Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, marketer, or just curious about the latest trends and innovations, there’s something in this list for everyone. You might discover the next big thing or make some valuable connections. Here’s this week’s rundown from our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, of Events & Opportunities in St. Louis this week, coming up the week of August 7-11!
Funding, Accelerators & ESO Opportunities
This is a great place to start 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 9 // Techstars
Accelerator applications are due for AARM Labs Lagos Techstars Accelerator, New York City, The Minnesota Twins. (Accelerator)
Due August 9 // MTC IDEA Fund Co-Investment Programs
The IDEA Fund makes direct equity-based investments in Missouri’s most promising emerging companies to promote growth and encourage additional future investment. They have 3 programs the TechLaunch for pre-seed, Seed Capital for the Seed stage, and the Venture Capital Program, which supports technology startups through matching equity or convertible debt investments up to $2,000,000. (Funding)
Due August 11 // Family Business Awards 2023 | St. Louis Business Journal
Young professionals are a vital asset to the St. Louis region, and this is an opportunity to recognize all movers and shakers under 40 in a special awards publication. (Community Awards)
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)
Startup, Tech & Marketing Events
Events on August 7
Leverage AI in Impact Investment Due Diligence | Founder Institute
At this insightful webinar, startup founders and impact-focused investors will gain knowledge on employing advanced AI for evaluating non-financial performance dimensions of asset classes. Learn how AI modernizes due diligence and aids startups in self-assessment for a competitive edge. (Virtual)
How to Do a Podcast for Your Business | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Jason Allan Scott, a seasoned entrepreneur and podcasting expert, will guide business owners on how to start a successful podcast with 11 simple steps. Covering technical and conceptual aspects, attendees will learn the art of monetizing their podcast and maximizing its benefits. (Virtual)
Events on August 8
August 8-9 // NSF SBIR Interactive Workshop | MOSBDC
This hands-on workshop will guide technology startups applying for NSF SBIR Grants and STTR funding, led by experienced professionals Ed Lahue and Dr. Veronika Redmann. It will cover articulating technology relevance, market research, team formation, technical approach, and budget planning, including practical breakout sessions. (Virtual)
Top TikTok strategies to grow your small business | Enterprise Nation
Stefano De Rose will provide insights on leveraging TikTok for small businesses in this Lunch and Learn session. Key topics include creating an authentic brand page, differentiating between organic and paid accounts, and strategies to engage, grow, and sustain your audience. (Virtual)
Demystifying Event ROI: How to Define and Calculate ROI with Confidence | American Marketing Association
Brad Gillespie from Cvent will share strategies for measuring event ROI, covering best practices for tracking metrics and KPIs, improving reporting practices, and effectively communicating the value of event programs. The event will also be available on-demand post-airing. (Virtual)
Networking Mastery: Elevate Your Elevator Pitch | Industry Spheres
This workshop is aimed at helping participants improve their networking skills and refine their 30-second elevator pitches. Led by Kevin D. Williams, CMO of Team Vision LLC, attendees can expect to gain confidence, learn strategies for seizing opportunities, enhance their professional network, and receive personalized guidance from industry experts. The workshop also offers ongoing support and resources post-event. (Virtual)
IGNITE: Inspiring Innovation Impact | The Danforth Center
The inaugural event of this new series features business futurist Nancy Giordano, who will share her insights on the future we want beyond 2030. The event includes a networking reception and a social hour, with complimentary but limited seating. (In-Person)
VOICES – STL Inclusive Entrepreneurship Affinity Group
If you are a woman, person of color, foreign-born, or LGBTQ+ in the St. Louis Startup Ecosystem, this is a chance to share your voice, connect to peers and resources in the entrepreneur ecosystem, and lead change within your community and organization. This month features Devon Moody-Graham. (In-Person)
Vetworking STL at Duo Dogs
join them for a night of networking with fellow veterans, organizations, and employers. So if you are a transitioning service member or a job-seeking veteran, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet with fellow veterans and companies around St. Louis. (In-Person)
Events on August 9
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)
International Coworking Day | Spark St. Louis
Attendees can enjoy a day of coworking with free access to non-dedicated workspace, high-speed Wi-Fi, and shared amenities. Expect complimentary breakfast pastries, Kaldi’s coffee, lunch, space tours, and a Happy Hour to close the day. (In-Person)
August 9 & 10 // North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program Info Sessions
Remember that program I mention back in Applications; this is where you get more information on that. (Virtual)
Remix Your Brand – Open-coworking with Girl Louie at HeyDays
Get ready to groove and vibe for an open co-working session. Come hang out, work, or even remix your brand with GirlLouie. (In-Person)
Business Model Generation | SCORE Bi-State Region
