From application deadlines for TechSTL’s NEXTGEN and the Cleantech Inclusion Award, to events that delve into the latest trends in marketing, AI, and pitching, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your knowledge, network with other professionals, and take the next step in personal or business growth. Here’s a rundown from our Founder Erik Lutenegger of Events & Opportunities in St. Louis this week, coming up the week of February 6 – 10, 2023!
Accelerator, ESO, and Funding Opportunities
Are you looking for Accelerators, Incubators, or Funding? Here’s an excellent place to start!
Apply Now // Free WordPress Speed Optimizations from SwingSpan
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)
Apply Now // NEXTGEN Memberships | TechSTL
This is a complimentary 12-month individual membership for 18-24-year-olds in the St. Louis region. NextGen offers emerging tech leaders and innovators the opportunity to connect with opportunities in Greater St. Louis! You’ll have access to TechSTL Calendar and exclusive NextGen opportunities like Job Fairs, Workshops, Internships, and Mentors. (Young Professionals)
Due February 8 // Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Advancement (IDEA) Fund – Missouri Technology Corporation
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 February 10 // Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs | Smith College
This is an on-ramp for undergraduate women seeking access to entrepreneurship opportunities, capital, and networks. You can earn $100,000 in equity and interest-free prize money. (Incubator & Pitch Competition)
Due February 15 // MentorUP Program | ITEN
ITEN’s MentorUp is the newest component of its services to support innovation-led startups. MentorUp offers dedicated one-to-one guidance during a critical time in a startup’s growth while providing training and peer connection for mentors in the cohort. After completing the 6-month cohort, mentors will also be eligible for certification through WeLoveMentors. (Mentor Opportunity)
Due February 28 // Missouri Startup Weekend Pitch
Did you ever want to launch a Startup in one weekend with access to talent, mentors, resources, unlimited coffee, and even seven meals from a top chef? Well, at Missouri Startup week, you can. Winners receive up to $2.5k in cash, PR, help with legal formation, and are invited to Scale’s next cohort! (Pitch Competition)
Due February 28 // The U.S. Bank Foundation Cleantech Inclusion Award | Evergreen Climate Innovations
This pitch competition is for underrepresented and underserved cleantech entrepreneurs building innovative companies that benefit the environment and drive economic development. The winners will receive a $25,000 non-recourse grant, mentoring, and increased exposure to investors and customers. There are some other criteria to apply, so check those out. (Pitch Competition & Funding)
Due February 1 // Techstars Accelerator Applications
Accelerator applications are due for TechStars Sports Accelerator Powered by Indy (Accelerator)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
Events on February 6
The Power of Pop-up Shops: A tool for rural business incubation | New Growth CDC
This webinar will discuss the benefits of pop-up shops as a tool for rural business incubation, including testing markets, building a customer base, and increasing revenue. And will provide guidance on how to start pop-up shops for new business and commerce in your town. (Virtual)
Events on February 7
Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations & Marketing | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
At this webinar, Kris Ruby, CEO of Ruby Media Group, will talk about how to use AI to expand reach and impact of marketing strategies, target subgroups of customers, and update digital media assets. And you’ll get tips on writing AI marketing prompts and evaluating AI marketing specialists. (Virtual)
Judging A Book By Its Cover | ADC & The One Club
At this event, they’ll look closely at the art of designing book covers with acclaimed designers and past ADC judges. (Virtual)
The Importance of Paid Advertising in a Digital Space | Digital Main Street
The session covers key insights into Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads, including target audiences, which ads to run for your business, and critical terminology in ad platforms. It aims to help attendees understand why they should consider paid advertising for their business and how they can quickly get started. (Virtual)
How to Perfect Your Pitch | Techstars
This is the first in a 3-part Series, Hosted by Jessica Kaing and Saba Karim, Global Startup Pipeline Team, where you can learn the essential tips to improve your pitch and put it into practice. In this interactive workshop, they’ll share a framework for creating a great pitch. (Virtual)
Inno: Beers with the Beat | St. Louis Business Journal
St. Louis Inno is hosting a happy hour at Spark for members of the St. Louis entrepreneurship and innovation community to network and socialize. (In-Person)
Tech on Tap at T-REX
This is for anyone from software developers to server admins, entrepreneurs to industry newbies, so if you work in tech and like beer, this would be an excellent event for you. There will be two presenters that night Cynthia Chapple on Black Girls do STEM and Isaac Musselwhite on Building Dev Ops. (In-Person)
Events on February 8
Business Plan Basics | Missouri SBDC
This at the Kirkwood Library is for current and future business owners and entrepreneurs who have little or no knowledge of writing a business plan and want to learn about using the planning process as a foundational management tool. (In-Person)
Getting Started: The Fundamentals of Personalized Content | AMA & Adobe
At this webinar, Pauline Huynh will focus on how to deliver personalized experiences at scale by building a solid digital foundation. And guide attendees through the process of personalization and show how to focus on quick wins, manage content across channels, and leverage data to optimize content. (Virtual)
2023 Martech Strategies: Turning Trends Into Actions | Insider Intelligence
Here you’ll learn where Martech spending is providing higher returns, how to improve measurement, how to make sure your customer data platform is delivering efficiency through data quality, and see specific customer use cases in retail and healthcare. (Virtual)
Events on February 9
Pitch Workshop | Skandalaris Center
EIR Samantha Rudolph, the co-founder and CEO of Babyation, will share tips to help enhance your confidence when presenting yourself, your ideas, and your work, no matter your area of expertise. (In-Person)
AI/Art/Ethics | The Centre for Social Impact Technology
At this webinar, they will discuss the impact of AI on writing, art, and authorship, and it is meant to raise questions and spark discussions on the potential and perils of using AI in the creative industries. No prior technical knowledge is required. (Virtual)
Venture Cafe St. Louis | Community Activations
Highlights: Community Connections: Riddle Me This!, and the first Founders Unplugged info below.(In-Person)
Founders Unplugged at Venture Café | TechSTL
This is a collaboration between Venture Café & TechSTL. And is a candid and engaging look at how St. Louis entrepreneurs have successfully built their businesses from the ground up. This month’s founders are Doug Spencer, BoldXchange, and Emory Reignz, Grab My Bag. (In-Person)
Events on February 10
Email Marketing Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Highlights for the is Forum are:
The Role of B2B Email During Challenging Economic Times
8 Email Best Practices for 2023
Creating a Scalable A/B Testing Strategy.
Virtual)
Bourbon Friday | 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. Don’t forget to help us select our Featured Bourbon of the Week by following us on Instagram! (In-Person)
Check out Blippy Pitch
I’m not sure if I’ll mention this every week, but our friends over at Bizblip have launched their virtual pitch competition Blippy Pitch, so watch some pitches and vote!
Watch Youtube
If you are interested in NA Products, did Dry January, or are like me and have stuff to do during the week, check out our review of 3 New NA Spirits on Youtube! I will also be producing a Dry January wrap-up with some of the products I tried and really liked.
What are you excited for this week? What do we need in St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem? Let us know in the comments!
Have an event or important date coming up, please email us at events@bourbonfriday.show.