Midway through October, the St. Louis tech, startup, and marketing communities show no signs of slowing down the week of October 19-25, 2026. From deep-dive workshops to broad networking mixers, there are events to match every professional ambition. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, has curated this week’s standout events and opportunities focused on networking, business insights, skill growth, and community building.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Apply Now // 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, Boston, Anywhere, Chicago, London, New York City and USC. (Accelerator).
Apply Now // Fast Pitch Networking | PitchSTL
Put your business pitch to the test in a fast-moving St. Louis competition where up to 20 entrepreneurs get two minutes to make their case and one minute of judge feedback. Eligible local businesses can compete without decks or demos, while the broader community is invited to network and watch. (Pitch Competition)
Due October 30 // Mentoring Monday | St. Louis Business Journal
Accomplished women business leaders across St. Louis are invited to share their experience with the next generation. Selected mentors will offer career advice, professional insight, and personal guidance through fast-paced networking designed to create meaningful connections with rising women professionals throughout the region. (Community Award)
Due October 31 // Galaxy Grants | Galaxy of Stars
A fast, free grant opportunity gives aspiring, new, and experienced entrepreneurs a shot at $2,500 in funding with a 30-second application. Created to support women and minority business owners, applicants also gain access to free business education, community resources, and networking tools. (Funding)
Due November 3 // IDEA Fund | Missouri Technology Corporation
Missouri technology startups can tap state-backed venture capital from pre-seed through later-stage growth. Investments range from up to $250,000 to $4 million, depending on stage and round size, with matching private investment required. Eligible companies must be headquartered in Missouri and operate within designated technology-focused sectors. (Funding)
Due November 13 // Catalyst Accelerator | Blue Ridge Labs by Robin Hood
Turn technology into economic opportunity with this 16-week accelerator for early-stage startups and tech nonprofits tackling poverty and economic mobility. Ventures with working products and early traction receive $100,000 in funding, personalized coaching, access to community partners, and opportunities to refine their solutions alongside low-income New Yorkers. (Accelerator)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
October 19
Minutes Matter: Visual Communication for Emergency Response | OpenAI Academy
Laura Keenan demonstrates how ChatGPT can support emergency communication through a fictional city storm exercise. Examples include preparedness graphics, shelter and volunteer planning visuals, interagency coordination diagrams, and an illustrative traffic simulation, alongside guidance for checking generated images for accuracy and appropriate use. (Virtual)
Mindfulness Month in the Butterfly Garden | WashU Aboretum
Reflect on your relationship with the university grounds through a contemplative gathering led by the Buder Center and WashU Arboretum. Participants will discuss the purpose and environmental value of surrounding trees, with time for mindful observation and conversation about their connection to these spaces. (In-Person | WashU Butterfly Garden)
Building a Unicorn with AI Agents: From Idea to First Check | Founder Institute
Solo founders can explore how AI agents handle early startup responsibilities, including market research and sales outreach. Founder Institute Chairman Adeo Ressi will discuss the traction and signals investors seek in AI-native companies, along with funding routes, initial checks, and demo days. (Virtual)
Conducting Industry Research | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Research industries using five online databases available through the NYPL Business Center, including Business Insights: Essentials, Business Source Complete, EMIS, Plunkett Research Online, and Statista. The session explains how these resources support business and career decisions, with remote access available through an NYPL card and PIN. (Virtual)
Public Health IdeaBounce® | Skandalaris Center
Experience an interactive exchange of ideas aimed at improving health and well-being. Aspiring innovators will present early-stage concepts, receive valuable feedback, connect with potential mentors, and explore collaborative opportunities to transform promising public health solutions into meaningful community impact. (Virtual)
October 20
Claude hands-on lab: Put AI to work in your business | Enterprise Nation
AI consultant Charlotte Boundy leads an interactive lab using participants’ own business tasks to explore Claude. Live demonstrations and exercises cover Projects, instructions, effective prompts, and repeatable work, with time to test a prompt and identify three tasks to delegate to AI. (Virtual)
