Your St. Louis growth journey starts here! The week of October 13-19, 2025 is packed with opportunities for entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and marketing pros to learn, network, and innovate. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has handpicked the events that matter most.
Accelerator, ESO, and Funding Opportunities
Applications Open // TechSTL Mentoring Program
These two mentoring programs support St. Louis’s tech and startup community. One connects professionals with experienced mentors for career development, while the other pairs startup founders with seasoned entrepreneurs in a cohort model to accelerate business growth and foster innovation across the region. Applications are required for both tracks. (Mentorship)
Due November 4 // 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 4 programs: Proof of Concept for early-stage entrepreneurs, 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 19 // TechStars Accelerator
This global network of three-month accelerator programs supports early-stage startups with seed capital, world-class mentorship, curated workshops, and access to a vast investor and alumni ecosystem. Founders receive strategic resources, Demo Day exposure, and lifetime access to Techstars’ network. Applications are now open for: Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare, AI Health Baltimore, Anywhere, London, and New York City. (Accelerator).
Tech, Startup, and Marketing Events
October 13
October 13-17 // St. Louis Design Week
Marvel at a dynamic collaboration of creatives from filmmakers to urban planners uniting for five days of innovation and inspiration. This event celebrates diverse talents working together under one big top to push the boundaries of design and creativity. (In-Person | Various)
How To Do More Marketing With Limited Time: Leverage AI For Email & Socials | Digital Boost
Engage with expert insights on leveraging AI for marketing success, specifically designed to help businesses create authentic email and social media content that resonates without sounding robotic, all within a convenient online session. (Virtual)
Leveraging AI for Small Business Longevity | U.S. Small Business Administration
Delight in an insightful introduction to AI tailored for small business owners. Discover how AI can streamline tasks, reduce stress, and foster growth while exploring the Business Life Wheel to evaluate eight critical business areas effectively. (Virtual)
Overcoming the biodiversity decision gap with AI | International Telecommunication Union
Participate in an insightful discussion on leveraging AI technologies to address urgent biodiversity loss. Learn about the transformative role of AI in measuring ecological changes and designing effective conservation actions across complex, dynamic ecosystems. (Virtual)
Leading AI Products & Non-Human Identities | fmr. Amazon Head of Product | Product School
Witness the journey of AI product leadership with Mohit Malik, highlighting his role in scaling products worldwide and managing major budgets to deliver measurable improvements and business outcomes across various sectors. (Virtual)
October 14
Making AI in Manufacturing Sustainable | Association for Advancing Automation
Understand how industrial AI can evolve beyond pilot phases by focusing on sustainable value creation. Experts outline scalable strategies, secure frameworks, and integration techniques, supported by practical examples, to help manufacturers overcome adoption hurdles and effectively embed AI in day-to-day operations. (Virtual)
The Future of Design Series: What’s Now, What’s Next | Emerald Design Group
Enhance your knowledge of cutting-edge design practices through talks by prominent editors and principals who explore emerging themes influencing various design disciplines. (Virtual)
Applied AI Summit 2025 | John Snow Labs
Cherish the opportunity to learn from over 30 keynote presentations focusing on deploying LLMs at enterprise scale. Explore ethical challenges, innovative tools, and strategies for integrating applied AI into industries like healthcare and life sciences. (Virtual)
Concert in the Commons: Vinyl Revolution | Cortex Innovation District
Elevate your midday break by immersing yourself in nostalgic tunes spun live on vinyl. This free outdoor event invites you to bring your lunch and a chair for a laid-back concert experience featuring music from several vibrant decades. (In-Person | Cortex Commons)
Python + AI: Vision models | Microsoft Reactor
Ignite your understanding of AI vision models by joining this live event where you’ll learn to apply Python to advanced tools like GPT 4o for multimodal applications including question-answering and search engine development. (Virtual)
