St. Louis is the epicenter of innovation this October 14-20! Entrepreneurs, techies, and marketers, get ready to dive into a week of learning and networking. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has assembled a guide to help you navigate the city’s most enriching events.
The week of October 14-20 is your golden ticket! Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has compiled an extensive list of events and resources for entrepreneurs, techies, and marketers looking to level up.
ESO, Funding, and Accelerator Opportunities
Applications Open // STL Startup Week Community Events
Are you planning your entrepreneurship-centered program, meetup, or networking event during STL Startup Week 2024? Are you looking for help publicizing and driving attendance to your event? Community Events are all volunteer, community-led events that run alongside Official STL Startup Week programming. (Community Participation)
Due October 18 // Startup Connection 2024
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, STL Startup Week will host Startup Connection, an expo-style event highlighting 40+ of the region’s most promising up-and-coming startup companies.
Sign up for an ESO Table
Sign up for a Startup Table
(Startup Expo)
Due October 18 // STL Startup Week 2024: Pitch Competition
The STL Startup Week 2024 Pitch Competition invites early-stage startups in the St. Louis area to compete for a $5,000 prize pool. Finalists will pitch their business live to a panel of judges and an audience at the 24:1 Cinema in Pagedale, Missouri. The competition is open to for-profit companies under five years old with founders over 18. Startups must have a scalable business model, be based in Missouri, and show potential for market innovation. Powered by Purina Pet Care Innovation, the event fosters local entrepreneurial growth. (Pitch Competition)
Due November 8 // 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 11 // Global Impact Award | Skandalaris Center
This program supports entrepreneurs affiliated with Washington University who are developing scalable, for-profit ventures with broad societal impact. Participants receive mentorship and compete for a $50,000 prize by presenting a business plan and proof of concept. (Pitch Competition)
Due November 20 // Techstars Accelerator
This three-month program helps entrepreneurs find product-market fit, get traction, and access capital and mentorship. Applications are now open for Build in Tulsa, Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare, AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Anywhere, Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University, London, New York City, San Francisco, Transformative World Torino, Web3, Workforce Development, and USC and Techstars Digital Economy Program. (Accelerator)
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
October 14
October 14-20 // Downtown St. Louis Restaurant Week | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Immerse yourself in a delicious experience where over 30 restaurants dotting Downtown St. Louis serve up enticing specials. Participants can explore diverse cuisines and enjoy fantastic deals in a relaxed mealtime environment that’s open to everyone. (In-Person | Various)
October 14-16 // Adobe Max
Indulge your passion for creativity by attending various workshops led by industry experts. Explore new techniques and tools, and engage with thought leaders who share their experiences to elevate your creative journey. (Virtual)
October 15
October 15-16 // Webflow Conf
Explore the visual development world through interactive sessions catering to designers, marketers, and developers alike. With a focus on breaking free from conventional coding, participants will find inspiration and transformative strategies for their projects. (Virtual)
Strategic Online Brand Positioning | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Engage in a transformative session designed to elevate your online brand positioning. Learn from Ari Krzyzek as she shares her expertise in understanding customers, defining brand values, and selecting the right online channels for maximum engagement. (Virtual)
Google Ads: A Blueprint for Succeeding at Paid Search | WE NYC
Soak up valuable insights on leveraging Google Ads during this engaging workshop. You’ll learn effective account setup practices, campaign optimization techniques, and essential strategies for maximizing ROI in paid search, all aimed at elevating your business visibility. (Virtual)
SLU eMentors October Mini Pitch Networking Night | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Revel in an exciting night of quick-fire pitches where aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their best business ideas. With no slides required, participants will captivate mentors and peers alike, receiving valuable feedback while enjoying the opportunity to network with the local entrepreneurial community. (In-Person | DuBourg Hall)
October 16
October 16-17 // Virtual Conference: Digital Marketing | American Marketing Association