Bridging the Communication Gap: Leveraging AI to Ensure your Research Isn’t Lost in Translation | UserTesting
Chris Gibbins and Amrit Bhachu discuss how research teams can turn qualitative and quantitative findings into stories that inform business decisions. The session examines how AI can accelerate the move from evidence to narrative while preserving researchers’ judgment, credibility, and contribution to business strategy. (Virtual)
Prediction Isn’t Judgment: What Predictive AI Can—and Cannot—Do | InnovateUS
Examine what predictive AI can forecast and how it can support public-sector decisions about risks, priorities, and resource allocation. The workshop distinguishes problems suited to predictive systems from those that require professional expertise, broader analysis, or public deliberation before deciding what government should do. (Virtual)
The A.I. Playbook | Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Entrepreneurs can explore ways to integrate AI into daily operations, communication, marketing, and sales while maintaining brand voice and trust. The session pairs foundational guidance with examples for email, content creation, social platforms, pitches, proposals, analytics, and Google Business Profiles. (Virtual)
Human-Centered Leadership in an AI World | American Marketing Association
Dr. Rebecca Snarski examines how marketing leaders can respond to AI-driven change through self-awareness, trust, and intentional delegation. Live polls and guided reflection help participants consider when to seek expertise, empower colleagues, and use a practical checklist to decide what to release, delegate, and prioritize. (Virtual)
St. Louis Agribusiness Club | Office of the Missouri Attorney General
Gain insight into Missouri’s legal leadership through a presentation by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. The event features a statewide public official with extensive experience in law, government, and public service, offering an opportunity to hear directly from Missouri’s chief legal officer. (In-Person | Greater St. Louis, Inc.)
Wall Street Insights, Main Street Access: Free Investment Research Tools | St. Louis County Library
Library cardholders can learn to use investment research platforms including Morningstar and Value Line. This adult program covers screening stocks, analyzing mutual funds, and reviewing expert market reports, with practical guidance on using the library’s free financial resources to research options and inform portfolio decisions. (In-Person | Clark Family Branch)
October 21
Customize your SOC with security agents using MCP servers | Google Cloud
Enhance understanding of enterprise security automation through a technical session on AI agents and multi-agent systems. Google Cloud expertise will highlight integrating existing security APIs, customizing security operations workflows, and leveraging Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform for scalable, observable, and governed security solutions. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Women Work Well & MicLocker
Meet St. Louis founders and hear emerging businesses present their ideas at this free startup gathering. One or two presenters each have six minutes to pitch, with optional pitch decks, followed by 20 minutes of audience questions and constructive feedback. (In-Person | Northside Economic Empowerment Center)
Is B Corp Certification Right for You? | Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility(VBSR)
Representatives from B Lab U.S. & Canada and Vermont B Corps share what certification involves and why businesses pursue it. The discussion covers the B Impact Assessment, certification resources, potential business benefits, and experiences from companies of different sizes, with time for audience questions. (Virtual)
Make Yourself Heard in Virtual Meetings | Talaera
Communication coach Paola Pascual shares techniques for contributing clearly in virtual meetings, especially when English is not your first language. Topics include timing contributions, interrupting politely, using pauses, and managing turn-taking across cultures and hierarchies so ideas can lead to decisions. (Virtual)
AI Agents and Agentic AI: What Today’s Service and Support Leaders Need to Know | Gartner
Understand the opportunities and challenges of scaling agentic AI in customer service through expert analysis of current market trends and operational realities. Gartner analysts will examine why initiatives struggle to reach production and share strategies for achieving sustainable, measurable business value. (Virtual)
From prompt to citation: How AI picks your site | Webflow
Michael King, founder and CEO of iPullRank, joins Webflow’s Guy Yalif for a live AMA about how AI answer engines find and cite web pages. The discussion follows prompts through searches and source selection, connecting those processes to website content, structure, and Answer Engine Optimization. (Virtual)
