Your breakthrough moment could happen this week in St. Louis! Entrepreneurs, tech creators, and marketing minds will find abundant opportunities for connection and growth during December 8-14, 2025. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, brings you the complete guide to making the most of our vibrant community.
Funding, ESO, and Accelerator Opportunities
Due December 10 // Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
Fifty small businesses will be granted $10,000 each as part of a broader digital-skills initiative. To qualify, U.S. for-profit businesses must complete two online courses or events on the platform before applying. The program offers free training, coaching, and resources to help companies grow in the digital economy.(Grant)
Due December 15 // Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant
Veteran- and military-spouse-owned small businesses can apply for a one-time cash grant program. Five winners will be selected: four receive $10,000, and one receives $25,000 to invest in growth, jobs, and community impact. Eligibility includes 51% ownership, 3-20 employees, and annual revenue under $5 million. (Grant)
Due January 5 // Innovation in Philanthropy Awards 2026 – Nominations
An annual recognition highlights up to three innovative partnerships between companies and nonprofits that meaningfully strengthen the St. Louis community. Nominations should showcase creative approaches to major local challenges, such as racial equity, education, or social justice, with selected honorees featured in a special publication.
Due January 5 // Startups to Watch 2026 – Nominations
A regional awards program highlights promising early-stage startups under five years old that have raised less than $25 million. Honorees are selected for their momentum and potential to make a significant impact in the coming year, with nominations open to founders and community members.
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
December 8
Navigating the Future of Cloud Security and Compliance in Government | GovTech
Connect with thought leaders during a live conversation about secure government cloud adoption. Discover how new regulations influence governance approaches, vendor collaboration, and technology integration to build resilient digital infrastructures. (Virtual)
Unleash Design Creativity with AI | General Assembly
Share in gaining insight on integrating AI into UX processes, discovering the balance between automation and ethical considerations. Participants will engage with practical applications of free AI resources that foster innovation while redefining design strategy and critical thinking. (Virtual)
Solopreneurship 101 | SCORE
Network with like-minded professionals while learning how to establish and grow your own business venture. This session offers insights into maintaining the right mindset, setting procedures, boosting brand presence, and other key components of solopreneurship. (Virtual)
Hiring for Startups: How to Build Your Team Early | Founder Institute
Participate in a webinar focused on developing an effective early-stage team for startups. Learn actionable tips on hiring smart, building cohesion, and scaling your company culture from a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience. (Virtual)
Enterprise AI Adoption to Drive ROI | Product School
Learn from distinguished product visionaries about integrating artificial intelligence into business strategies that accelerate innovation, optimize customer insights, and deliver sustainable financial returns. (Virtual)
Cybersecurity Basics for Small Businesses | NJSBDC
Kick off your journey to enhanced business security with expert guidance on protecting digital information. Learn practical tips on strong passwords, securing devices, backing up important data, and employing simple encryption techniques during this interactive webinar. (Virtual)
December 9
Impactful Storytelling for Executives: Using GenAI | Gartner
Explore how today’s leaders can harness GenAI to shape persuasive narratives that resonate. Through live demonstrations, discover how to structure stories that align with executive goals using proven storytelling models and avoid common pitfalls in AI-assisted messaging. (Virtual)
AI SEO & GEO Online Summit 2025 | Boulder SEO Marketing
Take in cutting-edge insights as leading experts unpack the rapid evolution of AI-driven search. This session explores how tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s AI Overviews are reshaping SEO—and how GEO strategies are becoming essential for visibility. (Virtual)
Data Center Bytes: Real Estate and Environmental Considerations | Morgan Lewis
Whether you are a developer, operator, financier, or industry stakeholder, these sessions will offer invaluable perspectives to help with navigating complex legal frameworks and emerging industry trends. (Virtual)
Techstars Founder Spotlight Sessions – Energy & Sustainability with Ampaire
Revel in expert guidance during a deep dive into securing investor funding and early customers within the energy and sustainability space. Kevin Noertker discusses balancing innovation and real-world impact through Ampaire’s pioneering efforts in decarbonizing regional air travel. (Virtual)
Skills and Tools Marketers Need to Win in 2026 | American Marketing Association
Venture into an insightful session addressing how marketers can sharpen their skills and integrate powerful tools for 2026. Learn from expert keynotes and see firsthand how technology streamlines workflows, collaboration, and drives impactful marketing results. (Virtual)
