St. Louis Events // Week of August 18, 2025 – Startups, AI, Tech & Marketing

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 18-24, 2025!

ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities

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)

Due September 1 // Anchor Accelerator Nominations
A 12-week growth program supports high-potential, revenue-generating entrepreneurs with a $10,000 grant, mentorship, student intern support, and a certificate from UMSL’s EIC. The referral-based opportunity seeks under-the-radar founders building scalable businesses in the region. (Accelerator)

Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events

August 18

How to use storytelling to create compelling content | Enterprise Nation
Enhance your marketing skills by joining this brief online webinar led by Sally Day. Delve into how customer stories can be used as powerful marketing tools, supported by real-world examples and interactive guidance. (Virtual)

Influencer & Community Marketing Workshop | Digital Boost
Be part of an engaging online class that explains the critical elements of successful influencer partnerships and community marketing efforts. Attendees will explore actionable tips to optimize brand collaboration in today’s market. (Virtual)

AI-Driven Authoring Tools | Training Industry
Share in a collaborative environment showcasing AI-assisted authoring tools aimed at helping professionals tackle growing demands with innovative solutions. Learn practical strategies from specialists focused on enhancing creativity and tailoring content effectively for diverse learners. (Virtual)

From Side Hustle to Small Business | Wisconsin SBDC
Understand the building blocks of transforming a side hustle into a sustainable business through a guided introduction to the Business Model Canvas. Discover how to evaluate your concept’s viability while uncovering pathways and support to grow your venture. (Virtual)

Balance Sheet Basics: Strengthen Your Business’s Financial Health | Start Small Think Big
Take in the fundamentals of financial literacy as this session unpacks the Balance Sheet’s role in business planning. From understanding ownership equity to projecting break-even points, entrepreneurs will leave better equipped to drive growth with confidence. (Virtual)

August 19

Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Savor your Tuesday mornings by joining a welcoming space where coffee meets collaboration. Engage with passionate individuals dedicated to growth and community innovation, creating opportunities to build lasting relationships and shared success. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)

Social Media 101: Picking the Right Platforms | LSBDC at Southern University Shreveport
Engage in a practical exploration of social media platforms as you compare Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to discover which align best with your business goals. Learn to refine messaging, target audiences, and present your brand with professionalism. (Virtual)

Building Agents with Anthropic’s Claude on Vertex AI | Google Cloud
Connect with professionals exploring agent development using Anthropic’s Claude on Vertex AI, focusing on practical implementations of advanced AI technologies for scalable solutions. (Virtual)

The State of Sales Enablement in 2025 | Allego
Unite around new enablement approaches that shorten sales cycles through personalized content, continuous coaching, and alignment of people and technology to support sellers navigating multi-stakeholder decisions in today’s market. (Virtual)

Scaling Through Community: Build a Business That Grows Itself | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Join this online session to discover how authentic community-building can transform customers into passionate brand advocates, driving sustainable business growth. Learn practical strategies to foster loyalty and reduce reliance on paid marketing while creating a self-sustaining growth engine. (Virtual)

Prompt Writing 101 | General Assembly
Venture into AI-driven communication by learning to craft well-structured prompts that yield better results. This free course covers basic principles, practical formatting tips, and optimization skills tailored for enhancing user-AI collaboration. (Virtual)

The Franchise Advantage: Proven Systems for Building and Scaling Your Business | SCORE
Learn how franchise systems foster scalable success through structured operations and repeatable strategies. This session reveals why franchises thrive and how applying their frameworks can enhance stability, streamline processes, and clarify your growth path, whether or not you pursue franchising. (Virtual)

Building, Deploying, and Scaling AI-Powered Computer Vision for Manufacturing | Association for Advancing Automation
Absorb practical strategies for deploying AI-driven computer vision at the edge, from selecting rugged hardware to managing secure scale-ups. This session unpacks how leading experts streamline defect detection with tailored AI models and edge orchestration. (Virtual)

Unlocking the Gallery Door: A Roadmap for Emerging Artists | Freelancers Union
Experience a creative roadmap exploring the journey toward gallery showcases, featuring insights into selecting appropriate galleries and developing meaningful relationships in the art world from a seasoned artist and community leader. (Virtual)

