Take advantage of these engaging opportunities to boost your startup or career growth. This list offers options for those eager to learn new skills, network with peers, or showcase their startup to others in the tech industry. Here’s a roundup from our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, featuring events and opportunities in St. Louis during the week of November 13-17, 2023!
Funding, Accelerator & ESO Opportunities
Capital and Accelerator programming is critical to continuing our entrepreneurial growth in the St. Louis Region.
Due November 15 | MTC Idea Fund
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 November 15 | Olin’s BIG IdeaBounce®
This 2-minute video elevator pitch contest is open to all WashU students. A video link of your original idea could be your chance to win part of the $15,000 in total prize money to get your big idea off the ground. All ideas will receive personalized feedback from a panel of experienced judges and mentors. (Pitch Competition)
Due November 17 – MECCA Accelerator Bootcamp
At the MECCA Accelerator Bootcamp, they understand that not everyone can commit to a lengthy 10-week accelerator program, so they’ve developed a one-day program for aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals, and students interested in business and innovation. It covers lean business methodology, strategic partnerships, and networking. It’s open to all, provides expert instruction, hands-on workshops, networking, and aims to inspire entrepreneurial endeavors. No prior MECCA program participation is needed. (Accelerator)
Due November 27 | TechArtista Foundation Artist Accelerator
The Artist Accelerator from the TechArtista Foundation, an evolved TechArtista Artist Residency, offers emerging visual artists a year-long residency with resources like studio space, financial support, legal and accounting help, and curated mentorship for commercial success and community relationship-building. It’s a valuable opportunity for artists seeking professional growth and complimentary studio space (valued at $5,000) at TechArtista Artist Studios. (Accelerator)
Due November 29 | Techstars Accelerator
Application are due for Boulder, Build in Tulsa, Anywhere Remote, Berlin, Boston, Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, Equitech, Healthcare sponsored by Cedars-Sinai, Point32Health, UCI Health and UnitedHealthcare, Industries of the Future, London, New York City, Sustainability Paris, Toronto, Transformative World Torino, Web3, Powered by J.P. Morgan for Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Oakland (Accelerator)
Due November 30 | xTechSearch 8
This U.S. Army competition seeks disruptive technologies from small businesses, offering training and up to $800,000 in cash prizes. Up to 50 finalists get $2,000 each, with 20 winners receiving an additional $35,000 and a chance for a $250,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contract. The focus areas include artificial intelligence, autonomy, and clean tech, among others. (Funding)
Open December 1 | Anchor Accelerator – UMSL Accelerate
The UMSL Anchor Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind program that puts underrepresented entrepreneurs at the center of a purpose-driven, university-led accelerator that begins with a non-dilutive $50,000 capital injection. (Funding)
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
Whether looking for Tech and AI events in St. Louis or Virtual Marketing events and webinars, we’ve got everything happening this week.
Events on November 13
First steps to getting investment | Enterprise Nominations
Navigate funding pathways with Henry Blanchard, from uncovering hidden sources to aligning with investor expectations, all culminating in a vital checklist for turning your business dream into reality. (Virtual)
How to Start a Business Without Going Into Debt | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Discover financial freedom in business with Elaine Pofeldt as she unveils the stories of entrepreneurs who achieved seven-figure success without debt, highlighting their innovative, debt-free growth strategies. (Virtual)
WE Master Money Conference: Unlocking Funding Essentials for Women | WE NYC
WE NYC brings together financial experts and successful businesswomen, sharing strategies, tips, and real-world insights in an engaging conference to empower women entrepreneurs to secure business funding. (Virtual)
STL GeoWeek 2023 Open House | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Discover how geospatial technologies transform global security, sustainability, and equity through engaging demonstrations, career opportunities, and transformative industry insights complemented by local refreshments. (In-Person)
Events on November 14
November 14-15 // SMX Next
Uncover fresh insights in search marketing through expert-led sessions, exclusive keynotes, tactic-rich discussions, and live Q&As, all while preparing for the industry’s unfolding horizon. (Virtual)
Planning the Retirement You’ll Want to Live In | Enterprise University
Regardless of your stage of life, there are steps you can take to maximize your retirement savings. Learn strategies to help secure the life you and your loved ones deserve long after you retire. After this program, you’ll be able to evaluate risks to your retirement plan, ensure your assets outlive you, and understand how to allocate your assets. (Virtual)
Creative Automation: Driving Transformation for Efficient Production | MarketingProfs
Transform your creative process through automation, learning strategies for rapid digital production, and agile team responsiveness, fostering competitive advantages in a rapidly evolving business landscape. (Virtual)
Behind the Scenes: How We Built a Webinar Using ChatGPT | Insider Intelligence
Uncover AI’s potential to revolutionize webinars: learn time-saving content creation, audience engagement tools, and AI’s impact on audience perception and webinar authenticity. (Virtual)
How to Create a Compelling Brand Story for Your Pitch | Founder Institue
Rethink your startup pitch as a compelling brand story. Understand the crucial storytelling elements and tactics to significantly increase your chances of securing investor funding. (Virtual)
Trivia Night: SLU eMentors Networking from Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Challenge your knowledge of entrepreneurship in a trivia-focused gathering, mingling with seasoned entrepreneurs and fellow students, in an event that combines education with enjoyable networking. (In-Person)
Vetworking STL
Veterans and industry leaders gather at Schlafly Bankside for an evening of connection and opportunity, bridging military experiences with civilian career paths in St. Louis. (In-Person)
Speakers Who Spark Innovation | Rung for Women
