St. Louis is the place for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketers during the week of July 29 – August 4. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has crafted a detailed guide to help you make the most of the upcoming events and opportunities. Connect, learn, and thrive in our dynamic community.
Funding, Accelerator, and ESO Opportunities
Due July 31 // BUILD BIZ Weekend—A Small Business Hackathon | Cortex’s Square One
This hackathon empowers small businesses by enhancing systems, processes, software, and branding over two days. Hosted by Cortex and Heydays, participants pay $250 for services valued at $5,000-$10,000, with scholarships available. Ideal for businesses with 2-5 years in operation and $25-50K in annual sales. Includes support from HR, marketing, design, and media professionals. (Incubator / Hackathon)
Due July 31 // Climate Innovation Day, St. Louis: Startup Pitch Event | Bayer Crop Science
This competition offers climate-focused startups the chance to showcase their innovations. Participants gain free workspace, networking opportunities, and educational support. The event fosters collaboration among startups, industry leaders, and investors to drive climate change solutions. It supports both for-profit and nonprofit entities working on environmental issues. (Pitch Competition)
Due July 31 // Amber Grant
This grant program offers monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses, supporting various business categories. At the end of each year, three grant winners receive an additional $25,000. The application process is straightforward, requiring a brief description of the business. The program aims to honor Amber Wigdahl’s legacy by empowering female entrepreneurs. (Grant)
Due July 31 // Skip $10k Summer Grants
This program offers $10,000 grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Recipients gain access to Skip’s resources, including business coaching, grant writing assistance, and a network of professionals. The initiative supports business growth and innovation, helping entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers and achieve their goals. Applications are straightforward, focusing on the business’s impact and needs. (Grant)
Due July 31 // Elevate Creatives Fund | Wave & Shorty Awards
This fund supports U.S. and Canada-based independent creators and small creative business owners by providing $20,000 grants to six recipients. Participants receive personalized bookkeeping and accounting coaching and creative and business mentorship and are featured on the Shorty Awards website, social media, and podcast. The program aims to remove financial barriers and foster creative entrepreneurship. (Grant)
Due July 31 // Giving Joy Grants
This grant program supports women worldwide in launching or expanding businesses, nonprofits, or projects that benefit women, girls, and families. Grants of up to $500 are awarded biannually. The program emphasizes social impact and requires detailed proposals outlining the intended use of funds and expected community benefits. (Grant)
Due August 1 // Thinksgiving | Filament
Filament’s award-winning initiative pairs creative teams from our region’s smartest organizations with 50+ nonprofits for a day of collaborative innovation and problem-solving. (Collaboration)
Due August 7 // 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 August 7 // Proof of Concept | Missouri Technology Corporation
The pilot program supports early-stage Missouri entrepreneurs developing innovative technologies by providing $25,000-$50,000 in equity investments. Companies must have proprietary IP, completed ideation and customer discovery, and secure a matching co-investment. It targets seven key industry areas: Biomedical & Life Sciences, Healthcare Technology & Services, Financial Technology & Services, Software & Data, Energy, Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Logistics. (Funding)
Due August 9 // WEPOWER Business Accelerator
This 10-week accelerator supports Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in St. Louis, focusing on businesses creating living wage jobs. Participants receive bi-weekly coaching, workshops, in-kind professional services, a $5,000 equity-free grant, a wellness stipend, and access to capital. The program begins on September 16 with a kick-off dinner. (Accelerator)
Due August 9 // STL Startup Week Speakers
Apply to speak at STL Startup Week (Nov 11-15, 2024). In one-hour sessions, share your insights on marketing, culture, design, capital, and growth. No sales pitches; focus on engaging, educational content—deadline: August 9, 2024. (Speaking Opportunity)
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.