At this workshop, led by David Vail, a retired US Air Force veteran and experienced business consultant, participants will explore the Business Model Canvas (BMC), a tool for developing business concepts. They’ll learn to evaluate product feasibility, identify critical activities, resources, and partners, and determine business viability. (Virtual)
Building Effective Personas With AI | UXPressia
Explore the potential of AI in enhancing persona creation and learn about personas’ significance, when to use AI-generated content and six real-time AI persona generation examples. This event is perfect for CX/UX specialists, business owners, marketers, and project managers. (Virtual)
How To Do Marketing and Sales with AI | Network After Work
This webinar with Joe Apfelbaum focuses on leveraging AI for marketing and sales. Topics include AI for business development, brainstorming, content creation, and social media engagement. A live Q&A session provides an opportunity for personalized advice from the AI expert. (Virtual)
Capital Raising Readiness | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Discover the tools and resources the US Securities and Exchange Commission provides for startups seeking to raise capital. Learn about regulatory pathways, raising funds challenges, and registering a business with the SEC. Insights will be shared by senior figures from the SEC and prominent organizations. (Virtual)
Flow & Grow: A Marketing & Movement Experience | HeyDays
Immerse yourself in an innovative blend of marketing wisdom and wellness routines with Grow With Google and Heydays. Learn new marketing tools while engaging in yoga, dance, sound bowls, meditation, reiki, and aerobics. This week features sound bowls with Anna and negotiation tips. (In-Person)
Embracing Change: Making the Case for Companywide Digital Transformation | Insider Intelligence
This webinar will focus on navigating reluctance towards new technologies and fostering collaboration in a digital transformation. Adobe and Wix representatives will share strategies to secure executive buy-in, promote operational changes, and a case study on Wix’s transformation journey. (Virtual)
Skandalaris Summer Expo | Skandalaris Center
Numerous startups, supported by the Skandalaris, will showcase advancements achieved over a 10-week program. The event will feature comprehensive presentations, networking opportunities, and refreshments. Interaction with the teams behind the startups, WashU students, and alumni will be a highlight. (In-Person)
Events on August 10
AgTech Thursdays @ T-REX
A monthly after-work event focused on agricultural technologies research and collaboration in the St Louis region. At each event, there will be a short, 15-minute talk centered on the agricultural technologies landscape. This week’s talk is Harnessing the Potential of Sorghum for Carbon Sequestration and Assimilation. (In-Person)
Venture Café St. Louis | ChatGPT: The Innovation Race
This is the first of the re-imagined events; the theme for that evening is ChatGPT: The Innovation Race. Earlier this year, ChatGPT took the world by storm, and if you haven’t tried out this powerful tool yet, you are missing out! At this event, they’ll bring together the biggest local innovators leveraging ChatGPT in your job, business, or nonprofit. (In-Person)
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)
Events on August 11
Marketing Strategies for Small Business | Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis & AMA Saint Louis
Gain insights on effective marketing strategies tailored for small businesses from the American Marketing Association’s St. Louis Chapter industry experts. Learn content strategy mapping, customer persona story mapping, and innovative techniques to boost your brand’s online presence. I’m honored to say I’m one of the presenters. (In-Person)
Email Marketing Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Whether announcing a new event, offering a promo code, sending a survey, onboarding customers, or sharing other marketing messages, email is still one of the most effective ways to reach an audience. At this event, experts will share surprising strategies for creating emails that mean business. (Virtual)
Startups, Self-care, & You, hosted by Devon Moody-Graham, MBA
Hear from Founder Ronika Moody and learn ways to use AI on Canva, as well as other time-saving tools for creatives! Food and drinks will be provided. (In-Person)
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 11-13 // Blues at the Arch Festival
Celebrating St. Louis’ rich blues history, Blues at the Arch Festival features national and local artists. The unique event, produced with the National Blues Museum and the National Park Service, unfolds on national park grounds and concludes with a Blues Brunch. (In-Person)
August 11-13 // Taste of St. Louis ’23
This 3-day festival at Ballpark Village is free to all guests and will feature entertainment from local bands & DJs, local vendors, an interactive culinary stage, and more! (In-Person)
Events on August 13
ForTheCultureSTL Presents… The 5th Annual Culture Kickback
A family-friendly celebration of St. Louis Black culture. It features a mix of free food and drinks, shopping from over 70 Black vendors, games, live entertainment, a skate party, and various community-focused activities like a therapy panel and yoga. (In-Person)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
What’s got you buzzing for the week ahead? We’re always seeking ways to enhance the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem, so drop us a comment with your ideas and feedback.
And if you have an event or deadline approaching, don’t hesitate to email us at events@bourbonfriday.show.