Looking to level up your game in St. Louis? The entrepreneurial, tech, and marketing ecosystem is thriving with opportunities for growth and connection from October 27 to November 2, 2025. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, brings you a carefully curated selection of events designed to expand your network and sharpen your skills.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Open Now // STL Startup Week Volunteers Needed
STL Startup Week runs on the energy and generosity of volunteers who help make every session, check-in, and connection possible. Whether you’re a seasoned event pro or brand new to the scene, there’s a place to jump in, give back, and be part of something bigger. (Volunteer Opportunity)
Due October 31 // TechSTL Techweek Speaker
STL TechWeek 2026 is seeking dynamic speakers to lead keynotes, panels, and workshops on AI, fintech, biotech, and more. Up to 250 thought leaders will shape the region’s largest tech festival, drawing 10,000+ attendees across the innovation ecosystem. Speaker slots are competitive and unpaid. (Speaking Opportunity)
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 7 // Mentoring Monday 2026 | St. Louis Business Journal
This annual speed-mentoring event connects rising women professionals with C-suite female leaders in the St. Louis region. Nominations are open for mentors to offer career guidance and professional insight during the 2026 event. Selected mentors will be featured in event materials and must apply by the deadline. (Mentoring Opportunity)
Due November 14 // Aurora Tech Award
This global award celebrates women‑led tech startups by offering cash prizes (up to around $50,000 for first place), mentoring, networking, and exposure. Applicants must be women-founded, less than five years old, have a working prototype, and have raised under ~$6 M. (Entrepreneurial Award)
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).
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
October 27
October 27-30 // Legal Tech Week | WashU Law
Immerse yourself in a dynamic week where legal professionals, academics, and students explore the evolving intersection of law and technology from AI‑powered tools to negotiation bots and legal research innovations. Sessions highlight entrepreneurship, generative AI implications, healthcare impacts, teaching methods, and ethical considerations. (In-Person | A-B Hall @ WashU)
Websites 101- Quick & easy ways to improve your website | Digital Boost
Learn practical strategies to enhance your website’s performance, user experience, and conversion rates through actionable tips and best practices. Discover quick wins that can make an immediate impact on your online presence. (Virtual)
Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback | Founder Institute
Refine your startup pitch through hands-on practice sessions with experienced mentors who provide constructive feedback. Gain confidence and polish your presentation skills in a supportive environment for early-stage founders. (Virtual)
PR for Entrepreneurs | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Explore effective public relations strategies tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Understand how to craft compelling stories, build media relationships, and amplify your brand’s visibility. (Virtual)
October 28
October 28-29 // Adobe MAX 2025 | Adobe
Join Adobe’s premier creativity conference featuring product announcements, hands-on labs, and inspiration from creative leaders. Experience the latest design, photography, video, and digital content creation innovations. (Virtual)
Virtual Conference: Digital Marketing | American Marketing Association
Through expert-led sessions, dive into cutting-edge digital marketing trends, strategies, and tools. Connect with marketing professionals and discover actionable insights to elevate your digital campaigns. (Virtual)
Startup School: GenAI Media. Go Nano Bananas and Beyond. | Google Cloud
Examine how generative AI is transforming media creation and distribution for startups. Learn about implementing AI solutions and scaling your media technology ventures from Google Cloud experts. (Virtual)
AI for Retail: Practical Playbooks for CPG and Retail SMBs | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Discover practical AI applications specifically designed for consumer packaged goods and retail small businesses. Access ready-to-implement strategies that can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. (Virtual)
Sustainability Lab @ T-REX – Great Rivers Greenway
Take part in a regional sustainability conversation featuring Great Rivers Greenway’s legacy of uniting parks, rivers, and neighborhoods. This special edition lab traces GRG’s impact since 2000, revealing how everyday tax dollars helped cultivate a thriving network that strengthens the environment and community ties. (In-Person | T-REX)
SLU eMentors October Mini Pitch Networking Night | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Engage with an inspiring community of student innovators and seasoned professionals as quickfire pitches spotlight fresh business concepts. In this no-slide setting, expect spontaneous creativity, insightful guidance, and opportunities to exchange ideas with mentors and peers from the local entrepreneurial scene. (In-Person | Cook Hall Atrium – Chaifetz School of Business)
Network-A-Thon October ’25
Participate in a dynamic networking event to help professionals make meaningful connections through structured activities and social engagement. Meet fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders in a relaxed atmosphere. (In-Person | Dave & Busters)
October 29
Cultivating a High-performing Team: A Powerful Framework to Enhance Engagement, Build Resilience, and Drive Results | Focus St. Louis
Acquire a proven framework for building teams that excel under pressure while maintaining engagement and well-being. Learn leadership strategies that foster resilience and consistently deliver exceptional results. (In-Person | FOCUS St. Louis)
PitchSTL | Presenters: MODLR & Tepra Marketing Co.
