St. Louis innovators, the spotlight is on you! The week of September 15-21, 2025, is brimming with events to expand your skills, strengthen your network, and spark new ideas. Our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, has prepared a guide to keep you plugged into our thriving ecosystem.
ESO, Accelerator, and Funding Opportunities
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 // 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. Application Deadline: November 4, 2025 (Funding)
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. Application Deadline: November 19, 2025 (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 15
September 15-16 // Fundraising.AI Global Summit: Amplify Impact | Fundraising.AI
Kick off your journey into responsible AI use at this engaging event featuring numerous sessions from leaders in nonprofit fundraising. Learn to empower your work through the thoughtful application of AI tools grounded in ethical principles. (Virtual)
Biodiversity Conservation Planning with Reinforcement Learning | AI for Good (ITU)
Learn about novel multi-objective reinforcement learning approaches to guide biodiversity conservation amid growing threats. Examine how combining AI with mechanistic biological data facilitates informed decisions that effectively balance biodiversity preservation, climate action, and human factors. (Virtual)
Create What’s Next in Media with Google Cloud’s Imagen and Veo | Google Cloud
Immerse yourself in strategies leading companies use through Google Cloud’s Imagen and Veo to transform media production, achieving unprecedented speed while maintaining a strong brand identity. (Virtual)
Create Your Own AI Operating System as a Product Leader | Pendo Field CPO | Product School
Join this insightful session by Dave Killeen, where product leaders will explore building AI operating systems tailored to modern product management. Gain strategic knowledge on leveraging AI tools to effectively enhance customer engagement and market impact. (Virtual)
How to Start and Scale a Newsletter in 30 Days | Network After Work
Uncover strategies to launch and expand a successful newsletter within 30 days in this engaging online webinar. Gain valuable insights on building clarity, crafting effective funnels, and maintaining subscriber interest to boost your business growth. (Virtual)
Tips to Build Your LinkedIn Brand | SCORE
Understand the elements that craft a memorable LinkedIn identity. Lynne Williams shares how to align keywords, define your value proposition, and apply free tools that boost profile visibility—empowering job seekers and entrepreneurs alike to lead with clarity and impact. (Virtual)
Responsible AI for Startups: Frameworks You Can Apply from Day One | Founder Institute
Gain insights into building Responsible AI systems that align with evolving standards and enterprise needs. This session, led by Fion Lee-Madan, focuses on foundational compliance and ethics practices that help early-stage startups shape trustworthy, globally resilient AI from the start. (Virtual)
September 16
September 16-18 // Proposal Preparation Workshop | BioGenerator SBIR/STTR
Take in essential guidance on navigating the NIH SBIR/STTR proposal process, from company registration and budgeting to articulating aims and designing a strong commercialization plan. Each session delivers targeted strategies to elevate proposal quality and avoid common missteps. (Virtual)
Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Engage every Tuesday morning in a dynamic gathering designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to connect over coffee. This two-hour event encourages collaboration, conversation, and building legacy in East St. Louis without needing an RSVP. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
Why AI Is a CEO’s Business Imperative in 2025 | Enterprise Nation
Thrive in the AI-powered future by understanding how executives can assess readiness, address cultural shifts, and operationalize innovation. This session with Shea Long offers high-level insights into adapting strategy and leadership models in response to AI’s transformative potential. (Virtual)
Strategy Lab September 2025: Authority Building Through Education | Connect Video
Take part in an interactive lab designed for marketers, small business owners, and professionals eager to build credibility and generate leads using simple video funnels, educational content strategies, and the latest AI-powered marketing tools. (In-Person | LaQuinta Inn & Suites)
Women of Tech Luncheon | TechSTL
Share an enriching afternoon spotlighting female pioneers using technology to address systemic challenges in the St. Louis region. This event features compelling conversations with nonprofit executives on racial equity, neighborhood revitalization, and strategic partnerships. (In-Person | Rung for Women)
10 Tips and Tricks for a Successful Grant Seeking Strategy | CharityHowTo
Ignite your nonprofit’s grant potential by deep diving into funder expectations and application best practices. With real-world examples and expert-backed strategies, this webinar arms newcomers and professionals with techniques to build relationships and improve proposal success rates. (Virtual)
Business Strategies for ADHD Creatives | CreativeMornings
Thrive in a supportive online session focused on helping creative entrepreneurs with ADHD craft sustainable business frameworks that balance unique thinking styles with effective time management and motivation techniques for lasting success. (Virtual)
