Whether you’re a technologist, entrepreneur, marketing professional, or interested in current trends and innovations, this list offers something for all. Uncover the next breakthrough or form meaningful connections. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, presents a comprehensive guide of events and opportunities in St. Louis for the week of August 14-18!
ESO, Funding & Accelerators Opportunities
Looking for funding, business acceleration, or entrepreneur support opportunities.
Applications Open | STL Startup Week Community Event
If you have a regular event in the Startup Ecosystem, Startup Week is committed to helping promote Community Events and driving attendance. And this is your chance to be included in Startup Week. (Ecosystem Opportunities)
Applications Open | Cortex Square One Boot Camp
This is an in-depth 10-week program that combines formal instruction with hands-on learning, networking, and mentoring. It seeks to instill in entrepreneurs the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high-growth industries. Participants will work on specific deliverables such as a business model canvas, financial statements, pitch deck, 2-minute elevator pitch, and planning checklist. (Incubator)
Applications Open | Keep It Local Business Fund
The Nextdoor Kind Foundation and NAACP are offering $5,000 grants and valuable resources to support entrepreneurs of color nationwide. Eligible businesses must be majority-owned/operated by people of color. Apply before September 4, 2023. (Funding)
Applications Open | North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program
The City of St. Louis has allocated $37 million for a grant program to assist small businesses and non-profits in North St. Louis. Aimed at reversing decades of disinvestment, the program targets entities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, within specified geographic areas for economic development and empowerment. (Funding)
Due August 31 // AI Launchpad | Paddle
This is a 6-week program covering product strategy, go-to-market strategy, and finance & operations. Successful applicants will join a group of other founders and mentors to help turn ideas and MVPs into solid and growing businesses. There’s also a chance to win $25k. (Incubator)
Apply Now // 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. (Free Help)
Marketing, Startup & Tech
Events on August 15
Fast track video creation for busy business owners | Enterprise Nation
Jeremy Mason, a seasoned digital marketer with 25+ years of experience, shares practical strategies for efficient video creation, emphasizing techniques like batch producing and content re-versioning to attract more customers and enhance online presence. (Virtual)
Deep Dive into LLM Evaluation with Weights & Biases | DeepLearning.ai
Jump into evaluating Large Language Models with a spotlight on Retrieval Augmented Generation systems. Explore ‘eye-balling,’ supervised evaluation, self-evaluation techniques, and W&B Sweeps for hyperparameter optimization. Concludes with a Q&A session. (Virtual)
STL Queer Tech Gathering at Nebula | TechSTL
TechSTL’s Queer Tech Affinity Group hosts a networking event at Nebula, celebrating Queer Innovation in St. Louis. Enjoy free drinks, snacks, and insightful chats with tech thought leaders. (In-Person)
Events on August 16
1 Million Cups St. Louis
This event is for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the innovation community here in St. Louis. Presenters: Kurkowski Consulting and Training & Premier Strategy Consulting
(In-Person)
Marketing Essentials for Small Business 101 | Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
In this session, led by industry expert Vicki Waschkowski of Hook Marketing, you’ll dive deep into essential marketing strategies tailored for small businesses, covering critical areas from effective branding to optimizing digital channels. (Virtual)
Impress Investors with Your Pitch Deck: A Step-by-Step System | Founder Institute
Learn from Sam Eisenberg, Co-Founder of Design For Decks, a boutique pitch deck design firm, about the current fundraising trends, investor expectations for pitch decks, and 6 steps to refine your deck. Networking and Q&A will follow, connecting you with fellow entrepreneurs. (Virtual)
Lunch & Learn: The Costs of Conflict | CIC St. Louis
Dive into the varied costs of conflict – from financial to emotional and physical. Gain insights on prevention and resolution with Wolf from the Conflict Resolution Center. Lunch included! (In-Person)
314 Digital Round Table Event: Building the Right Team
Engage in collaborative discussions on building resilient marketing teams, integrating AI, ensuring diversity, optimizing processes, and navigating current technology for effective communication and strategies. (In-Person)
DataOps Day | Techstrong
Explore the intricacies of DataOps, gaining insights on successful strategy execution, data transformation, cloud transition integrity, AI-driven management, and critical metrics for optimal quality and security. (Virtual)
TechSTL – High Tech Happy Hour (AI)
Meet and network with St. Louis’s top tech professionals at T-REX downtown. Dive into the AI/ML sector, discussing ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence while enjoying cold beers and appetizers. TechSTL Member Registration