Serendipity Labs hosts an inspiring evening for women in tech manufacturing, offering a blend of learning and innovation in collaboration with Rung for Women’s career-enhancing initiatives. (In-Person)
Events on November 15
1 Million Cups St. Louis
This event is for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the innovation community here in St. Louis. Presenters: Presenters: Seek and Sight LLC & Odyssi Goals (In-Person)
Unlock AI Leadership: Exclusive Live Session
Ritesh Vajariya leads a transformative session on AI leadership, offering a deep dive into AI’s role in future-proofing careers and decision-making, complete with expert Q&A and course previews. (Virtual)
Video Marketing Revolution: Steal Our Roadmap to Accelerate Your Success! | Connect Video
Step into a world where video content is king, learning from seasoned marketers the art of crafting compelling videos, mastering distribution techniques, and knowing when to enlist videographers for maximal impact. (In-Person)
Unleashing the Potential with AI-Powered Marketing | Network After Work
This webinar provides a deep dive into AI in marketing, revealing how it enhances business growth across nine key areas, from content creation to data analysis, and fosters efficient operations. (Virtual)
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Panel & Networking | SIUE School of Business
Experience a dynamic panel at SIUE, where female entrepreneurship takes center stage. Learn from leaders’ construction, branding, and consulting journeys, expanding your professional horizons through their shared wisdom and experiences. (In-Person)
November 15-16 // Microsoft Ignite
Discover Azure’s latest features, dive into cybersecurity insights, maximize Microsoft 365 tools, and transform business processes through Dynamics 365 and Power Platform at this enriching tech event. (Virtual)
Anchor Accelerator Informational Session #2 | UMSL Anchor Accelerator
At this event, discover the UMSL Anchor Accelerator’s approach to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, focusing on underrepresented business owners and offering critical insights into building a strong application for this transformative program. (In-Person)
Events on November 16
Marketing to the Hispanic Community | AMA St. Louis Luncheon
Expert marketers share insights on engaging the Latino and Hispanic market, focusing on cultural nuances, effective strategies, and social media trends in a rapid-fire, interactive panel. (In-Person)
Investing for Social Change | Freelancers Hub
Explore sustainable investing with Galia Gichon, learning how ESG and SRI investments align with your values, fostering a blend of financial return and social impact. (Virtual)
Business Plan Basics | Missouri SBDC
An educational experience for business owners and entrepreneurs with little or no knowledge of writing a business plan. Participants will learn the importance of business plans, the basic plan’s key elements, and data that must be included. (Virtual)
Unlocking Growth – How to Scale Your Solo Business | SCORE Southwest Missouri
Are you a solo entrepreneur looking to grow your business strategically? In this session, small business columnist and popular SCORE presenter Steve Strauss will delve into proven strategies and practical tips tailored for business owners looking to scale their solo businesses. (Virtual)
The Washington University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Awards | Skandalaris Center
Witness the culmination of the Skandalaris Venture Competition, where innovative minds vie for a substantial $25,000 in funding. And delve into discussions with past participants, relish refreshments, and connect with the university’s vibrant community, celebrating together the spirit of entrepreneurship and achievement. (In-Person)
Top Companies Celebration | St. Louis Business Journal
Gather at CITYPARK for a special evening honoring the largest and fastest-growing companies in St. Louis. Experience an unforgettable atmosphere as the region’s business leaders are spotlighted. (In-Person)
Venture Café St. Louis | COLLIDE on XR, Media & Design
Collide hosts bold tech startups, mind-blowing university research projects, and frontline corporate innovation, all tied to the TechSTL Big 15 emerging technologies. This month’s focus is XR, Media & Design. (In-Person)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Entrepreneurs can enjoy an evening fostering relationships, exchanging stories, and gathering insights. It promotes networking and provides opportunities for potential collaborations. (In-Person)
Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber Of Commerce Networking Mixer
This event is a gateway for entrepreneurs to engage with the Black business community in St. Louis, offering resources, networking, and development opportunities for small business growth. (In-Person)
Rhythm & Dough: A Music & Marketing Experience | HeyDays HQ
Heydays HQ transforms into a hub of music and marketing insights. Enjoy an evening with guitarist Terrance Wafer, savory pizza by Nicky Slices, and valuable tips from Google marketers. (In-Person)
Events on November 17
LLM Developer Day | NVIDIA
Engage with the forefront of LLM technology, as practitioners unveil practical guidance and insights to elevate your application development skills in a vibrant, virtual exchange. (Virtual)
Filament Fridays
You can spend the day with the Filament team with opportunities to pick their brains, brainstorm solutions to some of your personal work challenges, and co-work in a unique space with other cool people. (In-Person)
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)
Tribute 2023 Fashion Show
Witness fashion’s future unfold at Tribute’s annual showcase; a confluence of seasoned and burgeoning models, networking, and an insightful Fashion Forum, enhancing industry cognizance and connections. (In-Person)
2023 Ubuntu Gala | International Institute
Revel in an elegant night at the Ubuntu Gala, where the tapestry of multiculturalism unfurls in celebration, honoring pivotal supporters and change-makers in an atmosphere of unity and splendor. (In-Person)
Events on November 18
Winterfest
Going all the way until New Year’s Eve, indulge in the charm of winter with ice skating, s’mores stations, and cozy igloos under 100,000 twinkling lights, meeting the St. Louis Blues, princesses, superheroes, and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve firework spectacle. (In-Person)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
Are you looking forward to something special this week? Share your excitement in the comments! We’re determined to progress the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem.
If you have an idea or suggestion, we’re all ears. And if there’s an event or notable date on your radar, email us at events@bourbonfriday.show.