Your 2027 Marketing Strategy Questions, Answered | MarketingProfs
This interactive discussion brings together marketing leaders Lee Judge and Maliha Khan to address evolving strategies for 2027. Audience questions will guide conversations around AI-powered content creation, video production, customer engagement, and practical approaches to adapting marketing plans for changing markets. (Virtual)
The State of Voice AI Calls in 2026: What’s Working and What Isn’t | Bigly Sales
Voice AI applications such as responding to inquiries, reactivating leads, recovering abandoned carts, and booking appointments are the focus of this webinar. The session also examines campaign results, caller ID risks, script improvements, consent requirements, and questions to ask when evaluating vendors. (Virtual)
Skill Up: Multi-Entity Waterfalls in Excel with Live Cap Table Data | Carta
Master multi-entity waterfall modeling through a live demonstration of integrating Carta cap table data directly into Excel. The session highlights streamlined investment structures, automated distribution calculations, and efficient financial analysis across multiple funds, co-investment vehicles, and portfolio companies. (Virtual)
Grok Bot for Admins
Product leader Jon Eide Johnsen explains how administrators can introduce Grok Bot across an organization while maintaining oversight. Topics include creating shared Team Bots, setting tool permissions, protecting sensitive data, and tracking usage and costs. A recording will be available to everyone who registers. (Virtual)
Cross-channel SEO: How one conversation fuels brand visibility everywhere | Search Engine Land
SEO and content strategist Angela Skane explains how one search-informed expert interview can support content across Google, social platforms, YouTube, email, PR, and LLMs. The session covers choosing topics and story angles, creating channel-specific assets, and maintaining a consistent brand narrative grounded in the same research. (Virtual)
Ethical AI Content Creation: A Hands-On Guide to Responsible Innovation | Content Marketing Institute
Practice responsible AI-assisted content creation in a 90-minute workshop combining examples, discussion, and hands-on editing. Participants will identify bias, misinformation, and disclosure concerns, explore a repeatable workflow using ChatGPT and Claude, and revise drafts with editorial judgment, trusted sources, and expert perspectives. (Virtual)
SIU System Technology Innovation Expo
Researchers from across the SIU System present inventions and emerging products spanning medicine, engineering, agriculture, energy, sustainability, and learning. The annual expo connects university innovators with industry partners and prospective investors, offering a chance to discuss discoveries and explore work from multiple campuses and disciplines. (In-Person | SIUE Health Sciences Complex)
Stop Prompting: Free Coffee Talk | Dr. Melisa McCarter
Dr. McCarter leads a free, in-person coffee talk about AI-human communication and the limits of linear prompting. During the 90-minute conversation, attendees will explore why straightforward prompts may not always work as expected and consider how people communicate with AI. (In-Person | T-REX – 5th Floor)
Geospatial User Group: Spooky GeoGuessr Tournament | The GEOINT Hub @ T-REX
Players use Google Street View clues to identify locations around the world in a spooky-themed GeoGuessr tournament. Hosted by The GEOINT Hub @ T-REX, the two-hour gathering brings geography fans together to test their observation and location-spotting skills in a friendly competition. (In-Person | T-REX – 4th Floor)
Downtown Urban Hike | Women’s Transportation Seminar-St.Louis
Walk through downtown St. Louis on a two-hour urban hike hosted by Women’s Transportation Seminar-St. Louis. The guided outing offers time to explore the city on foot and includes one drink ticket. Participants will need to purchase a separate MetroLink ticket for $2.50. (In-Person | Katie’s Pizza & Pasta at Ballpark Village)
October 22
October 22-23 // Lindenwood University GIS Day & GeoAI Symposium
Connect with geospatial professionals, educators, and students during two days of technology showcases, presentations, and industry discussions. Featuring a GeoAI panel, Google presentation, and networking sessions, the event highlights geospatial applications across the St. Louis region and potential career pathways. (In-Person | Lindenwood University)
Microbusiness Coffee Hour | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Microbusiness owners can meet over coffee to practice their pitches, review goals, and discuss progress with fellow entrepreneurs. The gathering provides time to exchange ideas, celebrate early wins, and hear others’ perspectives while considering next steps for developing their businesses. (In-Person | Neighborhood Innovation Center)
BioBash 2026 | Danforth Center’s Committee for Scientific Training and Mentoring
