With events covering cutting-edge trends in marketing, AI, and pitching, there’s something to suit everyone’s interests. Take advantage of the chance to enhance your expertise, network with industry peers, and foster personal or business growth. Check out this detailed overview from our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, highlighting events and opportunities in St. Louis for the week of October 2-6!
Funding, ESO & Accelerators Opportunities
Looking for funding, business acceleration, or entrepreneur support opportunities.
Due October 4 | Techstars
Accelerator applications are due for Impact Powered by Cox Enterprises & Payments Powered by Stellar and MoneyGram. (Accelerator)
Due October 6 | The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund
In partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network, FedEx has launched a second round of grants to support entrepreneurs in the US. This program is designed to offer entrepreneurs the necessary funding, resources, and networks to enhance the success of their businesses. 30 10k grants will be awarded to entrepreneurs connected to the military and/or disabilities. (Pitch Competition)
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)
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, Marketing & Tech Events
STL Design Week // October 2-6
An annual celebration of the local creative community in St. Louis. (In-Person)
Monday
Muffins & Mark-Making Nebula
Design Debate: A Hilarious and Satirical Showdown to Open STL Design Week @ Work & Leisure
Tuesday
Studio Tour: FGM Architects
Studio Tour: Kuhlmann Leavitt, Inc.
Studio Tour: New Honor Society
Bricks & Brews @ TechArtista Downtown
Equal by Design @ 21c (Sold out)
Wednesday
MO Art Supply Block Printing Party
Beyond If Roundtable with Jacobs
Studio Tour: Slalom
Studio Tour: Nestle Purina Checkmark
Studio Tour: Jacobs
Championing Female Leadership in Marketing & Design with Mio @ Big Club Hall
Loutopia: Exhibit A @ 6195 Delmar Blvd
The Making of Meaning with Francesco Zorzi @ Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
Thursday
Heydays Happy Hour: Nostalgia Night
Placemaking & Experiential Design for Social Impact with Arcturis
Born in St. Louis @ The Sun Theater
The STL Zine Scene: What is is, why it matters, and how to get in on it @ Betty’s Books
Friday
Fusing People and the Arts: Kirkwood Performing Arts Center Tour
NOMAS Competition Send Off: Washington University @ CannonDesign
Studio Tours: Midtown Alley
Still Creating Poster Expo @ The Bomb Door
Midtown Alley Mixer @ Work & Leisure
Don’t miss out on the STLDW2023: Full Week Experience.
Events on October 2
How to increase your profits by knowing your number | Enterprise Nation
Explore strategies to elevate your business profits with Sally Marshall as she unveils the mastery of business metrics, allowing you to confidently make informed and strategic decisions. This session will empower you with insights to identify valuable clients and address areas crucial for sustaining profit growth. (Virtual)
Building a Million-Dollar Business Through Impactful Messaging and Outreach | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
At this event, renowned author Elaine Pofeldt will host a conversation with successful entrepreneurs, exploring their strategies for transforming extensive audiences into lucrative enterprises. Insights on audience monetization and business growth will be shared, even amid challenges like the pandemic, showcasing adaptability and innovative approaches. (Virtual)
Events on October 3
STL Women of Tech Gathering at Spark Coworking | TechSTL
At this quarterly gathering, attendees will celebrate influential women disrupting the tech scene in St. Louis, engage in inspiring conversations, and acknowledge top female innovators over light breakfast and Mimosas. (In-Person)
Raise Your Hand: Insights on taking thoughtful career risks | Olin Business School
Deborah Barta, a veteran in corporate innovation, and Professor Doug Villhard will discuss embracing entrepreneurial spirit and thoughtful risk-taking for career advancement, focusing on translating discomfort into opportunity and tackling the unknown with enthusiasm. (Virtual)
AI and the Future of Social Networks | 4Geeks Academy Miami
Explore the transformative potential of AI in social networks with Arsham Ghahramani, Co-CEO of Ribbon, and discover how platforms leveraging advanced technologies can reshape online interactions and elevate professional networking experiences. (Virtual)
Events on October 4
1 Million Cups St. Louis – Presenters: Korédé House
This event is for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the innovation community here in St. Louis. (In-Person)
Everyday AI: 2 Case Studies on Using AI to Save Time + Drive Revenue | Business Video School
At this workshop, attendees will learn from founders Bill Ray and Nick Niehaus about leveraging AI for optimal business growth through two case studies focusing on video promotion and developing AI tools for lead generation. (In-Person)
5 Ways to Elevate the Employability of Your Marketing Students | AMA
This enlightening webinar will explore insightful trends and strategies to empower universities in enhancing marketing students’ employability by offering practical learning, fostering effective networking, providing industry certifications, developing soft skills, and maintaining industry-aligned curricula. (Virtual)
WE NYC: Crafting Your Founders Story
At this event, led by Surabhi Lal of SL Collaborative Adventures, participants will learn the importance of crafting a compelling founder’s story, understanding its components, and framing it effectively. (Virtual)
The Data Behind Scaleup Success | Founder Institute
This enlightening webinar is tailored for startup founders, offering insights from Startup Genome’s groundbreaking research on successful scaling startups. Attendees will learn crucial success factors through real-world case studies and gain actionable strategies from expert Forrest Wright to navigate scaling challenges. (Virtual)
Government Contracting 101 | Missouri Apex Accelerator
This introductory seminar overviews the critical first steps associated with winning government contracts. They’ll cover how to get started in government contracting, including federal, state, and local registrations and certifications. (Virtual)
Effortless Marketing with AI for More Sales | Orange County Inland Empire SBDC
This week will be The Top AI Tools Big Agencies Are Using Today. In this session, you will receive an overview of top AI tools and the process to evaluate the right AI tools for your business. (Virtual)
Pitch Workshop | Skandalaris Center
This workshop with Brittany Dwyer, founder of Disco! Whether Interviewing for a job, Trying to get your work into a gallery, or pitching a business idea, this workshop will help enhance your confidence when presenting yourself, your ideas, and your work. (In-Person)
Events on October 5
October 5-6 // B2B Forum | MarketingProfs
This is the ultimate destination for marketers to discover how to drive growth, elevate brand reputation, prove ROI, and stay ahead of the ever-changing marketing curve. It includes tactical sessions, inspirational keynotes, off-the-clock antics, and immeasurable connections. (Virtual)
Five Tips for Networking Success: The Coffee Lunch Coffee Approach | Enterprise University
Explore actionable and relevant professional networking strategies focused on connecting with others, engaging in meaningful conversations, and identifying critical connectors within your network for career advancement and building social relationships. (Virtual)
Venture Café St. Louis | Catalyzing Health Innovation
With lead partner Missouri Cures, VC will be hosting a lineup of leaders in research and technological innovation in medicine but will also host a live screening of “The Human Trial.” an award-winning documentary. (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 6
Bourbon Friday at TechArtista UCity
It’s Friday, and it’s not Friday without Bourbon Friday. And you can join us at Techartista CWE 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)
St. Louis Bourbon Festival
This year’s festival has expanded to a 3 city block layout with additional buildings and spaces to explore. It will include live music, street performers, food trucks, a scotch and cigar patio, and hundreds of whiskies that will make for an exciting evening of fellowship in the spirit. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefit St Louis Hero Network for First Responders. (In-Person)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
What are you eagerly awaiting in the coming week? Please don’t hold back; let us know in the comments! We’re continually looking to enrich the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem, so your feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Also, if you’re organizing an event or have a crucial date, contact us at events@bourbonfriday.show.