There’s something for every individual for events centered on the most recent advancements in marketing, AI, and pitching. Capitalize on the chance to expand your skillset, interact with fellow experts, and propel your personal or business progression. Take a look at this extensive compilation of events and opportunities shared by our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, for the week of October 16-20, 2023, in St. Louis!
Funding, Accelerator & ESO Opportunities
Looking for funding, business acceleration, or entrepreneur support opportunities.
Due October 23 | Creciendo Con Tiktok for Small Business | TikTok & Hispanic Heritage Foundation
In support of Latino Small Businesses across America, they have a $200,000 grant fund that will provide cash awards of $5,000 to 40 Latinx small business owners who have demonstrated perseverance, resourcefulness, hard work, and entrepreneurial vision in their communities. Sorry for the short notice on that one. (Funding)
Due October 27 | Small Business Growth Fund | Global Entrepreneurship Network & Hello Alice
The Fund is back for the third and final round of 2023 with funding from Etsy and Progressive! The program recipients will receive $5,000-$25,000 grants to small businesses to help accelerate their growth and achieve their goals. (Funding)
Due October 31 | North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program
The City of St. Louis has allocated $37 million for a grant program to assist small businesses and non-profits in North St. Louis. Aimed at reversing decades of disinvestment, the program targets entities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, within specified geographic areas for economic development and empowerment. (Funding)
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 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)
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
Events on October 16
October 16-22 // Downtown STL Restaurant Week
This is an excellent opportunity to come out and enjoy almost 40 restaurants that will offer specials throughout the week. (In-Person)
Build Your Brand on a Budget: The Founder’s Starter Pack | Founder Institute
In this interactive webinar, attendees will learn essential branding strategies on a budget from expert Ana Pessanha, covering fundamental branding concepts, affordable tools, and leveraging social media for content creation. (Virtual)
WE NYC: Conversations & Connections: Preparing for Networking
This event will address managing follow-up interactions post-networking events, preparing attendees for networking by enhancing confidence, and providing an interactive, low-pressure environment for practice and learning. (Virtual)
Events on October 17
October 17-18 // Workforce2030 Conference | Missouri Chamber of Commerce
Dive into strategies for building a thriving workforce by 2030, covering topics like Career Literacy, Child Care, and Innovative Community College Programs, among others. Attendees can engage through keynotes, breakout sessions, and gain continuing education credits in tracks like Education and Human Resources. (In-Person)
How to Maximize LinkedIn Virtual Summit | Network After Work
Join three world-class speakers who will share strategies for LinkedIn success, covering effective networking, engaging with thought leaders, creating client-driven content, maximizing profiles, and leveraging LinkedIn for profitability. (Virtual)
ADA & Web Accessibility – The legal risks and business benefits you didn’t know about | AccessiBe
The legal risks and business benefits you didn’t know about from AccessiBe. ADA Attorney Kelley Simoneaux will discuss the ADA, web accessibility, increasing lawsuit trends, and tools for checking website compliance. Full disclosure: my company, Tenacity, is an AccessiBe partner. (Virtual)
Growth Via Exporting: International Resources for Businesses | Enterprise University
Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States. In this program, you will learn the elements of export readiness, identify knowledge gaps, and learn about online export business planning tools and free resources. (Virtual)
Inno: State of Innovation | St. Louis Inno
A lot has changed since St. Louis Inno launched in 2021. Some startups, given the fragile nature of entrepreneurship, have closed shop. Others have grown up, shedding the startup label with exits. What does this mean for the St. Louis startup economy? The panel which includes Ali Ahmadi of TCARE, Emily Hemingway of TechSTL and Brian Matthews of Cultivation Capital aims to answer the question of what’s in store for innovation in St. Louis. (In-Person)
Events on October 18
Preserve your mental health as an entrepreneur | Enterprise Nation
Explore preserving mental health as a small business owner with a certified positive psychology coach. And dive into self-care, building a support network, and mastering time management and task delegation for entrepreneurial success. (Virtual)
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. (In-Person)
From Code to Courtroom: Mastering Legal Complexities in the AI Revolution | Social Media Club Saint Louis
Delve into the legal landscape of AI with esteemed panelists. Explore complex issues of data privacy, intellectual property, and ethics. Network with industry leaders and contribute to pivotal discussions shaping law and technology’s future. (In-Person)
October 18-19 // P99 Conf – All Things Performance
Discover low-latency engineering and performance optimizations while engaging with experts and exploring cutting-edge topics like event streaming architectures and distributed databases. (Virtual)
Distributed ‘23 | Miro
Explore 30+ inspiring sessions at Miro’s annual community event, unraveling innovation in daily routines with Varun Parmar, diving into AI’s role in shaping futuristic narratives, and unveiling new Miro features. (Virtual)
Video Marketing Revolution: Steal Our Roadmap to Accelerate Your Success! | Connect Video
Uncover video marketing secrets at this electrifying event while learning what videos to create, when to hire a videographer, and distribution strategies from expert speakers. (In-Person)
Virtual Conference: Digital Marketing | AMA St. Louis
Building a customer-centric digital marketing strategy is crucial for success in today’s market. Explore the shift towards personalization and customer experience and gain insights into how to create meaningful connections with an audience. (Virtual)
This Holiday, It’s Personal: 6 Insights That Can Save Time and Maximize Revenue | Insider Intelligence
Discover personalized marketing strategies in this engaging webinar. And discover how to connect with customers on a personal level, craft personalized experiences without exhausting resources, and employ effective, revenue-boosting email marketing strategies.
