Entrepreneurs, tech-savvy individuals, and marketers in the St. Louis region can check out numerous growth and networking opportunities within the local landscape during the week of June 19-23, 2023. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has gathered a collection of events and opportunities for the week, designed to accommodate a variety of interests such as networking, receiving business guidance, acquiring new skills, and simply having fun.
Accelerators, ESO and Funding Opportunities
Need Funding? Incubation? Acceleration? This is the best place to start.
Due June 23 // SFIA’s 2023 Virtual Start-Up Challenge
This is a pitch competition for sports and fitness innovators where Startups pitch their ideas to an esteemed panel of judges, compete for the grand prize, and potentially raise funds. Since 2016, finalists have collectively raised over $200 million. (Pitch Competition)
Due June 28 // NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge 2023
The 2023 NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge recognizes and supports entrepreneurs and visionaries working on technology that advances the agency’s science goals, particularly in lunar exploration and climate science with prizes totaling $1 Million. (Pitch)
Due June 29 // xTechSBIR Autonomy
The U.S. Army is inviting entities to join the xTech Small Business Innovation Research Autonomy competition. This is a chance for eligible small businesses to present their innovative technology solutions directly to the Department of Defense, with the opportunity to win prize money and potentially receive a Phase I SBIR award of up to $250,000 each. (Funding)
Due June 30 // Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2023 | St. Louis Business Journal
Nominations are due for Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Awards 2023 from St. Louis Business Journal, which will honor individuals and organizations advancing diversity, inclusion, and equity in St. Louis. (Community Awards)
Due July 2 // NSIN Forge
In partnership with FedTech, this program matches cutting-edge DoD tech with early-stage startups for an intensive, twelve-week cohort. Companies work closely with various subject matter experts to assess the technologies’ market viability and commercialization potential. Successful ventures license the tech and develop solutions that impact the DoD and the private sector. (Entrepreneurship Program)
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 June 19
Juneteenth Family Day in Grand Center
This family-friendly event is organized by CAM, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries; it features food, art activities, interactive performances, DJ music, and special events such as storytelling, dance party, and performances. (In-Person)
2nd Annual Juneteenth “FREE-DOME” Celebration | Saint LAAA FaB
This is a one-day family-oriented event celebrating the rich heritage, history, and culture of people of African descent. Come together to show that we are UNITED and to celebrate our unity with diverse people throughout Saint Louis City. (In-Person)
Events on June 20
June 20-22 // ContentTECH Summit
This free virtual event aims to unlock the potential of content technology, providing insights into integrating technology into content operations. The summit addresses questions on content and marketing technology innovations, customer experience, and adapting to a changing marketing landscape. (Virtual)
Expert Email Marketing Tips That Are Working NOW! | MarketingProfs
Here you’ll learn the specific words, symbols, and strategies that increase email open rates and engagement, the best days and ideal frequencies for sending emails, and the types of content that produce the highest levels of engagement. (Virtual)
Embracing Newcomers: A Panel Discussion In Honor of World Refugee Day | Missouri Office of Refugee Administration
Stop by for a happy hour and learn more about what newcomers bring to their communities, the challenges they might face, and how you can support welcoming efforts. (In-Person)
Events on June 21
June 21-24 // Made with Pride Pop Up @ City Foundry
Come shop at St. Louis’ only LGBTQIA+ market, featuring dozens of local artists, makers, and retailers. And find delicious eats inside the Food Hall. Or Enjoy a beverage in front of a live entertainment stage of local musicians and drag performances. (In-Person)
June 21-22 // Config 2023 – Figma’s Annual Conference
Here you’ll get a fantastic lineup of speakers, a chance to ask your burning Figma questions, and connect with attendees worldwide. (Virtual)
1 Million Cups St. Louis | Presenters: Rico Podcast & StratFit
This event is for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the innovation community here in St. Louis. The presenters are Rico Podcast & StratFit. (In-Person)
The Power of Generative AI in the Buyer’s Journey | Insider Intelligence
Here you will gain insights into how GenAI can drive cost savings, with recent developments like ChatGPT revolutionizing content creation. And you’ll learn about GenAI’s role in delivering personalized customer experiences. Plus, see how firms like Allstate, Marks & Spencer, and Coca-Cola smartly utilize this technology. (Virtual)
