Take your St. Louis connections to the next level! From September 22-28, 2025, entrepreneurs, tech visionaries, and marketers can explore a packed calendar of opportunities. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, brings you the key events to elevate your game.
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 30 // Amber Grant | WomensNet
This grant program is exclusively for women entrepreneurs (18+) in the U.S. or Canada. It awards three $10,000 monthly grants (including a startup option), plus three $25,000 annual grants to past monthly winners. A straightforward application makes you eligible for all open grants. (Funding)
Tech, Startup, and Marketing Events
September 22
AI, creativity, and what actually works | CreativeMornings
Participate in a no-nonsense workshop that demystifies AI for creatives and marketers, offering practical insights into its workings and limits. Learn to harness AI through hands-on experience with custom GPTs that retain individuality while increasing productivity. (Virtual)
St. Louis AgriBusiness Club Meeting
Enhance your understanding of regional agriculture as experts reveal updated statistics on economic contributions and employment, offer insightful discussions, and provide ample time to connect with peers in the industry. (In-Person | Greater St. Louis, Inc.)
Converting Website Visitors into Buyers | SCORE St. Louis
Discover how to transform casual website visitors into loyal customers in this focused Conversion Rate Optimization workshop designed specifically for small business owners. This one-hour virtual session will provide practical strategies to boost your online sales effectiveness. (Virtual)
Nonprofit Fundraising: Practical Strategies for Success | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Gain insights into effective nonprofit fundraising strategies through this one-hour webinar. Topics include generating funds through events, securing grants, encouraging corporate support, and exploring new revenue avenues guided by a seasoned nonprofit leader. (Virtual)
September 23
Startups technical guide: AI agents | Google Cloud
Join this technical guide designed for startups, focusing on the innovative world of AI agents. Participants will explore their functionalities, integration techniques, and how these intelligent systems can enhance business operations. (Virtual)
Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Kick off your Tuesday mornings by joining a dynamic gathering of creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders over coffee. This weekly event offers a welcoming space for collaboration, conversation, and building legacy one purposeful cup at a time. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
Building Generative Video Agents with Google ADK, Veo 3, and Nano Banana | ODSC
Uncover the power of combining Google’s innovative kits—Agent Development Kit, Veo 3, and Nano Banana—in creating advanced generative video agents. Explore strategies to automate sophisticated storytelling through realistic 3D models and cinematic content. (Virtual)
From Vision to Sell-Through: Strategic Merchandising for Emerging Brands | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Enhance your product-based brand’s strategy by exploring how to structure assortments and combine cost and value-based pricing. Discover the nuances of retail versus direct-to-consumer channels while avoiding common merchandising pitfalls in this expert-led workshop. (Virtual)
Google Ads Masterclass: Local Search Strategies That Convert | Search Engine Land
Network with marketing professionals as you gain valuable tools to optimize local advertising efforts using proven tactics that boost lead quality and overall performance while ensuring every conversion is accounted for in your ROI calculations. (Virtual)
Scaling Enterprise AI Through Systems Thinking | Open AI
Witness a comprehensive workshop on applying first principles of systems thinking to scale enterprise AI efficiently. Through live architectural walkthroughs, discover methods to orchestrate tactical and meta-agents with human oversight forming an adaptive AIOps pipeline for continuous improvement. (Virtual)
Getting Started with AI: How to Avoid the 5 Mistakes Your Employees Are Already Doing | IMPACT Technology Group
This webinar guides businesses on how to safely and effectively start using AI by avoiding common employee mistakes. Attendees will learn about secure AI deployment, productivity benefits, and receive a customizable AI Use Policy for their own business.(Virtual)
SLU eMentor September Speed Networking | Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship
Engage with a diverse group of professionals and emerging talent through structured speed networking, offering students the chance to refine their pitches and explore career paths. A post-event reception rounds out the evening with casual connections and refreshments. (In-Person | Cook Hall Atrium – Chaifetz School of Business)
September 24
September 24-26 // AI for Business Summit
Gain a complete 360‑degree blueprint for business growth powered by artificial intelligence. Whether you’re just getting started or pushing toward seven‑figure scale, you’ll receive hands‑on, actionable training each session to leave with something you can implement tomorrow. (Virtual)
AI Sales Summit | Sales 3.0 Conference
Attend this transformative virtual summit focusing on leveraging AI-powered tools to boost sales performance. Gain practical best practices from leading figures, connect with peers via live chat, and explore extensive digital resources offered by sponsors. (Virtual)
Comparing AI Risk Assessment Frameworks & Tools: When, What, and Why | General Assembly
Share knowledge about essential AI risk governance strategies by learning how different toolsets align with company requirements and model complexities. This event offers clear direction on leveraging helpful resources like Microsoft’s Responsible AI Dashboard within your compliance efforts. (Virtual)
Coffee Talk at 21c: Turning the Past into Places for the Future | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis
Ignite your passion for community advancement at a session exploring restorative development and downtown identity strength through collaborative approaches involving designers, activists, and planners. (In-Person | 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Channel Design and Oak & Limestone
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)
All-Star Pitch Battle | Startup Grind
Partake in a high-stakes pitch battle bringing together innovative startups from across dozens of countries, offering opportunities to showcase scalable tech solutions and compete for titles, exposure, investor meetings, and conference passes. (Virtual)
Create a Winning Black Friday Campaign in 2025 | Digital Marketing Institute
Take part in an insightful session focusing on how to plan a winning Black Friday campaign with proven targeting strategies and effective execution. Learn to maximize your marketing impact well before and after the busy period, enhancing long-term results. (Virtual)
STL Insight Breakfast: Navigating AI Policy & Regulations | TechSTL
Witness an engaging morning where industry leaders explore the rapidly developing AI regulatory landscape. The event includes networking, a keynote on managing AI risk with strong governance practices, followed by discussions on executive directives and state policies. (In-Person | Husch Blackwell)
Growing Global 2025: Africa Rising – Navigating Markets, Investments & Trade | World Trade Center Saint Louis
Participate in a focused dialogue on connecting St. Louis with Africa’s growing markets through strategic investments and trade initiatives, aiming to cultivate innovation, economic benefits, and cross-cultural understanding. (In-Person | The Ritz-Carlton)
GRIT September Panel Luncheon | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Venture into an afternoon filled with motivational talks by seasoned leaders who reveal their experiences on perseverance and success. The event promises rich conversations paired with good food and ample chances for dynamic networking among attendees. (In-Person | Lodge Fitness Center)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Soul Burger, Wok and Roll, Scoops of Joy
Experience lunchtime vibrancy in downtown with live music and a variety of food trucks providing diverse eats. Happening weekdays from April through October at Kiener Plaza and Old Post Office Plaza, it’s the perfect mid-day break with great flavors and entertainment. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
The Data-Driven Marketer’s Playbook for Pipeline Acceleration | American Marketing Association
Attend an engaging session where leaders from ZoomInfo reveal how combining diverse data types can help marketers identify buying signals earlier and align strategies with key performance indicators for improved conversion rates. (Virtual)
Design and Architecture: Human-Agent Collaboration Frameworks | Product School
Share in an expert-led session packed with tangible frameworks to empower senior product leaders to architect intelligent human-AI collaborations. Discover strategies to build trustworthy, resilient agent designs that improve user engagement and operational success. (Virtual)
AI and Data Collaboration: The Growth Engine for Commerce Media | Insider Intelligence
Learn how AI and secure data collaboration empower marketers to connect diverse data sources for richer insights, predictive intelligence, and real-time signals, all while safeguarding consumer privacy during this engaging webinar focused on commerce media. (Virtual)
How To Get 5-10 New High Paying Clients In 90 Days Using AI | Network After Work
Take part in an immersive session where experts Cory and Ira reveal actionable methods using AI to generate new client opportunities, emphasizing cutting-edge digital approaches and effective client engagement remotely. (Virtual)
Snacks with RAC | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
Be part of a communal experience that blends tasty snacks with meaningful conversation every month. Situated along the main walkway under Great Rivers Greenway, this event encourages dialogue between arts advocates and community members alike. (In-Person | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis)
Strictly Social | T-REX
Connect with St. Louis innovators and entrepreneurs at this lively monthly gathering where one distinguished guest serves drinks behind the bar. The Strictly Social event encourages open mingling among locals over refreshments with no formal schedule. (In-Person | T-REX)
Go-spatial: Geospatial Web Feature Service in Go | StLGo
Join an engaging session that explores how the Go programming language can be utilized to build geospatial Web Feature Services with a PostGIS backend. Enjoy food, meaningful conversations, and a chance to network with like-minded professionals. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
BALSA Grant Summer 2025 Awards Ceremony | The BALSA Foundation
Celebrate progress and innovation at an inspiring awards ceremony honoring grant recipients from summer 2025. The event brings together diverse community members for recognition, networking, and engagement at TechArtista Downtown. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
September 25
Using automation and AI to save time and money | Enterprise Nation
Dive into actionable insights during this half-hour session emphasizing the use of AI-enabled automation techniques designed to help small business owners save time, reduce costs, and foster meaningful customer engagement through smarter marketing. (Virtual)
Epic Disruptions: 11 Innovations That Shaped Our Modern World | Harvard Business Review
Marvel at stories behind major innovations including gunpowder, Big Macs, and generative AI in this engaging webinar, where you’ll learn why recognizing disruption’s patterns is crucial for future-proofing your business strategy. (Virtual)
The AI:ROI Conference | Section
Engage with top AI leaders as they debunk hype and reveal strategies that turn generative AI investment into measurable value. Across expert-led sessions, you’ll explore how to build internal structure, scale ROI enterprise-wide, quantify returns, and shape the business case for AI in real terms. (Virtual)
DevOps Experience | TechStrong
