to help you connect, learn, and thrive in our vibrant community.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Due August 14 // Small Business Hero Program | Intuit QuickBooks & Mailchimp
A nationwide initiative celebrates small businesses showing courage, perseverance, and community impact. Twelve quarterly winners receive a $20,000 grant plus marketing exposure and free QuickBooks and Mailchimp services to support growth and operational efficiency. (Grant)
Due August 29 // LDC Tornado Recovery Loan Program
A no-interest emergency loan program offers up to $5,000 to for-profit businesses in St. Louis City that were physically damaged or disrupted by the May 16 tornado. Priority is given to businesses in the tornado’s path, and funds may be used for working capital, inventory, or equipment. (Recovery Loan)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
August 11
Creating a Business Idea that Works | NYC Department of Small Business Services
Be part of an engaging two-hour workshop where you develop a research framework, understand target markets, and draft your business concept statement. This is ideal for those ready to move from idea to action with confidence. (Virtual)
August 12
Building Your Banking Relationship | Business Consortium Fund
Share in an engaging session focusing on building solid banking relationships, understanding different financial services, selecting the ideal bank partner, and enhancing business credibility with advice from seasoned professionals at U.S. Bank. (Virtual)
Don’t Let AI Kill Your Authenticity: Speak to Inspire, Not Just to Inform | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Explore how this event empowers you to reclaim your unique voice and communicate authentically despite the rise of AI-driven automation. Engage with expert Julia Kraft as she shares strategies for balancing technology use with genuine, inspiring public speaking that resonates. (Virtual)
From Application to Award: Winning Government Work | NBMBAA Entrepreneurship Committee
Participate in an informative session that demystifies acquiring government contracts, focusing on expert advice for preparing applications and navigating award criteria effectively. (In-Person | T-REX)
Generative AI Basics | General Assembly
Discover the essentials of generative AI in a free, hour-long online class that introduces core concepts, best prompt-writing practices, ethical considerations, and a live ChatGPT demo to show how AI can enhance everyday productivity and work tasks. (Virtual)
Launch Your MVP in Minutes with AI & No-Code Tools! | Founder Institute
Unite with fellow startup enthusiasts in an interactive online class where Kasia Sadowska offers expert advice on building MVPs swiftly. Experience insights into frameworks successful startups utilize to transform ideas into tangible products efficiently. (Virtual)
Patent Basics for Small Businesses | Start Small Think Big
Gain practical knowledge on protecting your ideas as experts explain the criteria for patent eligibility, the stages of filing with the USPTO, and strategies to avoid missteps, while also highlighting free patent resources available to qualifying entrepreneurs. (Virtual)
Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Network with passionate creators and leaders during this open-invitation session focused on sparking innovation via engaging conversations paired perfectly with coffee. Held every week in East St. Louis, attendees can join anytime without needing an RSVP. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
Startups technical guide: AI agents | Google Cloud
This session offers practical guidance for moving from concept to implementation of AI agents, providing the essential tools founders and tech leaders need to innovate effectively in their enterprises. (Virtual)
Tech on Tap Networking – St. Louis | TechSTL
Attend a dynamic meetup designed for St. Louis tech enthusiasts, featuring networking with peers and insights from expert speakers each month. This event offers a relaxed atmosphere with beers and cocktails available at the venue for purchase. (In-Person | Trust)
The Legal Implications Of Artificial Intelligence | SCORE – St. Louis Bi-State Region
Unveil a comprehensive webinar exploring the legal implications of artificial intelligence, focusing on liability issues linked to AI actions. This interactive one-hour session offers critical insights into challenges surrounding AI-generated material and its regulatory outlook in an accessible online format. (Virtual)
August 13
Code to Cloud: Prioritize and reduce most critical risk with agentic remediation | Microsoft Reactor
Learn how to effectively manage application security by connecting development and security perspectives through GitHub Advanced Security and Microsoft Defender for Cloud. This event offers insights on identifying exploitable risks in production and leveraging AI-driven automated remediation. (Virtual)
Geosaurus Unleashed | T-REX
Venture into high-precision geospatial technology with insights from Surdex’s top executive. This engaging session includes networking opportunities and complimentary refreshments in a supportive innovation hub environment. (In-Person | T-REX)