2026 Crucible Accelerator Info Sessions | FedTech
Attend this virtual info session to discover comprehensive details about the 2026 Crucible Accelerator. Engage with program highlights, including partnerships, mentorship, and no-cost participation, to accelerate startups addressing defense-related tech challenges in a supportive environment. (Virtual)
The Arch City Report Live! | St. Louis Business Journal
Celebrate St. Louis’s evolving identity as Brad Dean shares his vision for regional tourism and hospitality in a live podcast taping with Erik Siemers. This dynamic session combines networking, drinks, and engaging conversation about the city’s next chapter. (In-Person | Keeley Companies)
The World of Voice Overs | Freelancers Union
Elevate your knowledge with an immersive workshop that covers everything from building your voiceover business to mastering performance nuances under expert mentorship in an interactive online setting. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Connecting | Building Her Dream
Venture into a supportive session where introverted career women discover how to shift their mindset around visibility. This hour-long event offers tools to reframe self-promotion as leadership and helps participants grow professionally with renewed confidence. (Virtual)
September 17
September 17-18 // Webflow Conf 2025 | Webflow
Gain fresh perspectives on redesigning websites that move beyond branding to increase ROI. The event highlights AI-driven innovations and strategic practices for maximizing web impact through engaging educational talks. (Virtual)
How to be everywhere digitally | Enterprise Nation
Discover practical strategies to enhance your digital presence without hefty ad spends by participating in a session focused on joining or creating social media communities, mastering SEO basics, and preparing your website to attract organic traffic effectively. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Pitch Coach Joe Muller – “How to Pitch”
Enjoy a weekly showcase dedicated to empowering early-stage companies through succinct pitching opportunities at Cortex, combined with audience engagement and constructive critique designed to help startups refine their business models and grow effectively. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Widdy’s Cheesesteaks, Tropical Pot
Explore a lively downtown experience at Lunchtime Live, where weekdays come alive with rotating food trucks and free entertainment. Hosted at two key plazas, it offers fresh flavors and a chance to unwind outdoors during your lunch hour. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
The Power of Personalized Events: Strategy for Engagement | American Marketing Association
Join a compelling exploration into how personal information shapes successful event personalization tactics designed to elevate guest engagement and foster stronger relationships through thoughtful strategy. (Virtual)
The Human Illusion: Combatting Agentic AI in the Age of Intelligent Automation | F5
Be part of a deep exploration into next-generation automation where Agentic AI operates with stealth like humans. This event offers insights on identifying these agents in live traffic and equips you with frameworks to enhance your defense mechanisms effectively. (Virtual)
Pitching vs. Storytelling: Which One to Do (and When) | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Embrace the chance to transform how you communicate value during this focused workshop exploring the timing and usage of pitching versus storytelling. Guided by Lubna Forzley, you’ll uncover ways to harness both methods effectively while balancing tech tools like AI without compromising your unique voice. (Virtual)
Choosing the Right Business Structure: Legal & Tax Essentials for Entrepreneurs | Start Small Think Big
In this detailed session with legal and financial experts, learn how legal and tax choices shape your business’s future. Explore LLCs, S-Corps, and more while gaining clarity on formation, liability, governance, and evolving trends impacting entrepreneurial decision-making. (Virtual)
Geospatial User Group | T-REX
Attend the collaborative St. Louis GIS User Group’s meeting focusing on applied community-powered GIS. Engage with fellow enthusiasts every third Wednesday at T-REX to share insights, network, and enhance your geospatial skills in a supportive environment. (In-Person | T-REX)
September 18
MAC Business Development Group Meeting
Venture into a morning session perfect for business owners seeking growth through collaboration. This event invites participants to engage directly with peers in St. Louis, promoting community building within the commercial sector at a premier venue. (In-Person | Missouri Athletic Club)
Beginner’s Guide to Product Management | General Assembly
Participate in an engaging workshop focused on shaping ideas into market-ready products. During this foundational course, discover the process behind testing, iteration, and leadership needed to thrive as a product manager. (Virtual)
The Gartner Hype Cycle for Sales Transformation | Gartner
Navigate the evolving sales landscape with clarity as Gartner reveals its latest Hype Cycle findings. Uncover essential capabilities, strategic investment priorities, and transformational practices tailored to help CSOs lead confidently through complexity and rapid change. (Virtual)
Your Next Superpower: Vibe Coding & API Powered Tools | Moz
