Transform your vision in St. Louis! The week of May 5-11 presents unmissable opportunities for entrepreneurs, tech creators, and marketing professionals. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has thoughtfully selected events that will propel your growth in our dynamic community.
Accelerator, ESO, and Funding 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 // Square Ignite | Cortex Square One
This four-week program helps early-stage entrepreneurs validate their business models. Participants engage in weekly sessions to test business assumptions, connect with mentors, and identify crucial steps for launching their ventures. The program focuses on industries such as advanced manufacturing, food, information technology, and services. (Bootcamp)
Due May 6 // Idea Fund & Proof of Concept | Missouri Technology Corporation
A venture capital initiative uses public funding to spur economic growth by investing in Missouri-based tech startups. It offers matching equity or convertible debt investments at pre-seed, seed, and growth stages, requiring a 1:1 private co-investment. The initiative has invested over $53 million in startups and created thousands of jobs. (Funding)
Due May 11 // Most Influential Business Women Awards 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
This annual recognition program honors 25 outstanding women in business who demonstrate exceptional career achievements and community impact. Nominees are evaluated based on professional success, leadership, and measurable accomplishments. Selected honorees will be featured in a special section by a local business publication and chosen through an independent editorial review. (Community Awards)
Due May 14 // 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 May 16 // 2025 All Industries Accelerator | WEPOWER
A 10-week entrepreneurship program supports Black and Latinx founders across industries in St. Louis. Participants receive business coaching, marketing and accounting support, and join a community focused on creating living-wage jobs. The program emphasizes growth through mentorship, peer learning, and access to capital. (Accelerator)
Due May 15 // Most Influential Business Women Awards 2025 | St. Louis Business Journal
An annual recognition program honors 25 outstanding women in business who demonstrate exceptional career achievements and a significant impact on their communities. Nominees are evaluated based on professional success, leadership, and measurable accomplishments. Selected honorees will be featured in a special section by a local business publication and chosen through an independent editorial review. (Community Award)
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.
Tech, Startup, and Marketing Events
May 5
May 5-6 // DigiMarCon Central 2025
Immerse yourself in a world of cutting-edge digital marketing practices at this must-attend conference. Discover strategic solutions, marketing automation insights, and exclusive networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of media and advertising. (In-Person | The Westin St. Louis)
LEVEL UP: From Navigating the Impostor Syndrome to Celebrating Your Creative Edge | CreativeMornings
Explore the journey of self-discovery and empowerment in a dynamic workshop designed for creatives. This session fosters understanding of impostor syndrome while emphasizing individual strengths and strategies that can be leveraged for personal growth. (Virtual)
Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner | Founder Institute
Embark on a journey where aspiring entrepreneurs learn the essential strategies for finding the perfect Co-Founder. Engage with fellow innovators in dynamic networking sessions to foster relationships that could lead to successful startup ventures. (Virtual)
May 6
May 6-7 // InvestMidwest
Experience a dynamic environment with high-impact programming designed to connect promising startups with vital investment resources. Engage directly with leading investors willing to support groundbreaking ideas shaping the future. (In-Person | Saint Louis University)
May 6-8 // Config | Figma
Absorb the latest trends in design during an exciting conference tailored for visionaries. Engage with thought leaders, attend enlightening sessions, and uncover the newest features from Figma that can vastly enhance your design process. (Virtual)
May 6-7 // National Small Business Week Virtual Summit 2025 | SBA & SCORE
Kickstart your entrepreneurship journey by connecting with like-minded individuals at this dynamic online summit. Discover innovative solutions and practical strategies from leading experts tailored to help you navigate the challenges of running a successful business. (Virtual)
Unlock The AI Advantage For Your Real Estate Business | Keller Williams – St. Louis
Transform your approach to real estate by attending this informative session focused on integrating AI into your operations. Gain practical knowledge in streamlining processes and enhancing client engagement, ultimately driving your success forward. (In-Person | The Lodge Des Peres)
Crafting Your 30-Second Pitch | Techstars
Join industry professionals as they lead you through a three-part journey into the art of pitching. Each session offers practical exercises and expert insights, empowering founders to communicate their startup’s value proposition to investors effectively. (Virtual)
OPO Startups 10th Birthday Celebration | Confluence Tech Hub
Celebrate a decade of innovation at OPO Startups with an exciting lunch party! This event highlights community connections and offers a fantastic opportunity to mingle, enjoy delicious food, and reflect on the journey that has shaped local entrepreneurship over the past ten years. (In-Person | OPO Startups)
Strategies to Convert More Website Visitors & Close More Sales | WE NYC
Take part in a comprehensive workshop focused on refining your website’s performance. Learn from leading digital marketing professionals about essential elements that encourage conversions, enabling you to turn casual visitors into loyal customers confidently. (Virtual)
Build Your Own ChatGPT: Tips & Tricks for Custom GPTs | Open AI Academy
Dive into the essentials of building custom GPT models with expert-led demos and templates. This session caters to developers and tech enthusiasts ready to quickly unlock their potential to create versatile, production-ready chatbots. (Virtual)
May 7
PitchSTL | Presenter: H G Lee Media & Jarman Excavating and Hauling
Unite with local visionaries in a supportive atmosphere where startups share their ambitions. Experience dynamic presentations complemented by engaging Q&A sessions, all aimed at propelling St. Louis entrepreneurs to succeed. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S Sarah)