Scientists can explore life-sciences careers through panels on sustainability, food security, and innovation, alongside concurrent workshops and informal networking. The program includes coffee conversations and a shared lunch, then concludes with a career fair reception featuring regional biotech and agtech organizations. (In-Person | Donald Danforth Plant Science Center)
Nonprofits Rock St. Louis | Gateway to Dreams
Small nonprofits can take part in a quarterly gathering that combines expert-led workshops with conversations among peers. Participants have opportunities to exchange knowledge, build relationships, and explore collaboration with other organizations as they consider ways to strengthen their work in the community. (In-Person | Gateway To Dreams)
Beyond Technical Evals: How to Evaluate AI for Real-World Success | Product School
Rachel Walsh and Michael Mace of Auros demonstrate ways to evaluate trust, control, understanding, and outcomes in AI experiences. Using concrete examples, they show how findings inform product changes, while Indeed’s Mary Gribbons discusses how customer feedback shapes her team’s real-world AI decisions. (Virtual)
Marketing in a Digital World | Justine PETERSEN
JP and Elizabeth Wade lead a one-hour online Lunch & Learn covering business credit and digital marketing. Participants will explore steps for establishing credit, common mistakes to avoid, ways to reach customers online, and methods for measuring marketing results and adjusting their approach as the business grows. (Virtual)
AI For Work | ODSC AI
Zoom GTM AI Engineer Ashleigh Bilodeaux shares ways to use AI for everyday work in a live, 45-minute session. Participants will explore how to identify repetitive tasks, improve workflows, and get more from familiar tools, with no coding or technical background required. (Virtual)
The Space Mindest: Build Markets. Build Talent. Build Scale. | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Shelli Brunswick connects the space economy with opportunities for founders beyond aerospace. The session explores resources such as NASA patents, strategies for developing markets and interdisciplinary teams, and ways to align partnerships, talent, capital, and infrastructure to support business growth. (Virtual)
USGIF: The Year Ahead – Your Guide to Programs, Partnerships & Opportunities in FY27
USGIF leaders Ronda Schrenk, Jim McCool, and Kristin Oelke outline the foundation’s FY27 priorities in a 30-minute webinar. They will preview upcoming programs, events, and initiatives, including new and expanded offerings, and explain ways organizations can participate across the GEOINT community. (Virtual)
Chat, Workflow, or Agent? Finding the Right AI Approach for Your Work | Designlab
Sharon Park introduces a framework for deciding when to use AI chat, a repeatable workflow, or an agent. A live example shows how the same task changes across these levels of delegation, with attention to appropriate autonomy and where human judgment and review remain essential. (Virtual)
AI Agents or Automation: Which Do You Actually Need? | Enterprise University
Differentiate AI agents from traditional automation through practical examples and expert guidance on selecting the right technology for business workflows. The session examines decision-making frameworks, reliability, cost considerations, and operational risks to help organizations avoid unnecessary complexity and expenses. (Virtual)
Turn Your Process Into Content | CreativeMornings
Amy Chan demonstrates phone-first techniques for documenting creative work before a project is finished. This beginner-friendly workshop covers lighting, angles, timing, and behind-the-scenes storytelling, followed by an Adobe Express and Firefly walkthrough for refining images and an open Q&A and sharing session. (Virtual)
ConnectSTL Community, Culture & Impact Celebration | ConnectSTL
ConnectSTL’s celebration opens with a reception and community innovation gallery, followed by an introduction to its mission and progress. A leadership conversation examines how digital inclusion and partnerships across economic development, finance, philanthropy, and community organizations can expand access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship. (In-Person | SLU Center For Global Citizenship)
Business After Hours Networking | Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce
Local professionals can connect at a free, two-hour after-work gathering hosted and sponsored by Woodard Cleaning & Restoration. Organized by the Kirkwood–Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, the event includes opportunities to explore the company’s facility. Registration is requested, and friends are welcome. (In-Person | Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Headquarters)
Innovators Hour: St. Louis Bioscience Startup Talks | Biogenerator Ventures
Bioscience startup founders share how their ideas developed into technologies in this monthly conversation series hosted by BioGenerator Ventures’ Jim McCarter. A featured founder discusses the experience of building a venture and lessons learned, followed by time to meet others across the life sciences community. (In-Person | BioSTL)