Entrepreneurship, Tech, and Marketing Events
July 29
July 29-August 2 // TechSTL Takeover at CIC @ Sarah | TechSTL
Experience a week of collaboration and networking with TechSTL Takeovers, offering members free coworking access alongside complimentary snacks. In a vibrant coworking environment, engage in a Networking Breakfast on Tuesday and a Pizza Lunch on Friday. (In-Person | CIC @ Sarah)
How to Come Up with Great Startup Ideas | Founder Institute
Uncover the secrets to crafting successful startup ideas by delving into recognized methods during this informative event. With insights from Jonathan Greechan, attendees will connect with like-minded individuals while learning how to elevate their entrepreneurial pursuits. (Virtual)
STL Startup World Cup: Agtech / Foodtech Semi-Final Competition | TechSTL
As regional founders present their groundbreaking ideas in a high-stakes pitch competition, engage with the vibrant startup community. This event highlights innovation and offers a platform for networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs and investors. (In-Person | The Post Building)
July 30
Grow With Google: Summer Series – Increase Your Sales with Google Tools | HeyDays HQ
Embrace the opportunity to enhance your digital marketing knowledge during this series. Participants will discover how to create engaging websites, utilize Google tools effectively for sales, and develop negotiation skills that can significantly impact their businesses. (Virtual)
WordSesh | WPSessions
Immerse yourself in a vibrant online conference crafted specifically for those working with WordPress. Experts will share their insights on optimizing workflows and embracing innovative tools, making it an invaluable experience for freelancers and agencies. (Virtual)
2024 Organic Website Traffic Benchmarks Report Data/Insights | Search Engine Land
Connect with professionals in the field as they share key data points on organic search traffic, highlighting significant benchmarks across diverse industries. This event is set to enhance understanding of effective SEO approaches and content strategies for future success. (Virtual)
Protecting and Growing Your Small to Medium-Sized Business | SCORE
Transform your sales approach by attending the SCORE webinar focused on AI applications in sales. Explore methods to discover new leads, optimize sales processes, and build stronger customer connections using AI. Gain valuable insights from professionals to drive significant improvements in your sales outcomes. (Virtual)
July Virtual Meet and Greet | Techstars
Investigate essential strategies for startup acceleration at this virtual meet-and-greet hosted by Techstars. Participants will gain insights on the application process, get tips to refine applications, and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to industry experts. (Virtual)
Overcoming Burnout: Unleash Your Inner Creative | CreativeMornings
Gain insights into the impact of burnout and learn practical strategies to rejuvenate your creativity. This engaging session will guide participants through the seven types of rest, helping channel inner voices while quieting critics for enhanced self-expression. (Virtual)
July 31
101 Different Ways I’m Using AI for SEO | Moz
Begin a transformative exploration into the world of AI and SEO. Discover practical applications, including insights from a recent Google documentation leak and effective strategies to create high-value content that resonates with modern search engines. (Virtual)
Community Economy: Ensure User Engagement in a Crowded Market | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Reveal the secrets to effective community building as ReeJade Richmond shares her expertise in membership loyalty and user retention. Discover how a well-structured Community Economy System can enhance customer experiences while driving engagement in competitive landscapes. (Virtual)
Summer With Skandy: Data-Driven Decisions | Skandalaris Center
Absorb cutting-edge techniques for data-driven business strategies at Summer With Skandy. Gateway X CTO Adam Brakhane will guide attendees through effective data utilization for business expansion. Engage with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from an expert dedicated to turning visions into successful ventures. (In-Person | Washington University – McMillan Hall)
Social Media “Happy Hour” Workshop | Urban League St. Louis: Women’s Business Center
Dive into the virtual “Social Media Happy Hour” workshop! Explore the power of social media with insights from influencers and entrepreneurs. Immerse yourself in interactive sessions packed with hacks to build meaningful online relationships and boost your brand presence. Get ready for a fun and informative experience in social media! (Virtual)
August 1
How introvert founders can generate leads on LinkedIn | Enterprise Nation
Transform your approach to LinkedIn by discovering essential lead-generation techniques in a supportive online environment. This session offers valuable insights into bridging social selling gaps, enabling introverted entrepreneurs to promote their businesses confidently. (Virtual)
Use Social Listening to Get Ahead of Big Cultural Moments | Hootsuite
Join a transformative journey in social media marketing with a three-part series focusing on performance-driven strategies. Gain insights into social listening, audience engagement, and demonstrating business impact through effective social media practices. (Virtual)
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood | WE NYC
Connect with fellow entrepreneurial mothers in an insightful group mentoring session. Learn from Jessica Walker’s expertise on merging business ambitions with personal commitments, focusing on actionable strategies and productivity tips to enhance your entrepreneurial journey. (Virtual)
SuperCollider | Filament
Discover a results-oriented experience tailored for teams, focusing on practical skills and innovative thinking. With access to premier co-working spaces and expert-led workshops, attendees can tackle real challenges while building stronger connections within their group. (In-Person | Filament)
Downtown Summer Nights Performance Night | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Enjoy a summer of excitement in Downtown St. Louis with weekly parties at Kiener Plaza. With various themes, from happy hours to performance nights, each event brings community members together to celebrate the season fun and engagingly. Featuring: Lyrical Therapy & Word Up & Music from Stazi (In-Person | Keiner Plaza)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
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 | Aloft St. Louis)
SLU New Venture Accelerator Demo Day | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
This event highlights emerging entrepreneurs as they unveil their solutions to pressing issues. Network with them, learn about their projects and witness unique pitches from teams dedicated to improving health, sustainability, and community engagement in various fields. (In-Person | COLLAB)
When Black Women Lead Happy Hour with Congresswoman Cori Bush | Heartland Action
Revel in the strength and influence of black women in leadership roles. Attendees will be able to hear from Congresswoman Cori Bush, gaining insights into advocacy efforts and the importance of representation in governance. (In-Person | Heydays)
Urban Arts Collective | Neighborhood Innovaion Center
Attend a vibrant showcase of local artistry every first Thursday at Urban Eats, where creativity thrives. This event fosters community spirit and collaboration, making art a medium for social change and cultural unity in Dutchtown. (In-Person | Urban Eats)
Social Club Thursdays! | KRe8 Spaces
Delight in Social Club Thursdays, featuring game nights, open mic sessions, and thought-provoking discussions. This event provides a relaxed environment for artists and professionals to mingle, share ideas, and enjoy drinks and snacks. A vibrant evening of creativity and connection awaits. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
August 2
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. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown
August 4
St. Louis Code and Coffee
If you are interested in coding at any level and want a community to connect with and share ideas, this is an informal meet-up for anyone to work or hack on their project. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What’s catching your attention in the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing world this week? We’re all ears in the comments section! For those with events or crucial dates to highlight, send the details to [email protected].