How AI is Changing Human Behavior and What CIOs Should Do About It | Gartner
Understand the human side of AI transformation by discussing evolving responsibilities, identifying risky behavioral patterns, and focusing on three critical behavior challenges, offering guidance for CIOs to effectively align people, processes, and AI systems. (Virtual)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Spud Shack, Duchess Rose Royal, Dessert Road Coffee
Lunchtime Live is Downtown St. Louis’ premier outdoor lunchtime party that features live bands, local eats, and community. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
Mock Angels | TechSTL
Immerse in an exclusive, application-based pitch practice where selected founders present to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, receiving in-depth feedback on financials, storytelling, and product-market fit in a confidential, high-pressure, investor-style setting. (In-Person | Techartista Downtown)
StartupSTL Night | TechSTL
Revel in a collaborative gathering uniting innovators, funders, and technical talent through pitch refinement sessions, developer matchmaking, skill-building bootcamps, and ecosystem briefings, offering the tools, networks, and insights needed to accelerate entrepreneurial success. (In-Person | Techartista Downtown)
Stop Losing Customers Searching “Near Me” | Steve Scott SEO
Take in industry-leading advice from a seasoned SEO veteran focused on helping businesses rank prominently when customers search nearby. This event provides step-by-step tactics suitable for various sectors, including retail, services, and professional practices. (Virtual)
August 14
The biggest data mistakes SMEs make and how to avoid them | Enterprise Nation
Engage in a concise online webinar that guides SMEs through avoiding common data pitfalls. Learn straightforward strategies to build an actionable data plan and confidently use numbers for smart decision-making. (Virtual)
Email Deliverability: What’s New In 2025 | Digital Boost
Understand the latest changes in email deliverability requirements affecting Gmail, Yahoo, and more. This online seminar offers practical advice for small businesses to help keep emails out of spam and improve inbox placement in 2025. (Virtual)
Coffee Club: Think Local, Sip Local // AMA Saint Louis
Admire the spirit of local collaboration as participants enjoy fresh brews, engage in meaningful discussions on marketing and industry trends, and strengthen ties within St. Louis’s creative and professional community. (In-Person | Northwest Coffee Roasting)
Are Your APIs Ready for AI Agents? A 90-Day Action Plan | ODSC
Ignite your understanding of API readiness with a clear blueprint for building scalable and discoverable APIs tailored for AI agents. Explore ways to modernize infrastructure that supports automated operations and improves reliability within your organization’s AI roadmap. (Virtual)
AI-Powered Start: Launch Your Business in 30 Days or Less | College of the Canyons SBDC
Indulge in a comprehensive webinar designed to help launch your ecommerce business using affordable AI tools. This session guides you through idea validation, branding, product sourcing, and store setup without needing coding skills or a team. (Virtual)
How PMs Lead with Prompts in the Age of LLMs | Twitch Director of Product | Product School
Revel in an engaging session exploring the transformative power of prompts in AI products. Learn how product managers maintain their core skills while adapting to generative interfaces, gaining clarity on prompt design, iteration, and applying customer empathy in this dynamic tech landscape. (Virtual)
Human-Centered GenAI for Teaching and Learning | Cornell University
Absorb guidance on designing fair, inclusive assessments, tackling challenges from rising accommodation requests, and applying actionable strategies that align with disciplinary contexts to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. (Virtual)
The Path to Next-Generation Manufacturing: How Software-Defined Systems Enable Scalable, Intelligent AI | Association for Advancing Automation
Explore the fundamentals of software-defined manufacturing, including transitioning from proprietary systems to agile, secure, and modular architectures that support industrial AI, illustrated with real-world deployments from Intel and its global partner ecosystem. (Virtual)
Q2 Venture Capital Review: Startup Rebound | Carta
Analyze fresh market intelligence from pre-seed to private markets, as industry leaders interpret Q2 performance indicators and discuss potential signs of recovery in the broader startup landscape. (Virtual)
Skills employers want, Experiences students need | American Marketing Association
Kick off student success by leveraging a cutting-edge simulation tool that measures critical business skills in dynamic environments. Experience how AI enhances these insights by creating actionable development plans fostering innovation, tenacity, and initiative. (Virtual)
Stop Paying the Google Tax. Start Winning Paid Search. | Search Engine Land