(Virtual)
WordPress Security: Proven ways to protect your site | WP Engine
Because WordPress is so popular, it attracts the attention of nefarious actors who attempt to exploit vulnerabilities; here, they’ll discuss how to keep your site safe, identify where vulnerabilities may exist, and share actionable recommendations for protection. (Virtual)
Local Partners and Resources Supporting St. Louis Entrepreneurs | Missouri Main Street Connection
To immerse in a blend of expo and rapid presentations, unveiling entrepreneurial resources, training, and opportunities by St. Louis’s local organizations and businesses. And have a chance to interact, learn, and network with small business owners. (In-Person)
High Tech Happy Hour – Cybersecurity | TechSTL
Meet and network with St. Louis’s top tech professionals, dive into the Cybersecurity sector, and have a chance to dive into topics like AI Security and Data Breaches while enjoying light appetizers and cold beers. (In-Person)
314 Digital Presents: Spark 2023
The annual 314 Digital social event will return to The Ritz-Carlton. Enjoy networking with peers and top-tier vendors and reignite your passion for all things digital marketing! Bring your business cards; there will be plenty of raffles. (In-Person)
Events on October 19
“Defining Your Business Model and Discovering Your True Value” A Tech Workshop Series | Missouri SBDC
Tech startups know their concepts have promise, but to succeed, they must spend time developing their business model and discover what value they truly provide to their customers. This 3 session training will introduce tech startups to the steps necessary for creating a business model canvas for their early concept. (Virtual)
SecureWorld St. Louis
Engage in a full day of cybersecurity education, earn CPE credits, Network with peers, attend 20+ educational sessions, hear two keynotes, and participate in expert panels in an interactive environment. (In-Person)
Sustainability: Core Values in Marketing | AMA St. Louis Luncheon
Explore fresh marketing insights with Sarah Schlafly of Mighty Cricket. Dive into sustainable strategies, innovative product launches, and the culinary edge in marketing amidst engaging networking and tastings. (In-Person)
Marketing Mix Basics: 5 Things You Need To Know Presented by the SBDC | Kirkwood Public Library
This will review Marketing Basics, focusing on Social Media Marketing. You’ll be able to discuss your successful marketing campaigns, the not-so-successful ones, and any obstacles to implementing your best course of action. (In-Person & Virtual)
Legal Dynamics for Startups | SLU Student Workshop | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Discover essential legal insights for new ventures with attorney Paul Petruska. Dive into four critical areas through interactive sessions featuring actual documents, stories, and case studies, enriching aspiring entrepreneurs’ legal acumen. (In-Person)
From Choice to Checkout: Insights for Winning the Buyer Journey | MarketingProfs
Uncover evolving consumer preferences with new research insights, engaging with Matthew Tilley and Tiffany Huddleston Nwahiri as they unveil data-driven strategies for effective marketing, ensuring your brand resonates well amid shifting market priorities. (Virtual)
Expand Your B2B Offering Globally | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Unveil the intricacies of global B2B sales with Kimberly Daniels, diving into international trade compliance, engaging with suppliers and authorities, and sidestepping common global sales pitfalls for a robust business expansion. (Virtual)
Skandalaris Venture Competition Semifinals
Witness trailblazing entrepreneurs pitch, collaborate, and spark lively discussions around groundbreaking ideas in the Crowder Courtyard as the Skandalaris Venture Competition semifinalists compete for a spot in the finals. (In-Person)
Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber Of Commerce Networking Mixer
Are you ready to grow your network and reach a thriving business market? Come learn more about the Chamber and its initiatives while connecting with other black-owned businesses and organizations. (In-Person)
#SheCan Connect Networking Meet Up
SheCan Connect is a growing community for female leaders, entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and creatives. If you are a woman of faith seeking growth, strategy, resources, and inspiration by combining spiritual and professional development, this event is for you. (In-Person)
Venture Café St. Louis | COLLIDE: Fintech
This is the next in the Collide series; that night is specifically about Fintech. Immerse in a vibrant fintech atmosphere with leading experts showcasing innovations in Blockchain, Web3, Spatial Finance, and more, amid engaging tech demos and resourceful interactions. (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)
Events on October 20
2023 She Leads Symposium | Washington University
Engage with seasoned professionals, be inspired by accomplished women at entrepreneurship and life composition panels, witness cutting-edge research presentations, and network with like-minded individuals. (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)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
Excited for something special this week? Please share with us in the comments! We’re working relentlessly to uplift the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem. Your suggestions and feedback are always welcome.
Plus, if you’ve got an upcoming event or key date, contact us at events@bourbonfriday.show.