The St. Louis innovation scene is ready for you! During the week of September 1-7, 2025, entrepreneurs, tech experts, and marketing specialists can explore a variety of events designed to grow skills and expand networks. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has compiled the ultimate list.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
Applications Open // 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).
Applications Open // TechSTL Mentoring Program
These two mentoring programs support St. Louis’s tech and startup community. One connects professionals with experienced mentors for career development, while the other pairs startup founders with seasoned entrepreneurs in a cohort model to accelerate business growth and foster innovation across the region. Applications are required for both tracks. (Mentorship)
Applications Open // Cortex SQ1 Bootcamp
This 10-week program is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs in St. Louis, providing mentorship, training, and resources to help refine business models and develop market strategies. It includes hands-on workshops and culminates in a pitch day where participants present their businesses to investors and industry experts. The program emphasizes practical skills to help startups prepare for growth and scalability. (Incubator)
Due September 1 // Anchor Accelerator Nominations
A 12-week growth program supports high-potential, revenue-generating entrepreneurs with a $10,000 grant, mentorship, student intern support, and a certificate from UMSL’s EIC. The referral-based opportunity seeks under-the-radar founders building scalable businesses in the region. (Accelerator)
Due September 21 // 2026 Pet Care Innovation Prize | Powered by Purina
An annual competition awards early-stage pet care startups up to $50,000, plus access to a business bootcamp with Purina leaders, exposure at Global Pet Expo, and membership in a network of innovative pet industry entrepreneurs. Five winners refine their pitch, gain visibility, and connect with top industry influencers. (Pitch Competition)
Startup, Tech, and Marketing Events
September 1
Enjoy your Labor Day!
September 2
Simple B2B Growth Marketing For Small Businesses | Digital Boost
Engage in a dynamic online session that guides small business owners through crafting a clear, actionable marketing plan. This event offers tools to target the right audience and maintain accountability for sustained results. (Virtual)
Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Unite with like-minded individuals at this inspiring Tuesday meetup designed for those passionate about creativity, entrepreneurship, and community impact. Join for two hours of coffee, collaboration, and powerful dialogue that fuels personal and professional development. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
SEO for Beginners | NC Small Business Center Network
Take part in a beginner-friendly session designed to unravel SEO basics, covering essential concepts like keyword usage and content optimization. This event equips participants with practical knowledge to improve their website’s discoverability with confidence. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Her Dream
Attend a transformative online workshop designed specifically for introverted women seeking confidence and visibility at work without compromising their authenticity. Learn practical strategies to speak up, build presence, and embrace leadership in a way that honors your quiet strengths. (Virtual)
Generative AI Basics | General Assembly
Dive into an engaging webinar that introduces you to generative AI basics including how LLMs work, ethical issues in AI, and practical ways to use these tools for workplace efficiency. The session closes with interactive Q&A allowing real-time learning. (Virtual)
Cultivating Inspired Work: An Alternative to Hustle & Grind | CreativeMornings
Thrive in a unique online workshop where participants learn to cultivate inspired work with the guidance of creativity strategists. Through breakout rooms and exercises, attendees develop actionable frameworks for managing overwhelm and fostering innovation. (Virtual)
September 3
Government Contracting 101 | Missouri Apex Accelerator
Partake in an informative webinar designed to demystify government procurement processes. Understand how to prepare bids, register your business, and take advantage of specialized programs like the SBA Mentor-Protégé and SBIR/STTR innovation initiatives. (Virtual)
Harnessing AI for Your Job Search: Maximize Results with ChatGPT’s Essential Basics | FlexJobs
Ignite your job search strategy by mastering ChatGPT’s essential basics in this informative session. Explore ways to utilize AI for career research, improve application materials, and get ready for interviews, all designed to help you maximize results and find the right opportunity. (Virtual)
Brand Clarity & Ecommerce Conversion | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Enhance your ecommerce skills by learning from Ari Krzyzek’s Brand Clarity Blueprint, designed to help CPG brands define their digital market presence and implement strategies that boost online sales and sustainable growth across multiple platforms. (Virtual)
Morning Hatch | T-REX
Gain expert knowledge on competitive marketing analysis from Andrew Turage during this informative session. Morning Hatch provides a supportive platform for small businesses to learn fresh approaches that drive growth and market understanding. (In-Person | T-REX)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Moobile, Wok-o-Taco, Too Sweetz Desserts
Enjoy weekday afternoons with live performances paired with an exciting variety of food trucks serving flavors from gourmet pizzas to international specials, all set in lively urban plazas. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
How to Quantify Founder Potential when Making Investment Decisions | Founder Institute
Immerse yourself in a concise one-hour online class where top industry insights into quantifying founder capabilities will be shared by Jonathan Greechan, emphasizing real-world performance metrics derived from vast assessments and diverse startup ecosystems. (Virtual)
The Leader’s Imperative | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Witness an interactive course with industry experts Bruce Craven and Jeffrey Golde dissecting the critical role of effective communication within leadership, emphasizing preparation, adaptability, and responsibility during challenging scenarios. (Virtual)
September 4
Coffee Club September: Think Local, Sip Local | AMA Saint Louis
Kick off your morning with a networking event at Antagonist Café, where local professionals gather to support small businesses and exchange innovative ideas in a cozy atmosphere centered around great coffee. (In-Person | Antagonist Cafe)