Witness an insightful webinar where experts Jenn Paterson and John Beresford expose the hidden “Google Tax” in paid search, revealing how uncontested branded keywords can inflate costs. Learn strategies to identify this issue and enhance your campaign’s ROI effectively. (Virtual)
Vetworking STL Aug 2025
Marvel at an opportunity crafted exclusively for veterans seeking new roles or wanting to strengthen their professional networks. Featuring numerous military-affiliated organizations alongside prominent employers, it offers a dynamic environment fostering growth and camaraderie. (In-Person | Global Brew Tap House)
SLU New Venture Accelerator Demo Day | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Admire the entrepreneurial progress of SLU’s accelerator cohort as they pitch business concepts shaped by intensive training, targeted development support, and a focus on sustainable growth and market readiness. (In-Person | Saint Louis Club)
Downtown Summer Nights | Movie Night: “The Wiz”
Absorb the festive energy at weekly events showcasing iconic films and diverse musical acts. Special nights include a Shakespeare play and unique venue changes, enhancing your summer night out in the downtown open-air plaza. (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)
Founders Lounge Global
Elevate your entrepreneurial journey through a vibrant mix of meetups, collaborative sessions, and exclusive workshops, cultivating meaningful connections that inspire innovation and accelerate growth. (In-Person | Spark Coworking)
Small Business Financial Statements | African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Connect with leaders from BMO Bank during an informative workshop highlighting how to secure and use business credit successfully. Participants will benefit from hands-on knowledge about small business financial statements alongside refreshments in a welcoming environment with ample parking. (In-Person | BMO Bank N.A Branches)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Soak up an inviting midweek atmosphere at this weekly social event, designed for fun, relaxation, and connecting with others in a lively setting at The KRe8 Place. It’s the perfect break to refresh your week. (In-Person | KRe8 Spaces)
August 15
B2B Marketing Trends Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Gain insights from industry experts on leveraging AI, data, and personalization to enhance B2B marketing strategies. This forum offers hands-on sessions with practical frameworks to optimize campaigns and improve customer targeting for 2026 and beyond. (Virtual)
Community Bazaar | International Institute Saint Louis
Partake in a lively community bazaar where people share meals, discover valuable resources, and support immigrant-owned businesses. Held indoors until spring, this free gathering fosters connection and cultural exchange among attendees from diverse backgrounds. (In-Person | International Institute Saint Louis)
Erik’s 50th Birthday at Bourbon Friday
Celebrate Erik’s milestone 50th birthday with a special edition Bourbon Friday at TechArtista CWE. Enjoy bourbon tastings, social networking within St. Louis’ vibrant startup community, and an evening filled with stories, camaraderie, and great spirits from 4 to 8 pm. (In-Person | Techartista CWE)
Startup World Cup – The St. Louis Regional Finals | TechSTL
Enjoy an evening of cutting-edge entrepreneurship as finalists showcase transformative AI, tech, and food startups, concluding with networking opportunities alongside investors and founders at a vibrant regional pitch event. (In-Person | T-REX)
August 16
August 16-17 // Foodies Eat First Fest
Savor a curated celebration that brings together standout chefs, award-winning mixologists, and unforgettable foodie experiences, celebrating flavors from St. Louis and beyond in one vibrant festival space. (In-Person | Trust)
August 17
Canvas & Cocktails: Fifty Strokes of Slay
Delight in a unique gathering that combines confident creativity with social vibes—attend to savor complimentary cocktails, a curated playlist, karaoke entertainment, and a full supply of painting materials during this three-hour artistic journey at the Center of Creative Arts. (In-Person | COCA)
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Experience an inclusive environment designed for anyone in tech to code, network, and share opportunities. This casual gathering features a structured introduction round followed by self-directed collaboration and occasional workshops. (In-Person | Techartista UCity)
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.
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What’s sparking your interest this week? Drop your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’ve got an upcoming event or important date, send the details to [email protected].
© Tenacity, LLC. This content was curated and compiled by hand, requiring hours of work each week. You may not copy, repost, or reproduce this content without permission. However, we welcome and appreciate links to the original post if you’d like to share it with your community. Thanks!