Running a Small Business in the Age of AI: Legal Risks and Responsible Practices | Start Small Think Big
Unite with fellow small business owners in this informative webinar that demystifies AI compliance and risk management, covering key topics such as IP infringement dangers, customer information security, and trusted resource referrals for further support. (Virtual)
Vetworking STL Holiday Party 2025
Explore an annual festive meetup designed for veterans and transitioning service members to build professional relationships amidst a warm holiday party complete with drinks, light food, and engaging conversations at T-REX. (In-Person | T-REX)
Tech on Tap STL – Holiday Party | TechSTL
Unite with fellow technology professionals and startup enthusiasts for an enjoyable two-hour holiday event filled with good food, drinks, and spirited conversation. Everyone of all ages can share in this festive occasion hosted at a popular downtown venue. (In-Person | Trust)
St. Louis Black Tech Mixer | TechSTL
Dive into engaging panel conversations that address how to build strategic partnerships, innovate effectively, and grow tech careers amidst a rapidly changing landscape, all while networking with Black tech professionals eager to shape the next year. (In-Person | Trust)
December 10
Virtual Summit: What’s Ahead in 2026 for Data & Analytics | TDWI
Participate in a dynamic half-day virtual event offering vendor-neutral sessions led by industry experts. Dive deep into emerging technologies, governance, security challenges, and the evolution of analytics platforms to stay ahead in the fast-evolving data landscape. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenters: BinarySearch & Just Pastas
Thrive by showcasing your innovation during a weekly event that encourages startups to deliver concise pitches paired with interactive Q&A rounds. Benefit from valuable audience insight while connecting with key local resources. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
2026 Trends in Digital Marketing | Digital Marketing Institute
Join marketing educator Will Francis and a panel of industry leaders as they reveal key trends for digital marketing in 2026. This online session explores AI developments, social media evolution, and practical tactics to stay competitive. (Virtual)
Mentorship For Growth | Leveraging The Geospatial Ecosystem | T-REX
Enjoy a structured program including keynote presentations, a fireside chat with experienced mentors, and ample networking time designed to empower small businesses working in national security sectors. (In-Person | 5th Floor – T-REX)
How to fuel AEO authority with earned media insights | Webflow
Partake in an educational session featuring industry leaders who reveal how to use earned media from forums and social platforms to build authority within AI-driven search environments. Understand where and how these insights impact your website’s marketing tactics. (Virtual)
Venture Development Open Forum | TEDCO
Connect with TEDCO’s Venture Development team in a casual yet informative session spotlighting strategic programs that nurture startups. Explore guidance on funding, mentorship, and innovation support crafted to empower founders navigating Maryland’s tech ecosystem. (Virtual)
What Agentic Data Management Unlocks for Data Scientists, Analysts, and Leaders | Data Science Connect
Explore the power of agentic data management as this webinar reveals its role in empowering professionals beyond data engineering. Learn about orchestration techniques that transform raw data into valuable business intelligence for diverse teams. (Virtual)
Agentic AI in Action: Shaping the Next Era of Government Services | GovTech
Celebrate the shift from theory to practice in government AI adoption by joining an event that highlights multi-agent architectures, human-in-the-loop systems for compliance, and new AI governance roles such as Chief AI Officers for enhanced service delivery. (Virtual)
AI Marketing Webinar: Attract Visitors, Leads, & Sales from AI Search (SEO) | Brick Marketing
Appreciate expert guidance from seasoned digital marketing professionals on improving SEO for AI. This session covers how to use schema markup and on-page signals to ensure your business stands out as AI-powered search evolves towards higher user trust and recommendations. (Virtual)
ConnectSTL Holiday Connections Mixer | SLDC
Delight in an engaging holiday gathering that emphasizes cross-sector collaboration within the St. Louis digital inclusion ecosystem. Attendees can look forward to tasty bites, music, informal mingling, and sharing plans for continued community impact in 2026. (In-Person | LaunchCode)
AgriBusiness Club Meeting and Networking
Unite with fellow professionals over a curated holiday spread, blending seasonal cheer with purposeful dialogue. The event offers a platform to honor shared achievements and highlight the evolving contributions of members driving ag innovation in St. Louis. (In-Person | 39 North AgTech Innovation District)
Dutchtown’s Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Revel in Dutchtown’s Winter Wonderland Gala, a magical evening filled with community spirit and festive cheer, bringing neighbors together for an unforgettable night of celebration and joy in the heart of Dutchtown. (In-Person | Neighborhood Innovation Center)
Agentic AI: The Next Evolution of Microservices | Google Cloud
Immerse yourself in discussions around Agentic AI’s role in transforming traditional microservices. The event highlights pioneering strategies for scalable, intelligent service ecosystems enabled by artificial intelligence advancements. (Virtual)