Successful Small Business Pricing Strategies | SCORE NYC
Understand the essentials of small business startup during this comprehensive 2-hour workshop, designed to help you grasp the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies. Learn how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities effectively, setting a strong foundation for succes (Virtual)
Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Awards | St. Louis Business Journal
Celebrate bold leadership as professionals from diverse sectors are honored for advancing equity in workplaces and communities. From entrepreneurs to executives, these changemakers shape a more inclusive St. Louis through dedication, innovation, and meaningful impact recognized during an elegant awards luncheon. (In-Person | Missouri Botanical Garden, Bayer Event Center)
Accelerate, Align, Approve: Creative Workflow Best Practices | American Marketing Association
Experience practical strategies to streamline your creative content workflows by leveraging Digital Asset Management technology. Enhance cross-team collaboration, reduce bottlenecks, and protect brand integrity through integrated martech tools during this informative session. (Virtual)
Booked Solid! Your Weekly Blueprint to $10-50K in Contracts | Small Business University
Connect with Small Business University’s expert-led webinar presenting fresh ideas on boosting speaking gigs and converting them into steady income streams. Discover how becoming a speaker can accelerate your path to higher earnings and more exposure. (Virtual)
Connect to Remote Agents with ADK and Agent2Agent SDK | Google Cloud
Share in an educational experience focusing on connecting to remote agents through the innovative ADK and companion Agent2Agent SDK, spotlighting streamlined integration techniques that boost productivity. (Virtual)
TeXperts Workshop Series | TechSTL
Immerse yourself in a dynamic workshop series designed for business and tech leaders to enhance thought leadership through content creation, delivery techniques, and strategic industry positioning guided by regional experts in public relations and media production. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Venture into a supportive platform where ambitious creators gather weekly to explore new technologies, business strategies, and startup trends. The mix of social interaction and educational content is tailored to help participants thrive amid industry challenges. Program: Founders Lounge Hack Night (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
The Wedge + SIUE: Partner Showcase & Networking Event | The Wedge
Savor an engaging evening touring the multi-story facility housing visionary projects supported by SIUE offices and affiliates. Meet entrepreneurs and business professionals dedicated to advancing innovation through meaningful partnerships in Alton’s thriving scene. (In-Person | The Wedge)
Sip & Tour: The Future Is Female | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Soak up a dynamic fusion of spirits and stories where attendees savor A Crown of Her Making cocktail while discovering powerful narratives behind striking sculptures during a captivating museum tour. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Embrace the lively energy of midweek fun and connection at Social Club Thursdays, offering a perfect mix of relaxation and social engagement in an inviting atmosphere for all attendees looking to brighten their week. (In-Person | KRe8 Spaces)
September 5
Skandalaris Hackathon | Skandalaris Center
Join this dynamic weekend hackathon where teams tackle meaningful community or global problems by building innovative app-based solutions, regardless of coding skill level. Prizes totaling $1,500 await the most impressive creations, making it an exciting challenge for all. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
The Art of the 1-Page Strategy: 4 Easy Steps to Achieve Success | Gartner
Explore how a concise, visual approach can transform IT strategy communication. This expert-led session breaks down the one-page strategy method, revealing four clear steps to craft strategies that resonate across enterprises and drive alignment, clarity, and executive support. (Virtual)
New Skills for Work/Super Collider: Decision Making & Accountability Session 1 | Filament
Unite with peers in an engaging environment aimed at strengthening your decision-making prowess and understanding of accountability. This program spotlights essential techniques for sustaining career growth and reliable outcomes. (In-Person | Filament)
Future Focus: Envisioning What’s Next | TEDx St. Louis Women
Embark on a journey exploring forward-thinking ideas from diverse fields like technology and community health while enjoying exclusive receptions, showcases of innovation, live music, and meaningful conversations. (In-Person | Touhill Performing Arts Center)
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Revel in the fusion of business networking and bourbon tasting that creates a distinctive atmosphere encouraging authentic exchanges among founders, innovators, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
tornado response resources
For those affected by the storm, St. Louis is coming together to provide much needed resources. Here are few and ways to find even more.
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.City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund
This fund supports the City of St. Louis’ efforts to provide immediate relief and long-term rebuilding of areas impacted by the tornado. This fund will be supported by charitable dollars only.Volunteer for Storm Recovery | Action St. Louis
Volunteers are needed to help sort and distribute items to individuals affected by the storm. Volunteers will also help with debris removal.Preliminary Business Assessment | SLDC
This survey will be used to determine the extent of the damage done in the business community in order to determine solutions and needs going forward.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.Free Coworking | TechartistA, Spark Coworking, and ThriveCo
If you are someone you know was impacted by the storm, free cowork available at the TA UCity & Downtown, Spark St. Louis, and ThriveCo Locations Locations. No Signup Necessary.
Please stay safe. help if can, when you can. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger than before.
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Tell us, what’s on your radar this week? Your feedback helps keep the St. Louis startup, tech, and marketing ecosystem thriving. And don’t forget to email upcoming events or deadlines to [email protected].
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