Get ready, St. Louis innovators! The week of March 24-30, 2025 is packed with exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and marketing mavens. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has curated an essential guide to help you navigate the city’s vibrant ecosystem and make meaningful connections.
Funding, Accelerator, and ESO Opportunities
Application Open // Creative Space Activation Grant | Missouri Main Street Connection
Missouri Main Street Connection offers a $10,000 grant to local Main Street organizations to activate outdoor public spaces in historic districts. The initiative aims to enhance community engagement and vibrancy through placemaking projects. Applications are accepted annually. (Funding)
Application Open // Techstars Tokyo Accelerator
A three-month accelerator in Tokyo supports early-stage startups across industries like Deeptech, Fintech, Cleantech, and Climatetech. Participants receive mentorship, funding, and access to a global network to scale their businesses. Major industry and government partners back the program to foster innovation and growth. (Accelerator)
Due March 28 // Startup Studio: Teen Entrepreneurship and Product Design Workshop | St. Louis County Library
This free six-week workshop guides high school students through entrepreneurship and product design. Participants learn business planning, use tools like 3D printers and laser cutters to prototype products, and gain marketing experience. The program includes startup funding and ends with a public market to showcase and sell their creations. (Entrepreneur Program)
Due March 31 // Arch Grants
This startup competition offers $75,000 equity-free grants to scalable, job-creating businesses, with an extra $25,000 for those relocating to St. Louis. Participants commit to at least one year in the city and gain access to funding, mentorship, and a startup ecosystem to support business growth. (Grant)
Due April 6 // Business of Pride Awards 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
The St. Louis Business Journal is seeking nominations for its Business of Pride Awards — honoring LGBTQIA+ business leaders and companies who are successful in their careers, active in their communities, and are advocates for inclusion and equality. (Community Award)
Due April 11 // Missouri Startup Weekend
A three-day event at EquipmentShare HQ allows participants to develop business ideas with mentorship and investor support. Competitors can win a $10,000 cash prize, $15,000 in MVP development services, and potential investments exceeding $150,000. The program fosters innovation and connects entrepreneurs with industry leaders. (Startup Competition)
Due May 1 // Emerging Artists as Entrepreneurs | St. Louis Art Fair
This two-year program helps emerging artists develop business skills, covering pricing, selling, display, and copyright laws. Participants apprentice with professional artists, attend seminars, and later showcase their work at a top art fair. The program includes portfolio reviews, financial consulting, and eligibility for a cash award.
(Incubator)
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
March 24
Five techniques for telling your brand story | Enterprise Nation
Transform your approach to storytelling with insights from an industry expert. Engage in this interactive session where you’ll learn impactful techniques for crafting your brand narrative, enhancing both personal connections and digital engagement. (Virtual)
Startup Fundraising Q&A: Meet Investors from the FI Venture Network | Founder Institute
Join a community of ambitious founders as you explore the intricacies of attracting investment. This session promises insights into key funding metrics and strategies to connect with Angel investors, Venture Capitalists, and more. (Virtual)
March 25
Google Workspace: AI-powered collaboration for organizations of all sizes | Google Cloud
Connect with fellow professionals as you explore the innovative features of Google Workspace. This event showcases how AI-powered tools can enhance collaboration across organizations, driving efficiency and productivity for teams of any size. (Virtual)
Social Media Overhaul: Build & Promote Your Brand in 2025 | CreativeMornings
Unite with fellow creators and entrepreneurs as you navigate the latest social media trends in 2025. This hands-on workshop promises real-time analysis of your current strategies, alongside expert-led sessions that demystify successful content creation techniques. (Virtual)
Sustainability Lab | OneSTL
Take in fresh perspectives on sustainability through a combined virtual and in-person session featuring WashU projects and community initiatives. The event transitions into a vibrant networking experience, encouraging deeper collaboration and environmental impact across sectors. (In-Person | T-REX)
Tech on Tap Networking – Metro East STL | TechSTL