Engage with industry leaders during this dynamic virtual conference that promises actionable insights on optimizing your digital marketing strategies. Discover methods to effectively connect with audiences across various platforms while enhancing your brand’s visibility and ROI. (Virtual)
October 16-17 // Guru 2024: Email Marketing Conference
Join industry experts for an engaging virtual experience focused on transforming your email marketing strategies. Attendees will gain actionable insights from top speakers and learn about the latest trends, tools, and best practices in the field. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenter: KB’s Sweets
Marvel at the creativity unleashed at this engaging pitch event where St. Louis entrepreneurs showcase their projects. With six minutes to present and an interactive Q&A, refining your concepts’s a prime opportunity. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
2024 Inclusive Economic Growth Summit | Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Elevate your understanding of regional economic strategies as you engage with industry experts discussing how to drive inclusive growth effectively. Participate in a collaborative atmosphere dedicated to finding innovative solutions for small business success in St. Louis. (In-Person | Marriott St. Louis Grand)
Inside a Techstars Accelerator | Techstars
This event offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in startup acceleration, featuring interactive panel discussions where attendees can pose questions directly to industry veterans about navigating early-stage business hurdles. (Virtual)
Emerging Leaders Informational Session | Focus St. Louis
Unite with fellow aspiring leaders at an informational event where you’ll explore personal growth and civic engagement opportunities. Gain valuable insights from program alumni and discover the resources for starting your leadership journey. (Virtual)
Managing Cash Flow for Your Business | SCORE Bi-State Region
Transform your approach to business finance by attending this insightful virtual event focusing on cash flow management. Over 1.5 hours, you will learn critical techniques to better analyze and report on your business’s financial health. (Virtual)
Building Content Strategy With Both Sides of Your Brain | Enterprise University
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to balance creative ideation with data-driven tactics in content marketing. Learn to optimize your blog, emails, and SEO by exploring the relationship between user intent and available data, guided by industry expert Kelly Stanze. (Virtual)
DevOps Experience 2024 | Techstrong
Engage with top industry experts at this dynamic virtual event, where you will explore the latest trends in DevOps. Experience deep dives into advanced techniques and discover how to incorporate AI assistants for enhanced automation and operational efficiency. (Virtual)
Emerging Leaders Info Session | Focus St. Louis
Explore how the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program can help you grow as an early-career professional. Learn what the program offers, from leadership development to community involvement, and hear firsthand from alumni about their transformative experiences during this informational session. (Virtual)
TechByte: Reimagining data analytics in the AI era | Google Cloud
Uncover the transformative potential of data analytics in today’s AI-driven landscape. Engage with industry experts who will share insights and innovative strategies on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance analysis capabilities and improve decision-making processes. (Virtual)
Digital Marketing and Commerce 2025: Planning for International Success | EMARKETER
Enhance your understanding of digital media trends by attending this live session. With expert guidance, you’ll unpack differences in consumer behavior across various nations, helping you tailor your marketing strategy effectively for each unique market. (Virtual)
October 17
How to put your profit first | Enterprise Nation
Discover effective methods of financial control at this valuable webinar. Amelia McNamara’s expertise will guide you through techniques that prioritize profits and bolster cash flow, regardless of your business size or stage. (Virtual)
Unlocking Capital: Proven Tips to Enhance your Startup’s Fundraising | Founder Institute
Share in an engaging discussion aimed at empowering startup founders as they navigate the intricacies of securing capital. The event features invaluable tips on improving pitches and fostering lasting connections with potential investors. (Virtual)
AI-Driven Personalization: Enhancing Customer Experience in Real-Time | AMA Saint Louis
Take in an afternoon filled with learning from expert Yao Shepherd (Xie), who will discuss real-time customer interactions powered by AI technology. This is a prime opportunity for marketers to gather new ideas and network with fellow professionals. (In-Person | Maggiano’s)
Painting the Tech Business Model Canvas Workshop Series | MO SBDC
Connect with fellow tech entrepreneurs in a dynamic online workshop series that explores developing a business model canvas. Engage in valuable customer discovery to refine your value proposition and receive insights from peers and experts. (Virtual)