December 11
AI Regulations to Watch Out For in 2026 | DataCamp
Engage with insights from top privacy and policy voices as they outline what 2026 holds for AI governance. From interpreting the EU AI Act to managing compliance across jurisdictions, this session equips organizations to navigate high-stakes regulatory change. (Virtual)
Beyond Awareness: Putting AEO into Action for AI-Powered Search and Conversion | Martech
Marvel at the possibilities of AI-driven marketing as you learn practical ways to implement Answer Engine Optimization beyond awareness. This conversation demystifies the journey from SEO to AEO, offering a detailed roadmap for scaling initiatives across teams effectively. (Virtual)
What’s New, What’s Next: Delivering Firm-wide Clarity | Carta
Appreciate a pivotal year in private capital tech as Carta’s leadership unveils a groundbreaking software category designed for Fund CFOs. Explore enhanced GP tools, AI-driven data collection, and seamless reporting features that redefine operational clarity across firms. (Virtual)
FESTIVUS | T-REX
Bask in a festive rebellion with an offbeat year-end bash that boldly defies seasonal norms through cheeky rituals, outrageous games, and communal cheer. Expect snacks, sips, laughter, and a nod to Seinfeld’s most legendary anti-holiday. (In-Person | T-REX)
Founders Lounge Global – Powered by Metis Analytics
Take part in an inspiring environment where ambitious entrepreneurs connect to learn, grow, and innovate together. The program features enriching events designed to help you navigate today’s business challenges while expanding your professional network. (In-Person | Spark Coworking – St. Louis)
2025 Business After Hours – Nine PBS | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Revel in an engaging evening designed to connect professionals across St. Louis’ Hispanic Chamber membership. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere perfect for building relationships, exchanging ideas, and expanding your business network in a welcoming setting. (In-Person | Nine PBS)
Holiday Mixer 2025 | Heartland Black Chamber St. Louis & African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Engage with professionals and community leaders during this annual holiday party, featuring a vibrant mix of networking opportunities in the heart of St. Louis. The event lasts for three enjoyable hours at the popular Levels location. (In-Person | Levels)
REWIRED: Rethink. Relearn. Reimagine. | The Biz Spot Community
Participate in a thought-provoking gathering featuring honest conversations about building careers in IT. Gain insights from local innovators, training providers, and community voices focused on bridging the digital divide through collaboration. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
December 12
Agentic AI Hackathon | New York / Virtual | ODSC
Celebrate innovation at this high-energy hackathon focused on building autonomous AI agents capable of tool integration and complex task execution. Enjoy hands-on workshops, collaborative team sessions, live demos, and exciting prizes including exclusive Google swag. (Hybrid)
2026 B2B Marketing Strategies Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Unite with top industry experts as they reveal practical AI applications in real-world B2B marketing workflows, showcasing methods to automate content processes, boost team productivity, and strengthen marketing-sales collaboration. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday
Savor the rich aromas and flavors of various bourbons while mingling with innovators and entrepreneurs at this weekly social event. Attendees enjoy three hours of tastings combined with valuable networking opportunities within a lively community dedicated to startups and business growth. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
December 13
2025 KWANZAA Holiday Expo | Better Family Life
Marvel at a festive event highlighting Cooperative Economics by offering opportunities for small businesses and individuals to promote their products alongside family-friendly music, food, and interactive sessions over two days. (In-Person | Better Family Life)
Young at Art 30th Celebration | St. Louis ArtWorks
Celebrate three decades of creative empowerment at an evening honoring youth, community, and artistic expression. Held at St. Louis ArtWorks, this milestone event brings together supporters to reflect on 30 years of transformative impact through the arts.
12 Bars of Charity – St. Louis 2025
Experience the festive spirit by joining this unique pub crawl that raises funds for multiple charities, including animal rescue, pediatric cancer research, and spinal cord injury cures. With dedicated teams supporting each cause, participants enjoy exclusive events and memorable camaraderie across numerous city bars. (In-Person | Various)
December 14
Chanukah @ The Arch | Chabad of Greater St. Louis
Appreciate a vibrant holiday gathering hosted by Chabad of Greater St. Louis that brings together diverse audiences to celebrate Chanukah traditions through music, light, and family-friendly activities in an accessible public space. (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s the big news for your week? We’d love for you to share in the comments! We’re also dedicated to building a better St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing community and would appreciate your ideas. Send event details to [email protected].
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