Structure & Strategy: Understanding the Tax Implications of Your Business Entity | SLDC
Business owners can explore how business structure connects to tax reporting through a workshop focused on IRS Schedule C. The session covers documenting income and expenses, clarifying tax responsibilities, and improving record-keeping practices to support accurate reporting and preparation for tax season. (In-Person | Northside Economic Empowerment Center)
Business Start up Boot Camp | The Wedge
Aspiring entrepreneurs work through business planning, market validation, financial management, branding, and pitching in an intensive boot camp. Expert-led workshops and practical exercises help participants develop their ideas, with mentorship connections and a roadmap for launching a venture and planning for growth. (In-Person | The Wedge Innovation Center)
October 23
October 23-26 // Pearls Of Purpose Conference | Win Enterprises
Entrepreneurs and professionals can take part in a four-day conference combining business strategy, leadership, financial education, and personal development. Keynote speakers and discussions address funding and financial confidence, while wellness sessions, networking opportunities, and a curated Vendor Marketplace provide additional ways to learn and connect. (In-Person | Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis St. Charles)
Wavelength: Hidden in Plain Sight | Filament
Unlock a deeper understanding of personal and professional value by examining skills, instincts, and experiences often taken for granted. Interactive exercises will help participants strengthen self-advocacy, approach negotiations with confidence, and make more intentional decisions about opportunities and commitments. (In-Person | Filament)
How to Pay Yourself: Smart Strategies for Entrepreneurs | Aviatra Accelerators
Laurkita Sheffield and Ramona Rechtin discuss how entrepreneurs can pay themselves while maintaining healthy business finances. The webinar covers income strategies for sole proprietors, LLC owners, and S-corporations, ways to set a sustainable salary, and retirement planning options beyond a traditional 401(k). (Virtual)
Disrupt Neuroscience: A Live Podcast Event with WashU Medicine’s Fearless Innovators | WashU Neurotech Hub
Three WashU innovators discuss the path from neuroscience discovery to invention in a live podcast moderated by Dr. Matt Gaidica. Topics include scientific risk, funding constraints, building beyond the lab, and commercialization, with audience questions followed by an Office of Technology Management open house. (In-Person | Neuroscience Research Building)
Bourbon Friday | Sponsored by Tenacity
Join startup founders, changemakers, and community members for conversation and bourbon tastings at TechArtista UCity. This weekly St. Louis gathering offers three hours to mingle, share stories and challenges, and exchange experiences with others in the startup community. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
October 24
InfoNoms Mini Conference | St. Louis ACM Chapter
ACM St. Louis hosts an informal mini conference centered on data, with technology talks, food, drinks, and time to socialize. Attendees can connect with fellow technology enthusiasts and hear presentations, with details of the talk schedule to be announced shortly before the event. (In-Person | OakBend Library)
A Red Circle 2nd Annual Harvest Hootenanny
A Red Circle and People’s Harvest celebrate the growing season with urban farmers and community members. Activities include hayrides, pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, games, music, and dancing, alongside s’mores, popcorn, and hot cocoa. Food and activity tickets are available onsite or online. (In-Person | North County Community Nexus)
GRIT & GLOW | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Rejuvenate your approach to personal well-being with an afternoon of wellness experiences and community connections. Attendees will explore body composition scans, skincare consultations, optional wellness services, and a wellness passport challenge offering chances to win prizes and complimentary services. (Virtual)
Studio Showdown: A Live Painting Experience – Championship Edition | BlockClub
Witness eight talented artists transform blank canvases into original masterpieces during a high-energy live painting competition. Audience voting determines which artists advance through each round, culminating in a $500 championship prize, while a silent auction offers opportunities to purchase artwork. (In-Person | Angad Arts Hotel St. Louis)
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What’s keeping you motivated this week? Share your thoughts in the comments! Your involvement strengthens the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem. If you’ve got an event or deadline approaching, email us at [email protected].
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