Entrepreneurs, techies, and marketers in St. Louis mark your calendars for the week of December 2-8. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has put together an extensive guide to help you navigate the upcoming events and opportunities. Connect, learn, and elevate your career in our dynamic community.
Funding, ESO, and Accelerator Opportunities
Due December 13 // FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program
A 12-week digital accelerator offering expert-led sessions, mentorship, and a peer support network. Participants may qualify for a $10,000 grant to support their entrepreneurial journey, fostering business growth and innovation. (Accelerator)
Due December 15 // Get Venture Ready 2025 Cohort
A 12-week intensive training program for women-owned tech and workforce development businesses. Participants receive training, mentorship, and skills to access capital, aiming to achieve $1 million in revenue within 12-18 months (Entrepreneur Program)
Due December 23 // Innovation in Philanthropy Awards 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
This award recognizes businesses and organizations making impactful contributions to their community through innovative partnerships. Highlights include unique collaborations addressing critical issues like social justice and education, celebrating efforts that go beyond traditional philanthropy to drive meaningful change and nonprofit evolution.(Community Award)
Due December 31 // ZenBusiness $5K Grant
This program offers $5,000 grants to small business owners who have used ZenBusiness’s formation services within the past 3 to 6 months. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, operate a U.S.-based private entity that benefits their community, and can apply once per month. Grantees also receive 30-day access to ZenBusiness Money Pro and other services. (Grant)
Due December 31 // Honeycomb Credit’s Fall Grant
Provides $5,000 grants to small businesses looking to innovate or expand. Applicants share their plans for utilizing the funds to enhance operations, fostering growth and positive impact within their communities. (Grant)
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
December 2
All Month // Aglow 2024 | Cortex Innovation District
Delight in the festive spirit this holiday season at Cortex Commons, where beautiful light displays featuring illuminated trees and snowflakes await. It’s a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones and capture stunning photos that celebrate winter magic. (In-Person | Cortex)
December 2-6 // AWS re:Invent | Amazon Web Services
Connect with global innovators at AWS re:Invent’s virtual platform, showcasing cutting-edge developments in tech. From generative AI to business applications, experience enlightening discussions that can propel your understanding of the cloud. (Virtual)
AI for Social Good | Google Cloud
Experience the intersection of technology and philanthropy at this webinar focused on social good. Attendees will hear case studies showcasing how generative AI is being leveraged by nonprofits for advancement in various critical sectors. (Virtual)
Marketing the One-Person Service Business | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Explore key tactics that enable solo entrepreneurs to thrive in competitive markets. With expert guidance from Cliff Ennico, participants will learn about the four pillars of marketing and how to maximize efforts while minimizing time spent on promotional activities. (Virtual)
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback | Founder Institute
Elevate your understanding of successful pitching by participating in this engaging online workshop. Learn specific strategies for capturing investor interest while giving and receiving critiques on various entrepreneurial ideas. (Virtual)
The Enduring Enterprise: Navigating Crisis in Advanced Economies | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Gain invaluable insights into the world of resilient entrepreneurship with leading experts who share how crises can lead to groundbreaking innovations. This engaging session promises to equip participants with frameworks for thriving amidst uncertainty in any business environment. (Virtual)
Endgame of Entrepreneurship Expo | Skandalaris Center
Applaud the efforts of student teams who have worked diligently throughout the semester to develop compelling business proposals. Join in celebrating their achievements, enjoy delightful refreshments, and connect with like-minded individuals. (In-Person | WashU, Umrath Lounge)
December 3
Safeguarding Your Business: Using NDAs, Non-competes & Non-solicits | Start Small Think Big
Delve into the intricacies of safeguarding your business through effective agreements. Gain clarity on NDAs, Non-competes, and Non-solicits, discover how to ensure enforceability, and acquire practical tips for handling disputes and negotiations with confidence. (Virtual)
Cooperatives: Opportunities for Collective Ownership | Freelancers Union
Be part of a compelling exploration into how cooperation can revolutionize freelancing. Gain valuable knowledge about cooperative structures that provide essential services while actively being involved in shaping a more sustainable economic future for all participants. (Virtual)
Type and the Future: Visions of Utopia and Apocalypse | Letter Form Archive