From Startup to Standout: Scaling Your CPG Brand with Expert Power | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Revel in a dynamic webinar where Stephanie Warlick shares strategies to scale CPG brands through intentional team building, streamlined operations, and data-driven growth techniques for lasting success. (Virtual)
End-to-end data science workflows in BigQuery | Google Cloud
Join a practical, interactive event to teach the intricacies of building complete data science pipelines using BigQuery’s powerful capabilities, perfect for hands-on learners seeking real-world application. (Virtual)
ChatGPT for Government 101 | OpenAI Academy
Thrive with hands-on guidance on integrating ChatGPT’s diverse features—from voice interaction to personalized prompts—into everyday government functions, helping you manage increasing demands without sacrificing mission-critical responsibilities or program effectiveness. (Virtual)
The Future of Identity Security: A Leadership Perspective | ActualTech Media
Savor expert perspectives on the future of identity management during this in-depth webinar featuring CEOs and CISOs sharing lessons learned from large-scale identity programs. Prepare to navigate regulatory complexities while driving seamless user experiences securely. (Virtual)
Introduction to AI in Robotics | ODSC
Take part in a comprehensive exploration of artificial intelligence’s impact on robotics. Learn about foundational AI principles, from computer vision to natural language processing, alongside real-life applications that illustrate the future of smarter, more autonomous robots. (Virtual)
Tech on Tap STL – Downtown | TechSTL
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tech community at this monthly gathering hosted at Trust Cocktail Bar. Enjoy engaging talks from local experts, network over drinks and food, and catch the latest insights into trends and career opportunities in tech. (In-Person | Trust)
October 15
October 15-16 // WordPress Accessibility Day 2025 | WordPress Accessibility Team
Be part of an impactful online conference promoting best practices in WordPress accessibility. Attendees gain access to specialized presentations, continuing education credits, and community insights aiming to improve usability for all web users. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Master Systems
Delight in inspiring presentations from emerging startups striving to make their mark. This weekly meeting provides an opportunity for networking and valuable insights through targeted Q&A sessions with each presenter. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
The Gartner 100+ Data, Analytics & AI Predictions Through 2031 | Gartner
Uncover over 100 forward-looking planning assumptions that map how data, analytics, and AI will shape business and IT strategies through 2031. This expert-led session provides insights to help leaders refine decision-making, adapt strategies, and future-proof enterprise planning. (Virtual)
Speak with Impact and Influence in a Global Career | Talaera
Soak up actionable insights in a concise 60-minute session focused on enhancing your communication skills for a global career. Discover frameworks to structure ideas clearly, language strategies to sound persuasive, and ways to avoid rambling or freezing during high-stakes conversations. (Virtual)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Tuk Tuk Thai, Dessert Road Coffee
Lunchtime Live is Downtown St. Louis’ premier outdoor lunchtime party that features live bands, local eats, and community. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
B2B Commerce in 2025: Best Practices for a Smarter, Simpler Digital Buying Experience | Content Marketing Institute
Enhance your understanding of the complexities behind B2B transactions involving bulk orders, contracts, and multiple decision-makers. This session highlights forward-thinking approaches for delivering a seamless and efficient online buying experience driven by technology and collaboration. (Virtual)
Emerging Leaders Informational Session | Focus St. Louis
Explore how the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program equips new professionals with regional knowledge and leadership skills. The informational session includes guidance on applying, financial aid options, and stories from recent graduates to inspire involvement. (Virtual)
Navigating the New QSBS to Maximize VC Gains | Carta
Gain clarity on how recent QSBS reforms reshape investment strategy for venture capital. Through expert insights, learn how to identify qualifying opportunities, structure deals, and support portfolio companies in navigating evolving thresholds, asset tests, and advanced tax maneuvers. (Virtual)
Being Smart is Stupid: Leadership, Wisdom and Your Buddha Nature | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Unite with thought-leader Tricia Brouk online as she shares practical wisdom for leaders seeking sustainable success. The event highlights key practices like creating mindful space, releasing limiting beliefs, and using challenges for growth along your leadership journey. (Virtual)