Share in a marketer’s journey to tool-building autonomy through vibe coding, where AI assistants transform non-coders into digital makers. Jonathan Berthold showcases real-time creation workflows that collapse development timelines and open new possibilities for innovation in everyday marketing tasks. (Virtual)
Lunch & Learn: Unlock Your Creative Flow | CIC St. Louis
Witness an empowering hour focused on navigating stress through innovative exercises promoting creativity and presence. This event offers valuable insights into shifting mindset patterns, encouraging personal breakthroughs within an entrepreneurial and wellness-focused crowd. (In-Person | The Showroom at CIC St. Louis – 20 S Sarah)
Transform Tax Savings into Startup Growth with QSBS | Carta
Take a deep dive on Qualified Small Business Stock as Carta and legal experts break down compliance, evolving IRS rules, and real-world founder use cases. Learn how to integrate QSBS into your startup’s financial strategy from day one. (Virtual)
How Marketing Teams Are Scaling Using AI + Video | MarketingProfs
Admire the evolving strategies top marketers use to merge AI with video-driven content. Learn where high-performing teams excel, which tools unlock momentum, and how brands transform operations to meet modern demands and drive conversion at scale. (Virtual)
AI for Manufacturing Webinar | MKE Tech Hub Coalition
Appreciate how AI redefines manufacturing operations through live demonstrations of real-time safety monitoring, predictive maintenance, and precision defect detection. Tom Campbell showcases actionable tools that turn raw data into smarter workflows—bridging technology with everyday production improvements. (Virtual)
Validating Your Idea: Pre-Seed Metrics that Matter | Skandalaris Center
Experience an engaging workshop with Jake Truemper, where you’ll learn to test your startup ideas, gather valuable user insights, and validate metrics critical for early-stage success. Gain practical tools to avoid costly mistakes and confidently advance your project. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Innovators Hour with Plastomics | Biogenerator
Discover an engaging session with Plastomics, where innovation meets biotechnological advances. Attendees can look forward to a thorough discussion followed by networking opportunities in a dynamic setting designed for sharing insights and fostering professional connections. (In-Person | BioSTL)
Connections in the Clouds Networking Happy Hour | AMA Saint Louis
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of a free rooftop networking event where marketing professionals come together for great conversation and connection-building. With a focus on collaboration, this mixer creates opportunities for career advancement and community engagement. (In-Person | High Bar Clayton)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Attend interactive sessions in a supportive environment where founders unite to push boundaries. From hack nights to deep dives into cutting-edge technologies like AI SEO strategies, this meetup ensures continuous learning aligned with the evolving startup landscape. (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
2025 Business After Hours – LUZCO Technologies (Hispanic Cultural Celebration) | Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
Immerse yourself in a dynamic Business After Hours occasion highlighting the valuable connections within the Hispanic and Latino business community. Cultural exhibits by different ethnic groups provide an enriching backdrop as you network and engage with fellow attendees. (In-Person | LUZCO Technologies)
Genetic Programming: Tree-Based GP and PushGP | PySTL
Uncover the fundamentals of Tree-Based Genetic Programming and PushGP during a specialized session led by an expert who recently graduated in computer science. This meetup offers timed discussions around key open-source projects and relaxed networking featuring refreshments. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Revel in an evening dedicated to connection and enjoyment during Social Thursdays, offering casual fun and social opportunities perfect for breaking up your week. (In-Person | KRe8 Spaces)
September 19
Wavelength: Leading Out Loud | Filament
Unveil a unique experience centered on leading conversations with honesty and bold expression, where participants share impactful messages and creative insights. (In-Person | Filament)
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Bask in the laid-back energy of Bourbon Friday, where startup culture meets sipping culture. Whether you’re pitching ideas or just enjoying the company, this St. Louis staple brings together the business community for meaningful connections and great local pours. (In-Person | TechArtista CWE)
September 20
Echoes of Africa in Downtown St. Louis
Connect with the energetic spirit of Africa via inspiring performances by acclaimed artists, interactive tech displays by innovators from TechSTL and universities, and community workshops celebrating African heritage through food, fashion, art, and thoughtful dialogue. (In-Person | The Post Building)
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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Got something you’re looking forward to? Share it in the comments so we can celebrate it with you! If there’s an upcoming event or deadline we should know about, send the details to [email protected].
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