Embrace a fascinating dialogue about typography as a cornerstone of visual culture that influences societal dreams and realities. Angela Riechers leads this exploration into how graphic languages evolve and reflect contemporary ideals of utopia and apocalypse. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs Connecting & Collaborating | Building Her Dream
Understand the unique challenges faced by introverted entrepreneurs while participating in small-group discussions designed to stimulate connection and collaboration beyond traditional networking formats. (Virtual)
Strategies for Building a Business Using Your Authentic Voice | WE NYC
Ignite your entrepreneurial journey by participating in this interactive workshop. Participants will gain confidence by learning from inspiring case studies and developing techniques essential for crafting a personal brand that stands out in today’s competitive market. (Virtual)
December 4
PitchSTL
Celebrate local talent at this engaging weekly event where startups take center stage. Watch as founders present their ideas and receive constructive criticism from both peers and audience members, fostering an enriching learning atmosphere for all involved. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
Government Contracting 101 | Apex Accelerators of Missouri – Kansas City
Join this engaging introductory class where you’ll learn how to effectively connect with government agencies. Attendees will walk away equipped with actionable strategies for researching current bids and improving their chances of securing contracts. (Virtual)
SEO Hot Topics for 2025 | Moz
Thrive with expert advice aimed at transforming your SEO strategy for the upcoming year. Discuss significant predictions from 2024 and learn how to harness emerging trends, foster brand loyalty, and optimize your content efficiently. (Virtual)
PitchFest ’24 – Anchor Accelerator Awards Ceremony | UMSL Anchor Accelerator
Embrace the entrepreneurial spirit of St. Louis at this dynamic awards ceremony, celebrating innovative startups and their founders. Witness pitches from finalists and discover how UMSL supports emerging businesses with significant grants for outstanding ideas.(In-Person | Millennium Student Center)
Justine Petersen’s Holiday Party
Immerse yourself in a joyous gathering where holiday spirit fills the air. Enjoy delicious food, festive drinks, and live music as you create memorable experiences with loved ones during this special celebration. (In-Person | Greencubator)
Every Startup’s Holiday Party | Spark St. Louis
Share in the joy of the season at this unique holiday party designed for small businesses. Experience delightful entertainment and delectable treats as you connect with like-minded entrepreneurs—all while contributing to a charity that empowers young girls. (In-Person | Spark St. Louis)
MCE Holiday Party | Missouri Coalition for the Environment
Bask in the festive ambience filled with laughter, conversation, and camaraderie as you engage with fellow supporters of MCE. This free event encourages all attendees to reflect on the impactful work done throughout the year while enjoying delicious offerings. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Winter Wanderlust Lounge – Holiday Bar | The Passport
Venture into holiday enchantment at the Winter Wanderlust Lounge! Perfect for those 21 and older, this unique experience combines cozy ambiance with seasonal delights—a chance to gather with friends and embrace the magic of winter festivities. (In-Person | The Passport)
December 5
Transforming your marketing with AI – the easy way | Enterprise Nation
Discover how AI can elevate your marketing efforts by streamlining content creation across various platforms. Learn best practices to preserve your brand’s unique voice and explore tools for list-building and competitive differentiation. (Virtual)
Observability Drives Modern Best DevOps Practices | Techstrong
Take in the latest insights from top industry speakers as they share their experiences on integrating observability into traditional methodologies. This event promises practical knowledge on improving overall system performance through innovative strategies. (Virtual)
Virtual Conference: Social Media and Influencer Marketing | American Marketing Association
Participate in this engaging conference where industry leaders share actionable advice on navigating the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Discover innovative approaches to leverage influencer collaborations and analyze campaign performances for measurable success. (Virtual)
2025 Agency Predictions: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities | WP Engine
Discover actionable strategies for navigating the evolving digital landscape with insights from top agency experts. This session highlights key 2025 trends, including efficiency through automation, loyalty-building approaches, and revenue growth tactics tailored to dynamic market needs. (Virtual)
8 Steps to Increased Exposure on Google for Your Business | SCORE Bi-State Region
Learn about the power of Google Business Profiles and unlock the potential of your online presence. In this session, we will guide you through best practices so that you can benefit from your Google Business Profile (Virtual)
Apache Airflow Lunch & Learn | T-REX
Venture into the world of data orchestration at this engaging Lunch & Learn event. Attendees will explore strategies for maintaining and improving Airflow DAG performance, guided by ASTRONOMER’s expertise, complemented by a free lunch experience. (In-Person | T-REX)