Geospatial User Group | T-REX
Connect with peers focused on applied GIS during a dynamic session featuring Walker Hamilton’s expertise, promoting St. Louis as a vibrant hub for community-powered geographic information science. (In-Person | T-REX (4th Floor))
St. Louis Civic Pride Night | City Foundry STL
Witness an evening of creativity and community as Foundry Way hosts craft workshops using secondhand materials alongside enchanting magic shows and rooftop tunes. Connect with local civic pride initiatives and celebrate St. Louis through exclusive art benefiting park preservation. (In-Person | City Foundry STL)
Spark 2025: A Night at the Museum | 314 Digital
Take in the vibrant energy of St. Louis’s marketing scene as professionals converge in Forest Park. This lively networking night blends casual conversations, strategic introductions, and a showcase of digital ingenuity in a space rich with cultural significance. (In-Person | Missouri History Museum)
October 16
Be a Networking Superhero | Enterprise University
Embrace a comic-inspired journey where networking villains meet their match through humor and practical guidance. This session reveals how to forge genuine connections, master purposeful follow-ups, and transform everyday interactions into powerful, lasting professional relationships. (Virtual)
Loan Ready: Make your Small Business a Great Funding Prospect! | Start Small Think Big
Learn the critical steps to becoming “loan ready” as experts break down financing types, key documents, and lender evaluation methods. Explore how interest rates affect borrowing costs and gain insights to strengthen your small business’s appeal to potential funders. (Virtual)
Future of Search: Navigating AI, Shifting Platforms & Evolving Audiences | AMA Saint Louis
Absorb expert insights on how discovery has outpaced traditional search in an era of AI Overviews, TikTok trends, and trust-centric content. This session unveils the new metrics, tactics, and mindset required to thrive in a fragmented, algorithm-driven digital environment. (In-Person | Cyrano’s Cafe)
Survive & Thrive: Vibe Coding Workshop to Bring Your Idea to Life | Founder Institute
Experience a practical, step-by-step workshop focused on vibe coding, perfect for founders and entrepreneurs. This interactive session offers live coding practice, debugging techniques, prompt structuring tips, and ongoing community support in a private Slack channel. (Virtual)
From Creator Matchmaking to Shaping Discovery: AI’s Role in Affiliate Marketing | Emarketer
Gain valuable insights from industry analysts about how AI redefines the shopping journey by amplifying creator influence in affiliate marketing. The event highlights strategies brands use to stay competitive amid shifting consumer trust and technological advancements. (nan)
Clayton Fall Networking Happy Hour | Support Lunch
Absorb the vibrant energy of an after-work happy hour dedicated to forging new relationships and exchanging ideas. Guests gather at Clayton’s heart for business discussions, socializing, and insights into tackling student lunch debt. (Virtual)
Family Business Awards | St. Louis Business Journal
Celebrate the enduring impact of family-owned enterprises as the spotlight shines on multigenerational businesses driving St. Louis forward. This milestone event honors legacy, resilience, and innovation across industries, recognizing companies that blend tradition with forward-thinking community leadership. (In-Person | The Coronado)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Network with driven entrepreneurs in a space that fuels creativity, learning, and momentum. Founders Lounge fosters peer connection through curated events and workshops, creating an environment where visionaries elevate each other and turn bold ideas into real-world impact. (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
Thriving Through Change: Playing with AI | CreativeMornings
Unveil new truths and practical insights about AI with Zack Akil from Google, who will demonstrate real-world applications and tools that enhance creativity and efficiency in everyday tasks during this engaging virtual session. (Virtual)
Ayncio with Websockets and Desktop GUI | PySTL
Delve into the power of Python’s asyncio combined with websockets as this session guides you through creating responsive real-time desktop applications. Learn about async operations, error management, and synchronization primitives from a practical development perspective. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