(In-Person)
August 16-17 // PR Girls Do It Better Visibility Summit
At this 2-day event, Lindsey Walker shares over a decade of PR expertise. Participants learn untapped strategies from industry leaders, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and gain actionable insights to increase their brand’s exposure and revenue. (Virtual)
Events on August 17
Leveraging ChatGPT for Marketing Strategy | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Hannah Nieves, founder of HN Haus and This Hudson Studio, delves into optimizing ChatGPT for enhancing marketing strategies. Learn about AI’s role in marketing shifts, boosting productivity, content creation, and improving client delivery. Dive into AI as a vital marketing tool. (Virtual)
Venture Café St. Louis | COLLIDE: Cybersecurity
Join resource fair and tech demos spotlighting St. Louis’ top cybersecurity experts and support providers. Attendees can expect sessions on apprenticeships, certificates, higher education, partnership models, government contracts, and regional hiring opportunities. Expect networking, free beer, and valuable insights from local thought leaders! (In-Person)
NSIN Presents: Defense Entrepreneurial Symposium
This event offers insights into the DoD’s strategic priorities and presents collaboration opportunities with NSIN. Attendees can expect morning presentations, afternoon technology demos, and interactions with firms in the Expo section. The lineup features speakers from early-stage ventures, startups, and experts in the defense sector.
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
At this event, entrepreneurs can enjoy an evening fostering relationships, exchanging stories, and gathering insights. It promotes networking, provides opportunities for potential collaborations, and includes inspirational talks from successful entrepreneurs. (In-Person)
Business After Hours – Archwell Health | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Meet and network with the Chamber membership in a fun, open environment at Archwell Health. This event is open to all. (In-Person)
Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber Of Commerce Networking Mixer
Engage with black-owned businesses at the Heartland Chamber, fostering connections, learning about initiatives, and exploring resources, training, and growth opportunities. (In-Person)
SheCan Connect Sundress & Shades Networking Soiree
Celebrate female entrepreneurship at a summertime networking event. You’ll be able to shop from women-owned vendors, enjoy refreshments, and gain insights from guest speaker Cortaiga Collins. Plus, anticipate a surprise community announcement! (In-Person)
Events on August 18
Boosting Sales with AI | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
At this event, Engage in a conversation with Sonia Dumas of Curio Haus on how AI can enhance sales by understanding target audience needs, refining messaging, and building quality sales relationships. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday at TechArtista Downtown
It’s Friday, and it’s not Friday without Bourbon Friday. And you can join us at Techartista Downtown for our weekly social gathering celebrating the St. Louis startup scene. Stop by for 3 minutes or 3 hours for more great drinks and better conversations. (In-Person)
August 18-20 // WEPOWER Weekend
Over three days, attendees can enjoy a Garden Party at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a day focused on building community wealth with opportunities to learn, shop, and network, and a relaxing Self-Care Sunday with yoga and brunch, all while connecting with those committed to racial justice. (In-Person)
Events on August 19
SLAM Block Party – Saint Louis Art Museum
Celebrating 50 years since hip hop’s birth, SLAM’s free outdoor festival features St. Louis artists with live performances, interactive sessions, art making, and access to “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century” exhibition. (In-Person)
9th Annual Saint Louis African American Artifacts Festival and Bazaar
Experience African heritage through art, music, dance, and food, with vendors, children’s activities, health & wellness sessions, and prizes at this free public festival.
Events on August 20
St. Louis Code and Coffee
If you are interested in coding at any level and want a community to connect with and share ideas, this is an informal meet-up for anyone to work or hack on their project. (In-Person)
Further Out
September 18-22 // STL Startup Week
STL Startup Week is back. And there are 5 days of amazing programming; there’s a new Kickoff Party, Startup Connection is back, and of course, we will be hosting another amazing Closing Party and so much more. The Schedule is online right now, it’s all free, and you start registering today. (In-Person)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
We’re interested to hear about your plans for the week! What is needed to enhance the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem?
Let us know in the comments below, and for those with events or important dates coming up, email us at events@bourbonfriday.show.