DevLAB: Hacking, Building & Learning in St. Louis | TechSTL
Discover a hands-on evening of tech training with multiple sessions covering AI, full-stack geospatial apps, and Kafka setup. Engage with local developers and designers while enjoying snacks and networking opportunities in a dynamic St. Louis tech environment. (In-Person | T-REX)

Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Her Dream
Take part in an enriching virtual gathering where introverted women professionals connect through three rounds of small group chats with prepared topics, ensuring easy conversation flow. Leave energized with new friendships, confidence, and practical encouragement from those who truly get you. (Virtual)

August 20

STL Insight Breakfast: Building a Future-Ready Workforce | TechSTL
Attend an informative breakfast session showcasing solutions to build a future-ready workforce through cutting-edge education reforms, regional collaboration between Missouri and Illinois stakeholders, and focus on technology-driven career pathways fostering inclusion. (In-Person | Husch Blackwell Offices)

Impactful Storytelling for IT Leaders: Key Story Structure Models for Success | Gartner
Kickstart your storytelling strategy with techniques tailored for IT leaders, including step-by-step models for crafting clear, persuasive narratives. This session equips professionals with the structure and insight to enhance communication and organizational impact. (Virtual)

Strategy Lab August 2025: Authority Building Through Education | Connect Video
Venture into a hands-on workshop designed to help businesses build authority through education by transforming everyday expertise into engaging, lead-generating video content tailored for various industries. Gain practical tools, AI tips, and proven strategies for long-term brand trust. (In-Person | Servpro Team)

Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Wing and a Prayer, Mr. Noodle, Jr’s Taco
Soak up upbeat lunchtime melodies complemented by an array of gourmet food truck options at two central locations downtown. Lunchtime Live boosts the city’s midweek buzz, welcoming all to enjoy fresh flavors and festive sounds outdoors. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)

MCP: The Missing Piece in AI Agent Workflows | ODSC
Discover how MCP (Modular Control Plane) transforms AI agent workflows by orchestrating diverse models, speeding up tasks, and providing clear insights into decisions, enabling more intelligent and more efficient automation beyond simple AI tasks. (Virtual)

GRIT Group Coaching Program | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Gain valuable insights and strategies in this online coaching program designed to build resilience, foster personal growth, and help you achieve your goals with weekly interactive sessions led by experienced coaches in a supportive community. (Virtual)

Cortex Green Labs Workshop | Cortex
This workshop invites labs across St. Louis to explore green lab sustainability through key metrics, success stories, and challenges while offering vital resources for eco-friendly operations. Attendees will also enjoy light refreshments in a collaborative environment. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20th S Sarah)

Geospatial User Group | T-REX
Immerse yourself in a collaborative Geospatial User Group session focused on advancing GIS technologies with talks on secure data anonymization by Stray Blocks’ cofounder and AI-driven improvements in public sector geospatial applications presented by Esri. (In-Person | T-REX)

The Conversations That Shape Us | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Participate in a thoughtful conversation series designed to break down mental health stigmas through stories of resilience. Attendees engage with topics like grief recovery, parental insights, and relationship challenges within a creative venue, fostering support. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis)

August 21

Advance STL: Meet the St. Louis Governor | St. Louis Business Journal
Marvel at a rare, one-on-one discussion where Governor Kehoe reflects on his victories, regional identity in state politics, and the economic power of St. Louis—delivered through a compelling and focused interview with Editor Erik Siemers. (In-Person | Saint Louis Zoo)

Unlocking Data Management and AI | Microsoft Cloud Lab
Elevate your AI skills with practical sessions on pro-code agent development, GitHub Copilot integration, and advanced data handling using Microsoft Fabric. This workshop connects low-code tools with robust AI design to streamline complex data tasks. (Virtual)

Cause Meets Commerce: Purpose-Powered Marketing That Sells | AMA Saint Louis
This event explores how cause marketing transforms consumer connections by merging brand purpose with commerce, featuring a keynote by Kelly Wiethuchter, who shares actionable strategies to build loyalty and inspire sales through authentic social impact. (In-Person | SqWires Restaurant & Market)

From Batch-and-Blast to 1:1 Messaging: How AI is Redefining Email Marketing | Rasa.io & AMA
Network around the innovative applications of AI in email marketing that replace old-fashioned bulk sending with precise, one-on-one interactions designed to boost effectiveness and customer connection. (Virtual)