Savor this unique networking opportunity focused on fostering connections within the tech ecosystem. Enjoy refreshments as you exchange ideas and benefit from insightful talks by featured speakers every month. (In-Person | Old Herald Brewery & Distillery)
Grant Writing Mastery Workshop: Crafting Winning Proposals | Business Bestie Meet-Up
Soak up essential grant writing insights in an interactive workshop designed for all skill levels. Engage in dynamic group exercises, receive valuable feedback, and walk away with practical tools that prepare you for successful proposal submissions. (In-Person)
March 26
Coffee Talk @21c: From Girlhood to Greatness | 21c & The Sophia Project
Explore the theme of ‘From Girlhood to Greatness’ with thought-provoking discussions on female empowerment through mentorship. This interactive session aims to uplift participants while tackling systemic barriers to success. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St Louis)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Narcissistic Abuse Institute & Krafty Kravings
Join a lively community focused on nurturing startup ideas in St. Louis. Enjoy a warm environment where each week’s presenters share their journeys, encouraging dialogue and fostering creativity that fuels local entrepreneurial success. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
AIOps in Jira Service Management | Atlassian
Explore how AI is reshaping IT operations in this expert-led session highlighting new AIOps capabilities in Jira Service Management. Learn how intelligent automation supports incident detection, resolution, and prevention while improving collaboration and reducing team response time. (Virtual)
GRIT March Panel Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Thrive in an environment filled with powerful stories and insights at the GRIT March Panel Luncheon. This two-hour event promises enriching discussions led by industry leaders, along with wonderful food to fuel your networking experience. (In-Person | Lodge Fitness Center)
Where to Start With Short Humor Writing | Freelancers Union
Gain valuable insights into the prose comedy seen in renowned publications like The New Yorker and McSweeney’s. This one-hour workshop will equip aspiring writers with foundational skills needed to create humorous content that resonates with readers. (Virtual)
Farmer to Farmer March Meeting | New Growth
Embark on an exciting journey as you network with diverse farmers from various backgrounds. This event offers a space for dialogue about essential agricultural topics and focuses on fostering connections among those passionate about farming. (Virtual)
Web Optimization for 2025: Tools & Methods to Boost Performance | Catchpoint
Uncover essential web optimization techniques that can significantly impact your business’s online presence. This interactive session will provide valuable insights into effective monitoring practices and address existing digital experience challenges. (Virtual)
Master Cross-Functional Digital Marketing: Streamline Operations, Cost, and Brand Authority | American Marketing Association
Transform your approach to digital marketing by learning essential strategies during this informative session. Attendees will explore tactical ways to unify messaging and enhance operational efficiency among various departments and teams for greater success. (Virtual)
Find Your SOS: Collaborate with AI to Build an Authentic Brand | WE NYC
Kick off an exciting journey into branding at this interactive online workshop. Participants will learn to uncover their unique ‘Sense of Self’ and explore how AI can enhance creativity in crafting a resonant brand identity. (Virtual)
How To Appear in Generative AI Searches | Moz
Engage with digital marketing expert Charlie Marchant as she shares critical lessons on adapting to generative searches. Gain valuable knowledge on optimizing content for AI-driven platforms and tracking success through effective KPIs. (Virtual)
Mastering Client Attraction in The Age of AI
Enhance your skills with invaluable insights from industry experts on leveraging AI for client acquisition. This dynamic online event will teach you innovative techniques to increase prospects and streamline sales cycles, providing tools crucial for succeeding in today’s competitive landscape. (Virtual)
Snacks with RAC | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Venture into a relaxed atmosphere filled with delightful snacks and engaging discussions hosted by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. This free event encourages community interaction and provides an opportunity to connect with local arts personnel. (In-Person | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis)
St. Louis AgriBusiness Club
There’s much to consider. From 2025, markets, acreage, and beyond, a new administration, infrastructure, and investment locally and a global perspective will impact our region. Join this event for a panel presentation and networking with agribusiness pros. (In-Person | Rabo AgriFinance)
Skandalaris Center IdeaBounce®
Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit at this exciting event, where you can pitch your business ideas and receive constructive feedback from experienced leaders. Engage with fellow innovators, compete for cash prizes, and enhance your network in a collaborative environment. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
March 27
Maximizing Your Impact as a Self-Aware Leader | Enterprise University
Absorb foundational leadership insights through the lens of the Everything DiSC® model in this virtual session. Explore personal communication styles, understand team dynamics, and uncover strategies for building a collaborative, respectful workplace culture rooted in self-awareness. (Virtual)
Statista Your Source For Statistics, Industry Reports & Consumer Insights | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business
Take part in an insightful webinar that unveils Statista’s comprehensive platform filled with statistics, reports, and consumer insights. Learn directly from experts how to leverage this best-in-class resource for business research and decision-making. (Virtual)
Become the Obvious Choice: Success, Profitability, and Finding Your Way | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Experience an opportunity to recalibrate your business strategy with Jonathan Goodman’s practical techniques for success. This session highlights how authentic engagement can outperform contemporary marketing crazes, embedding trust at the heart of your enterprise. (Virtual)
How to Build a Collaborative Marketing Workflow That Works | MarketingProfs
Engage with industry experts as they unveil a practical framework aimed at unifying marketing, sales, and customer success teams. Learn practical strategies that tackle common workflow challenges, all while enhancing collaboration and efficiency among diverse departments. (Virtual)
Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium: Necessity-driven innovation | USPTO
Celebrate groundbreaking solutions created by women who transformed unmet market needs into innovative products. This virtual panel spotlights founders across industries sharing how necessity fueled invention and how federal resources helped bring their ideas to life. (Virtual)
Founders Lounge | Multipass Ventures
Connect with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs during an evening that blends casual networking, collaborative energy, and firsthand stories from startup leaders. From a pre-event workshop to a fireside chat, the experience fosters both innovation and genuine camaraderie. (In-Person | Aloft)
Growing & Funding Your Business | Kirkwood Public Library
Unite with like-minded individuals as you uncover essential growth strategies for businesses. Discuss innovative funding opportunities and gain access to a treasure trove of local resources tailored to small businesses. (In-Person | Kirkwood Public Library)
March 28
March 28-30 // The Online Business Innovators Summit
Venture into the future of online business with experts revealing the latest trends in technology and innovation. The summit focuses on cultivating a mindset geared towards sustainable wealth through hands-on learning and tailored strategies for success. (Virtual)
MadeHER Women’s HERstory Tea | HSSU Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Participate in a tea-themed luncheon that honors the legacy of female leaders and entrepreneurs. Engage with inspirational stories designed to educate and uplift as part of Women’s History Month, fostering connections among attendees. (In-Person | HSSU Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Bourbon Friday
Delight in a relaxing evening of bourbon tasting combined with valuable networking interactions among entrepreneurs. Connect with changemakers from the St. Louis area as you share insights and foster relationships that could lead to future collaborations. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
March 29
State of the Black Professional | National Black MBA Association – St. Louis Chapter
Gain critical perspectives on navigating career progression amid emerging technologies at this immersive experience featuring dynamic panels, visionary speakers, and purposeful networking. The event champions excellence while equipping attendees to lead confidently in the age of transformation. (In-Person | WashU Knight Bauer Hall)
March 30
A Toast To Trailblazers: Celebrating Women in Media and PR | Rare Radar
Join a remarkable celebration of women’s achievements in media and public relations. This event features award presentations alongside an engaging panel discussion by esteemed professionals that delves into current trends and strategies for success. (In-Person | HeyDays HQ)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Is there something you’re anticipating this week? Share in the comments! We’re actively working to enhance the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem and would love your insights. And for any upcoming events or important dates, reach out to us at [email protected].