Elevate Your Data Strategy: From Cookies to Universal Consent & Preferences | BigMarker
Engage in a transformative webinar that navigates the shift from traditional cookie consent to Universal Consent and Preference Management (UCPM), empowering organizations to build trust and deepen customer relationships through effective data strategies. (Virtual)
7 Unique Webinar Formats You Should Try In 2025 | MarketingProfs+ON24
Absorb insights on maximizing webinar effectiveness by adopting varied formats that resonate with target audiences. Discover how short-form segments and interactive elements can elevate the overall experience, ensuring lasting impacts on patrons. (Virtual)
How to Drive More Revenue with Less Budget: Using AI and First-Party Data | EMARKETER
Witness firsthand accounts of transformative strategies that leverage emerging technologies in marketing. This webinar assembles experienced speakers who will guide you through the integration of AI with data practices, aiming for higher revenue generation efforts. (Virtual)
Levelling up your social media content for the new year | CreativeMornings
Connect with fellow creatives in a collaborative atmosphere while gaining valuable insights into elevating your digital content. The workshop will provide essential tools and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve as social media evolves. (Virtual)
buildIT @ the Post | TechSTL
Uncover groundbreaking perspectives in the tech landscape during an evening filled with insightful talks from passionate speakers. From healthcare data alignment to design thinking in emerging tech, attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and inspiration. (In-Person | The Post Building)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Revel in an environment where networking flourishes among fellow founders. Participate in insightful discussions, share your journey, and uncover collaboration opportunities that can boost your entrepreneurial aspirations. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
December 6
December 6-8 // Unexpected Luxury Trunk Show at Saks | St. Louis Fashion Fund
Immerse yourself in an exclusive showcase of luxury fashion, featuring curated collections from renowned designers. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore exquisite pieces, connect with fellow fashion enthusiasts, and experience a sophisticated shopping atmosphere. (In-Person | Saint Louis Fashion Fund)
Diversity Perspectives: A Conversation with Haben Girma | Olin Business School
Uncover the inspiring narrative of Haben Girma as she discusses navigating life as a deafblind woman, her fight for disability rights, and her innovative approach to accessibility. Experience her passion for creating a more inclusive and equitable world. (In-Person | WashU, Knight Hall)
Super Collider | Filament
Dive into an engaging experience that promises insights and discussions around key themes, fostering a space for creativity and connection among participants. (In-Person | Filament)
Community Bazaar with Sunrise Dough | International Institue St. Louis
Be part of a vibrant community bazaar featuring handmade items from around the globe. Enjoy lunch from SunRise Dough, while local artisans showcase their crafts, including beautiful garments made by Afghan women, supporting their journey toward independence. (In-Person | International Institue St. Louis)
Bourbon Friday @ TechArtista Downtown
Delight in an evening dedicated to collaboration and community as entrepreneurs come together to exchange ideas. Experience the pleasure of connecting over bourbon tastings, ensuring new business opportunities arise alongside shared experiences and laughter. Join us for more great drinks and better conversations. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
December 7
AI for Business: A TechUp Bootcamp on Holiday Sales | TechSTL
Embrace the opportunities that AI offers for business growth at this free TechUp Bootcamp. Designed for entrepreneurs, experience intensive training sessions, practical tips, and innovative resources to optimize your holiday sales success with confidence. (In-Person | Urban League Center for Entrepreneurship)
17th Annual Print Bazaar on Cherokee
Experience the charm of Cherokee Street during a vibrant gathering of artists where you’ll find exquisite prints and handcrafted items perfect for gifting or personal collection amidst an engaging holiday atmosphere. (In-Person | Cherokee Street)
FRIZZMAS – Holiday Extravaganza | FrizzyByNature
Discover the spirit of giving at this family-friendly holiday party. With vendor booths offering unique products, tasty refreshments, and a craft station, it’s an ideal place to gather while contributing to the Little Bit Foundation’s hair care drive. (In-Person | Cortex @ 4240 Duncan)
December 8
St. Louis Code and Coffee | Speaker: Kevin Lai, Geographic Information Systems
Learn from fellow tech enthusiasts at this open co-working session, where everyone is invited to showcase their skills and projects. Engage in friendly conversation or participate in member-led workshops for hands-on learning opportunities. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Share with us in the comments what’s got you pumped for this week. We always look for ways to improve the St. Louis Business Ecosystem. If you have any ideas, please let us know! For those with upcoming events or important dates, feel free to contact us at [email protected].