HR Foundations: Building a Thriving Team from Solopreneurship | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
This event provides solopreneurs with strategies for successfully expanding their teams and establishing HR structures. Key topics include hiring, legal procedures, and developing company culture and support systems. (Virtual)
How to Use Privacy-Safe Data to Optimize Healthcare Marketing | American Marketing Association
This webinar teaches healthcare marketers how to use real-world data to optimize outcomes while ensuring privacy responsibly. Experts share best practices and tips for non-invasive data use, fostering patient trust, and personalizing information. (Virtual)
CIC Pride | Cortex
Join them to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community for Pride Month! They’ll have a panel discussion followed by a Community Social where there will be cocktails & mocktails, appetizers, music, and more! (In-Person)
New Skills for Work (NSFW): Focus on Feedback | Filament
At the next installment of NSFW, they will discuss providing meaningful feedback. You’ll also get a set of Filament’s custom “Talk Back” cards and learn how to use them to give and get feedback in a way that will help you lead more effectively. (In-Person)
Startup Success Secrets Tips and Tricks No One Tells You About | Founder Institute
Here you’ll learn the messaging tenets critical to attracting a buying audience, how to make yourself more attractive to investors and customers, and how doing one thing differently can change the direction of your startup. (Virtual)
Summer with Skandy: Venture for America | Skandalaris Center
At this event, Jess Longueville, Director of VFA St. Louis, goes through the exciting world of Venture for America. You’ll hear from VFA Fellows about their journey and learn about the opportunities waiting in St. Louis and beyond. Then stick around for a networking reception afterward. (In-Person)
Events on June 22
Social Media Club St. Louis Breakfast “5 ChatGPT Prompts to Simplify Your Social Media Content Creation”
If you’ve ever felt swamped with social media content creation, this event is for you! They will reveal 5 super easy ChatGPT prompts that will totally change your game. (In-Person)
CO— Strategy Studio: Doing Business with Big Businesses | US Chamber
This event educates small business owners on partnering with large corporations. Insights on identifying opportunities, navigating procurement, negotiation, and maintaining long-term partnerships will be shared by experts. (Virtual)
6 Proven Ways to Increase Marketing’s Impact on Sales Results | ON24
Here you’ll learn how to optimize audience engagement to get deeper insights, create strategic CTAs to activate intent, identify and prioritize your most engaged leads, and align sales and marketing to deliver a predictable pipeline. (Virtual)
Proud Perspectives: Empowering Businesses & Building Alliances | SBA
At this event, you’ll hear from a diverse panel of successful LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, engage with inclusive business organizations, and have the opportunity to ask questions during an interactive Q&A session. (Virtual)
Government Contracts and Funding Opportunities via the Dept. of Defense | The GEOINT Hub @ T-REX
This event is geared towards helping small businesses pursue federal contracts and funding opportunities. It will offer insights on navigating SAM.gov, understanding DoD agency programs, and highlighting opportunities for geospatial intelligence innovation and business growth. (In-Person)
STL Mappy Hour
You can get together to talk about data, maps, and software. This event is intended for cross-industry GIS colleagues and is not specific to any particular organization. (In-Person)
Venture Cafe St. Louis | Corporate & Community Partnerships
The theme for that evening is Corporate & Community Partnerships. Highlights include Starting From Square One, Community Connections, a Nonprofit Meet & Greet, Creating An Inclusive Community Using Resilience & Sustainability, and Employer Wage Requirements & FLSA. (In-Person)
Pitches Get Stitches | bizblip
This event allows early-stage founders to present their ideas to venture capitalists and the Missouri tech startup ecosystem. It includes networking, nachos, and a ‘Shark Tank’ style pitch competition. (In-Person)
Events on June 23
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)
Events on June 24
June 24-25 // St. Louis PrideFest
This two-day free festival brings over 300,000 people to downtown St. Louis to celebrate one of the Midwest’s largest Pride events! Including Main Stage, DJ/Dance Area, VIP Experience, Vendor Fair, Local Artists, Children’s Area, Food Court, Non-Profit Village, and Grand Pride Parade! (In-Person)
Events on June 25
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)
Join us on Meetup and Tiktok
Share with us in the comments what you’re looking forward to this week! We’re always looking for ways to enhance the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem, so if you have any ideas or feedback, please let us know.
And for those with upcoming events or important dates, contact us at events@bourbonfriday.show.