Purposeful Creativity: Tools for Change | CreativeMornings
Absorb knowledge from experts as they guide you through using social media and AI as tools for good. This engaging workshop not only fosters creativity but also emphasizes small habit changes that can lead to significant impacts in your initiatives. (Virtual)
Digital Transformation Summit: Translation by Design | WashU Digital Transformation
Gain firsthand experience in addressing complex challenges during the Research Translation Challenge segment. Participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams, promoting dialogue and harnessing diverse expertise to generate actionable ideas for pressing issues. (In-Person | Emerson Auditorium)
Roundtable for The Operational Impact Grants for Small Arts Organizations | Mid-America Arts Alliance
Share your voice at an inclusive roundtable discussion to shape Cultural Sustainability guidelines. This event highlights a new grant program that supports culturally rooted organizations, providing essential operational funding for those with expenses below $500,000. (Virtual)
Product Roadmap Workshop | Skandalaris Center
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and enhance your strategic planning during this engaging workshop. Led by Cesar Keller, discover how to outline your product’s journey and link it seamlessly with your business objectives through actionable steps. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Make It Count 2024 | Demandbase
Experience a transformative event focused on driving substantial growth in B2B markets. Engage with expert sessions that leverage AI, data-driven sales strategies, and effective account management practices for maximizing revenue and optimizing pipelines. (Virtual)
2024 Business After Hours + Annual Elections | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater St. Louis
Enjoy the dynamic environment of this popular networking opportunity, fostering connections among businesses while participating in the election process that shapes the Chamber’s leadership for future endeavors. (In-Person | Cortex @ 20 S. Sarah)
Saint Louis Equity Fund Networking Mixer | Heartland Black Chamber St. Louis
Engage in a thought-provoking evening focused on investing in St. Louis, featuring insights from the St. Louis Equity Fund. This session will delve into the city’s future development, fostering collaboration among business and community leaders to spark transformative change. (In-Person | Heartland Black Chamber)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Unwind in a laid-back atmosphere at the Founders Lounge, where you can share stories, laugh, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Enjoy an evening of networking, potential collaborations, and inspiration from successful founders, all within a vibrant startup community. (In-Person | Aloft St. Louis)
October 18
Community Bazaar with Wok-o-Taco | International Institute St. Louis
Join the first fall Community Bazaar, which features live music, food from Wok-o-Taco, and more. (In-Person | International Institute St. Louis)
Spectrum 2024 | Nonprofit Marketers Network – STL
Learn from the best in the industry during a day filled with insightful discussions and effective strategies tailored for nonprofit marketers. This conference aims to empower individuals by recognizing their critical organizational roles. (In-Person | Webster University)
SheCan Connect BoldHER Awards and Power Summit | #SheCan Connect
Be part of an inspiring gathering where women’s success stories take center stage! The BoldHER Power Summit offers actionable insights, networking opportunities, and powerful speeches designed to elevate every participant’s mission in life. (In-Person | Vue 17)
Bourbon Friday @ Techartista Downtown
Engage with fellow entrepreneurs at a vibrant gathering designed for networking and camaraderie. This event features bourbon tastings, creating a perfect atmosphere to share experiences while celebrating the dynamic St. Louis startup culture. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Delish on Delmar
Be part of a remarkable community event showcasing everything from tantalizing food selections to inventive crafts. Engage with local talents while taking in the vibrant sounds of live music that echoes down Delmar Blvd, promising joy for attendees. (In-Person | Delmar Makers District)
October 19
Saint Louis Storytell
Cultivating community, connection, & beauty through stories. St. Louis Storytell presents “The First Time“ (In-Person)
Emerge: Profit and Impact Summit | The Silent Partner
Partake in a transformative event where you’ll explore innovative strategies to harmonize profitability and positive influence. With inspiring talks and valuable connections, this summit promises practical insights for those eager to grow their businesses responsibly.(In-Person | WashU Knight Hall)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
Tell us what’s got you amped up for the days ahead! Your feedback is crucial in nurturing the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing community. If you have an event or important deadline to share, contact us at [email protected].