2025 Business After Hours + Annual Elections – Hispanic Chamber of Commerce + Unlimited Realty | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Participate in a lively gathering designed to foster strong connections among the Hispanic business community. This monthly forum encourages collaboration, networking, and engagement while celebrating shared goals and opening doors for new partnerships and growth. (In-Person | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
Pouring From The Middle : A Real Talk on the Sandwich Generation | The 89th Collective
Celebrate community and candid discussion as experts share their wisdom while attendees exchange stories about navigating life caught between raising kids and caring for elders. This interactive talk provides essential tools to help manage these overlapping duties. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Marvel at an evening of camaraderie and leisure during Social Thursdays at The KRe8 Place. This event encourages connections through shared experiences in a relaxed setting, making it the perfect midweek highlight. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
October 17
Bright & Early: Pooja Arshanapally | STL.org
Cherish a stimulating early morning event designed for creatives, where Pooja Arshanapally shares insights on content marketing. Enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks in an inspiring atmosphere that fosters innovation within St. Louis’s artistic circle. (In-Person | STL.org)
Spectrum 2025 | Nonprofit Marketers Network – STL
Kick off an inspiring experience with Spectrum 2025, uniting over 90 organizations and industry leaders for a day focused on groundbreaking tactics and peer connections that empower attendees to rethink how they drive their nonprofit missions. (In-Person | Webster University)
Wavelength – Reinvention & Identity: Navigating the Next Chapter | Filament
Applaud the stories of change and resilience as this gathering delves into themes of self-identity, providing opportunities for meaningful conversation and networking among attendees. (In-Person | Filament)
Startup Pitching 101 | University of Maryland Ventures
Learn about the dynamics of a winning pitch from deck design to live delivery. Understand investor expectations, identify typical mistakes, and participate in a Q&A discussion that enhances practical knowledge. (Virtual)
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Enhance your Friday evening by joining fellow changemakers for a casual yet impactful networking session with curated bourbon tastings. This event fosters collaboration and camaraderie within the St. Louis startup community. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
2025 neXus Gala | Arch Grants
Revel in a night celebrating transformative business growth and visionary leadership, featuring keynote speakers like Alaina Maciá who exemplify dedication to sustainable futures and community service. (In-Person | St. Louis Union Station Hotel)
Delish on Delmar
Savor an eclectic mix of flavors and creativity where food vendors, artisans, and musicians converge in the Delmar Maker District. With live sets from Groove Junkies and the Fabulous Motown Revue, the night promises both taste and rhythm in equal measure. (In-Person | Delmar Maker District)
tornado response resources
For those affected by the storm, St. Louis is coming together to provide much needed resources. Here are few and ways to find even more.
Tornado Recovery Information | City of St. Louis
The main resource center for the region that provides links to city services, utilities, volunteering, donations, and more.City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund
This fund supports the City of St. Louis’ efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term rebuilding of areas impacted by the tornado. This fund will be supported by charitable dollars only.Volunteer for Storm Recovery | Action St. Louis
Volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute items to individuals affected by the storm. Volunteers will also help with debris removal.Preliminary Business Assessment | SLDC
This survey will be used to determine the extent of the damage done in the business community in order to determine solutions and needs going forward.WeBuild Initiative | TechSTL
This is a rapid-response effort to connect volunteer tech talent to support the work addressing urgent community needs after the recent tornadoes. Get support or volunteer.Free Coworking | TechartistA, Spark Coworking, and ThriveCo
If you are someone you know was impacted by the storm, free cowork available at the TA UCity & Downtown, Spark St. Louis, and ThriveCo Locations Locations. No Signup Necessary.
Please stay safe. help if can, when you can. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger than before.
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Tell us what’s keeping you busy this week! Post your thoughts in the comments, and if you have an event or deadline the community should know about, email us at [email protected].
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