Watch local startups present their business concepts to investors and community members in this monthly pitch competition. Experience the energy of entrepreneurship while networking with founders, investors, and startup supporters. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Your Culture Is Defined by the Worst Behaviors You Tolerate | Gartner
Uncover how leadership responses to problematic behaviors shape organizational culture. Gain insights on establishing clear boundaries and maintaining accountability to build a healthier workplace environment. (Virtual)
Build a Slide Deck AI Agent with n8n | Datacamp
Learn to create an automated AI agent that generates presentation decks using n8n workflow automation. Follow along with practical demonstrations and leave with a working solution for your presentation needs. (Virtual)
October BOSS Bia Brew & Biz Tour
Kick off your morning with candid dialogue and dynamic networking, centered around the theme “Imposter Syndrome Isn’t the Boss of You.” Through guided talks, brand showcases, and actionable tips, participants leave with clarity, confidence, and a renewed entrepreneurial spark. (In-Person | Star Cafe)
Unlock the Power of AI for Your Small Business | Gusto
Understand the real-world impact of AI adoption in small businesses through a dynamic session led by industry leaders. Discover where AI delivers the biggest wins, how to start confidently, and what today’s economic data reveals about AI’s transformative potential. (Virtual)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Widdy’s Cheesesteaks, Farmtruck
Enjoy a midday break featuring local food trucks, live entertainment, and an outdoor community gathering. Grab lunch from featured vendors while connecting with downtown professionals and residents. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
GRIT October Panel Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Gain firsthand insights as a panel of seasoned professionals shares personal journeys marked by resilience and leadership. This engaging luncheon fosters meaningful conversations and connections, blending professional development with candid stories that spotlight strength in the face of adversity. (In-Person | Lodge Fitness Center)
VC Fund Performance 2025 | Carta
Analyze current venture capital fund performance metrics and benchmarks with industry data and expert insights. Understand key trends affecting fund returns and portfolio management strategies. (Virtual)
The 2026 State of the Website | Webflow
Explore emerging website design trends, technologies, and user expectations shaping the digital landscape. Discover how businesses are adapting their web presence to meet evolving consumer behaviors. (Virtual)
AI in the Crosshairs: Regulation, Litigation, and the Road Ahead | Morgan Lewis
Navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence with expert attorneys discussing regulatory developments and litigation trends. Prepare your organization for compliance challenges and risk mitigation. (Virtual)
How To Get 5-10 New High Paying Clients In 90 Days Using AI | Network After Work
Master AI-powered client acquisition strategies designed to attract premium customers within a focused timeline. Learn proven techniques for leveraging automation and AI tools to streamline your sales process. (Virtual)
Snacks with RAC | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Delight in an afternoon of treats, laughter, and connection at the year’s final RAC meet-up. Surrounded by Halloween flair and creative energy, attendees mingle with arts advocates and staff while savoring the last seasonal get-together of 2025. (In-Person | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis)
Get Holiday-Ready: Building & Marketing Profitable Sales | Start Small Think Big
Prepare your business for the holiday season with strategies for maximizing sales and marketing impact. Develop actionable inventory, promotions, and customer engagement plans during peak shopping. (Virtual)
Visibility Workshop & Networking Meetup | Women Getting Visible
Connect with professional women while learning strategies to increase your personal and business visibility. Participate in interactive workshops and build meaningful relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs. (In-Person | Marriott St. Louis Grand)
STL Baddie Mixer: Halloween Themed | Baddies with Business
Network with women entrepreneurs at this festive Halloween-themed social event. Enjoy costume contests, business connections, and community building in a fun, celebratory atmosphere. (In-Person | Intertwine Wine Bar)
Managing Cash Flow for Your Business | SCORE St. Louis
Master essential cash flow management techniques to maintain financial health and business stability. Learn forecasting methods, timing strategies, and best practices from experienced business mentors. (Virtual)
October 30
Cloud Native Now 2025 | Techstrong
Immerse yourself in cloud-native technologies, architectures, and development practices shaping modern software delivery. Hear from industry leaders on containerization, microservices, and DevOps innovations. (Virtual)
Build Agentic AI with Semantic Kernel and Graph RAG on PostgreSQL | Microsoft
Develop advanced AI agents using Microsoft’s Semantic Kernel framework and Graph RAG architecture. Gain hands-on experience implementing intelligent systems with PostgreSQL database integration. (Virtual)
Mental Resilience for Entrepreneurs: Thriving Under Pressure | Gearhart Law
Build psychological resilience and coping strategies essential for navigating the stresses of entrepreneurship. Discover techniques for maintaining mental health while managing the demands of business ownership. (Virtual)