August Virtual Meet and Greet | Techstars
Be part of an interactive virtual gathering aimed at helping aspiring founders explore Techstars’ acceleration opportunities. Receive expert tips on preparing applications and determine how this network can boost your startup’s growth potential. (Virtual)

Winning the Local SEO Game in the Age of AI | Search Engine Land
Absorb expert analysis on the shifting landscape where AI influences local search results heavily reliant on business reputations. This webinar equips agencies with tools to capitalize on untapped opportunities in optimizing client visibility and trust. (Virtual)

GPT-5 for Developers | Microsoft Reactor
Engage with leading Microsoft cloud advocates and developers as they demonstrate GPT-5’s integration in popular developer tools during a live, fast-paced virtual event featuring demos, coding examples, and insightful discussions for multiple programming languages. (Virtual)

8 Steps to Increased Exposure on Google for Your Business | SCORE Bi-state Region
Dive into a focused hour-long webinar exploring eight key actions businesses can take to improve their exposure on Google. This interactive event provides attendees with valuable techniques for online growth. (Virtual)

AEO for the CMO: An Actionable Maturity Model | MarketingProfs
Thrive in an AI-driven landscape by learning how to position your brand for visibility in AI-powered search tools, including LLMs and agents, through the actionable strategies offered in this free webinar led by industry expert Guy Yalif. (Virtual)

How to Start and Scale a Newsletter in 30 Days | Network After Work
Take in valuable lessons on launching impactful newsletters during this focused hour-long online event. Understand how newsletters outpace social media in revenue potential while positioning yourself for steady business expansion in 2025. (Virtual)

Downtown Summer Nights | Live Music: Lydia Ceasar
Participate in lively weekend celebrations with outdoor movies, concerts, and delicious food at Kiener Plaza. Enjoy a vibrant summer atmosphere featuring live performances and classic films every Thursday and Saturday evening in downtown St. Louis. (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)

TeXperts Workshop Series | TechSTL
Learn actionable techniques for crafting insightful content and delivering it powerfully via podcasts, panels, and presentations. Benefit from expert advice to expand your reach within the tech and business communities worldwide. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)

How to Write Grants For Artists & Creatives | East Side Arts Collective
Join a vibrant community of artists at this in-person event offering expert advice on grant sourcing, proposal development, and application techniques aimed at boosting your chances of winning critical project funds. (In-Person | Sunshine Cultural Arts Center)

PySTL Monthly Meetup
Unite with passionate Python programmers at this monthly meetup where Scott Anderson shares knowledge about constructing AI systems. Enjoy food, fellowship, informative talks, and sponsored materials, enhancing the experience. (In-Person | Techartista CWE)

2025 Business After Hours – Midwest BankCentre | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Soak up an energetic atmosphere where business meets culture at this recurring event emphasizing connection among Hispanic Chamber members. Besides networking, guests gain access to exclusive perks like complimentary sports tickets courtesy of local sponsorships. (In-Person | Midwest BankCentre)

Founders Lounge Global
Thrive amid an ecosystem that encourages collaboration among creators and innovators aiming for growth. Weekly meetups foster learning, idea exchange, and networking opportunities crafted to empower members’ entrepreneurial journeys. (In-Person | Spark Coworking)

Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Looking for a midweek pick-me-up? Join Social Club on Thursdays, your go-to event for fun, relaxation, and connection! (In-Person | KRe8 Spaces)

August 22

Wavelength: The Voice Within | Filament
Participate in a transformative gathering focusing on unlocking the potential of internal dialogue and personal storytelling, fostering growth through shared experiences and supportive exchanges. (In-Person | Filament)

Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity | WITI
Connect online with industry leaders and fellow practitioners to demystify the challenges brought by cryptographically relevant quantum computers. Walk away ready with practical steps from a dedicated playbook tailored for quick organizational readiness. (Virtual)

Microbusiness Socials | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Immerse yourself in a unique social experience focused on microbusiness success. Engage with peers, celebrate milestones, gain fresh insights, and stay motivated as you work towards achieving your business goals alongside other passionate entrepreneurs. (In-Person | UrbanEats)

Bourbon Friday // Entrepreneur Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Discover a unique weekly social experience dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs over fine bourbons at TechArtista Downtown. This event encourages storytelling, friendship building, and relaxation after a week of hard work in an inviting atmosphere. (In-Person | Techartista Downtown)

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.

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 [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!

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