49th Annual Diversity Job Fair – St. Louis | Diversity Job Source, LLC
Uncover exciting career possibilities at a dynamic job fair designed for everyone from high school grads to seasoned professionals. Engage with top employers looking to fill various positions while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters diversity and inclusion. (In-Person | North County Recreation Complex)
Developing A Business Plan | SCORE Bi-State Region
Enjoy an engaging learning experience focused on developing robust business plans. In just one hour, attendees will navigate critical elements necessary to create effective blueprints reflecting their unique business aspirations. (Virtual)
The $100K Website Free Marketing Masterclass | Network After Work
Take in indispensable knowledge delivered by industry expert Estie Starr, focusing on creating websites that truly sell. This unique training session will provide actionable tips tailored for small businesses aiming to unlock new income streams through effective web strategies. (Virtual)
Founders Unplugged STL | TechSTL
Celebrate the local startup scene with an exclusive event showcasing a leading St. Louis founder in a behind-the-scenes discussion about scaling ventures, complemented by opportunities to engage with peers over drinks and snacks in a vibrant atmosphere. (In-Person | The Post Building)
May 8
Going Global | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Revel in an enlightening hour aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs striving to conquer international markets. With guidance from industry expert Francois Chadwick, participants will learn how to evaluate their business models and develop localization tactics crucial for overseas success. (Virtual)
Delegate Like A Leader | Enterprise University
Connect with storytelling strategists as they share proven techniques for shaping brand identities that engage and convert. Through real-world examples and expert guidance, discover how thoughtful narratives foster trust, inspire loyalty, and distinguish your business in any market. (Virtual)
Prompting AI for Success | STL AI Group
Understand how to leverage AI technologies effectively by joining this engaging session. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge needed to write better prompts and enhance their interaction with powerful tools like ChatGPT for everyday challenges. (In-Person | WWT)
Unlocking Efficiency: The Power of Marketing Workflow Automation | American Marketing Association
Participate in this exclusive opportunity to optimize your marketing efforts through automation. Discover strategies for managing campaigns effectively while reducing inefficiencies, all aimed at helping your team work smarter, not harder. (Virtual)
Copyright & Trademark Law for Freelancers | Freelancers Union
Unveil the fundamental copyright and trademark law aspects tailored for freelancers in this insightful online webinar. Learn how to effectively protect your creative works and brand identity, ensuring you stand out in a competitive marketplace. (Virtual)
AI/ML for Lean Teams: Accelerate Innovation with BigQuery & Vertex AI | Google Cloud
Prepare to revolutionize your team’s capabilities by diving into the robust tools of BigQuery and Vertex AI. This session will explore how lean teams can effectively accelerate their ideas into successful products. (Virtual)
Business Storytelling 101: Craft a Brand Narrative That Connects and Converts | Start Small Think Big
(Virtual)
Behind the Trends: The Future Isn’t Waiting – Real Estate, Policy, and the Demographic Shift | ULI St. Louis
Discover the evolving landscape of St. Louis as experts discuss critical demographic trends and their implications for urban planning. Engage with insights on how these shifts can shape policies that foster community resilience and strategic growth in the region. (In-Person | T-REX)
Founders Lounge Global | Multipass Ventures
Soak up valuable knowledge from experienced founders while building relationships with motivated peers. The event promises an inspiring environment where innovative ideas flourish, sparking creativity and possibilities for future partnerships. (In-Person | Spark Coworking)
SheCan Connect Rooted & Rising – Align Your Faith, Vision & Leadership | #SheCan Connect Global Network
Gain insight into aligning your values with your goals during this intentional gathering. The event promises meaningful interactions through networking moments, spiritual reflections, and practical strategies explicitly tailored for today’s woman leader. (In-Person | Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship)
May 9
Innovation Tools to Capture the Voice of the Customer | Midwest Manufacturing Leaders
Enjoy a deep dive into innovative strategies with Cyril Narishkin as he explores practical ways to capture customer feedback. Gain valuable knowledge on aligning products with market needs, ensuring heightened customer engagement and loyalty. (In-Person | The Lodge Des Peres)
Content Marketing Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Share in the knowledge of seasoned professionals as they discuss how to streamline your martech stack for optimized workflows. Discover actionable techniques for enhancing efficiency while aligning technology with your marketing objectives, making resource management easier than ever. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday // Entrepreneur Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Savor exciting moments at an event designed for entrepreneurs and bourbon lovers alike. Enjoy immersive networking interactions as you taste various whiskeys, making this gathering enjoyable and enriching for all involved. (In-Person | Techartista Downtown)
May 10
Launch & Grow a Food Business: Lean & Smart Ways | Neighborhood Innovation Center
During this interactive workshop, connect with fellow food enthusiasts and industry leaders to empower new entrepreneurs. Gain insights into identifying your market, developing products, and crafting compelling brand messages tailored for success. (In-Person | Neighborhood Innovation Center – STL)
May 11
Code and Coffee St. Louis
Attend a flourishing hub for developers where introductions lead to meaningful conversations. Engage with peers as you navigate your projects or explore potential collaborations within this dynamic workspace. (In-Person | Techartista UCity)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Which upcoming developments have captured your attention? Share your thoughts below! Your feedback drives innovation in the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. To submit events or deadlines for consideration, reach out to [email protected].