Kickstart Your Business with AI | General Assembly
Launch your AI-powered business journey with foundational knowledge of machine learning applications and implementation. Explore use cases across industries and identify opportunities for your own venture. (Virtual)
Securing and Scaling AI Workloads with AI Gateway in Azure API Management | Microsoft Reactor
Implement enterprise-grade security and scalability for AI applications using Azure’s API Management gateway. Learn best practices for protecting sensitive AI workloads while ensuring optimal performance. (Virtual)
AEO in Action: A Framework for AI-powered Search, Discovery, and Conversion | Search Engine Land
Understand Answer Engine Optimization and how AI-powered search transforms content discovery and customer conversion. Apply a practical framework for optimizing your digital presence for this new paradigm. (Virtual)
Too Much Work, Not Enough Flow? Let AI Fix That | MarketingProfs
Streamline your marketing workflows using AI automation tools that reduce busywork and increase productivity. Discover how to reclaim time for strategic thinking while maintaining campaign quality. (Virtual)
Leverage AI to Advance Your Career | CreativeMornings
Position yourself for career growth by understanding how to integrate AI tools into your professional skill set. Explore emerging opportunities and stay competitive in an AI-enhanced workplace. (Virtual)
For-Profit Mindset Meets Nonprofit Mission | Enterprise University
Explore the power of applying business-minded strategies to nonprofit operations in a session that demystifies financial tools, reserve-building, and diversified income streams. Tailored for intermediate learners, it equips mission-based leaders to think more sustainably. (Virtual)
Startup Finance Basics: Cap Tables, Burn Rate, and Runway | Skandalaris Center
Grasp fundamental financial concepts every startup founder needs to understand for managing equity, expenses, and sustainability. Learn to create and interpret cap tables while calculating burn rate and runway projections. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Smarter, safer, stronger: Tools and insights to help your small business compete in the digital economy | Mastercard Strive USA
Access cybersecurity tools, financial management resources, and digital commerce strategies to strengthen your small business. Learn from experts about navigating the digital economy with confidence. (Virtual)
Virtual Legal Clinic for Small Businesses | Kirkwood Public Library
Receive free legal consultations from volunteer attorneys on common small business legal issues. Get guidance on contracts, business structure, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. (Virtual)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Join a global community of founders for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. Connect with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries in a supportive coworking environment. (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
October Networking Mixer | St. Louis African Chamber of Commerce
Build professional relationships within the African business community through this inclusive networking event. Meet entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders while exploring business collaboration opportunities. (In-Person | St. Louis City Hall)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Take in the rhythms of Thursday night with an upbeat social scene designed for easy conversation, local flavor, and relaxed entertainment. It’s a fresh spin on weeknight fun, welcoming regulars and new faces alike. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
October 31
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Sample premium bourbons while networking with professionals in a sophisticated social setting. Learn about bourbon culture and make valuable business connections in this Friday evening event. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
November 1
Fall Marketplace at The 89th Collective
Shop from local vendors, artists, and makers at this seasonal marketplace celebrating St. Louis creators. Discover unique handmade goods, artisan products, and creative works from community entrepreneurs. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
The Kre8 48 Grand Premiere Night | KRe8 Spaces
Admire the artistry of local filmmakers as their 48-hour creations take center stage, revealing imaginative twists on familiar tales. With audience voting, cash prizes, themed games, and community energy, this premiere night promises magic, mischief, and memorable stories. (In-Person | The KRe8 Place)
Tornado Response UPDATEs
For those affected by the storm, St. Louis is coming together to provide much needed resources.
Business AssessmenT SURVEY | SLDC
The new survey further assess the needs of businesses impacted by the May 16th tornado. Responses will help estimate total funding needs and guide recovery planning.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.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.
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
What project has your full attention this week? Let us know in the comments! Your insights are essential as we work to strengthen the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem. For any upcoming events or deadlines, please reach out at [email protected].
© Tenacity, LLC. This content was curated and compiled by hand, requiring hours of work each week. You may not copy, repost, or reproduce this content without permission. However, we welcome and appreciate links to the original post if you’d like to share it with your community. Thanks!