Attend a transformative day focused on the future of DevOps as it becomes fully native to cloud, AI, and platform engineering. Experience keynotes, technical sessions, and case studies that reveal how DevOps underpins modern software delivery. (Virtual)
BOSS Bia Brew & Biz Tour
Venture into a vibrant networking experience that focuses on pricing, profit, and valuing your business appropriately. This event encourages meaningful conversations and connections among bold women entrepreneurs over coffee and engaging activities. (In-Person | Nunya’s Cafe)
2025 AI and Technology Trends Shaping the Future of Customer Service and Support | Gartner
Understand the shifting tech landscape shaping customer service as Gartner experts dissect survey data from global service leaders. This session unpacks the adoption, effectiveness, and potential of key tools driving customer and employee experience evolution. (Virtual)
Conflict Resolution: From Tension to Teamwork | Enterprise University
Thrive in today’s demanding work settings by mastering conflict resolution skills that prioritize harmony and trust. This course emphasizes respectful communication, empowering teams to move past conflict and strengthen collective performance. (Virtual)
Are You Nurturing or Just Emailing? Data-Backed Ways to Revamp Your Lead Nurture | MarketingProfs
Gain insights into personalized lead nurturing strategies that adapt to the modern, non-linear buyer journey. This webinar reveals how to craft tailored content streams that engage prospects effectively and boost conversions without unnecessary complexity. (Virtual)
Smart Marketing on a Small Budget: 10 Proven Strategies for Growth | Constant Contact
Ignite your marketing efforts by exploring tools like AI to overcome creative blocks and automation to deliver timely, personalized content that truly resonates with audiences. (Virtual)
Tax Ready, Already: A New Standard for Fund Taxes, Powered by AI | Carta
Unveil how AI redefines the fund tax process through insights from Carta’s leadership and real-world application by DataTribe. This session explores next-gen automation and the evolving tools simplifying fund administration for a more efficient tax season. (Virtual)
Intellectual Property Essentials: Understanding the Basics | Start Small Think Big
Uncover the legal foundations of intellectual property in this expert-led session tailored for entrepreneurs and creators. Learn the distinctions among copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, and gain strategies to legally protect and leverage your work. (Virtual)
The Wedge + SIUE: Accounting & Financial Planning: Investment in You
Engage in a vibrant Partner Showcase & Networking Event at The Wedge Innovation Center, where attendees explore multiple floors featuring SIUE partners and regional resources supporting innovation, education, and entrepreneurship, fostering connections among entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders. (In-Person | The Wedge)
Fast 50 | St. Louis Business Journal
Enjoy an elegant reception that combines the engines of St. Louis’s private sector growth. As rankings are revealed and honorees toasted, attendees will have opportunities to network, learn from peers, and witness firsthand who’s shaping the region’s future. (In-Person | Moto Museum by Culinary Canvas)
Monetization Strategies for Startups | Skandalaris Center
Unite with fellow entrepreneurs at this engaging workshop detailing comprehensive monetization strategies. Learn the nuances of attracting investment and managing funding streams essential for growing innovative startups effectively. (In-Person | Skandalaris Center)
Reboot: Tech Careers Loading… | TechSTL
Revamp your career strategy in a workshop series for tech professionals navigating change. Each session blends expert-led guidance with networking opportunities, ensuring you’re not just prepared for your next role but positioned to stand out. (TechArtista Downtown)
Speed Networking | TechSTL
Meet a cross-section of St. Louis’s tech and creative leaders in this high-energy evening designed for meaningful introductions and spontaneous collaboration. The atmosphere encourages real connections with lasting potential, from quick-hit networking to post-event conversations. (TechArtista Downtown)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Learn from fellow entrepreneurs in an inclusive space that fosters innovation and professional growth. Events feature expert talks on launching startups, navigating funding rounds, leveraging AI advancements, and enhancing entrepreneurial skills to help participants thrive collectively. (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
Artificial Intelligence Made Simple | Silicon Networks
Unveil the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence tailored for startups and small businesses during this interactive session. Gain hands-on experience with essential AI tools and learn to integrate innovative technologies to drive growth and improve efficiency confidently. (Virtual)
Introverted Women Entrepreneurs: Community Open House | Building Her Dream
Immerse yourself in an empowering virtual open house designed for introverted women entrepreneurs, offering insights into a nurturing community that fosters collaboration, accountability, and authentic business growth without the pressure of conventional networking. (Virtual)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Explore an evening filled with casual networking and entertainment as Social Club Thursdays invites you to engage with others in a welcoming environment that promotes fun and relaxation every week. (In-Person)
September 26
GRIT & Gratitude Women’s Retreat | Jennifer Bardot, G.R.I.T Founder
Applaud the journey of strength as this retreat offers deep dives into personality insights, resilience-building narratives by women overcoming adversity, transformational growth sessions, and moments of peaceful reflection in a nurturing environment. (In-Person | TBA)
How to Raise Capital: The Legal Perspective | NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers
Share your challenges and get advice during this session tailored for startup founders eager to grasp the nuances of legally compliant fundraising. Anthony Millin provides firsthand insights that empower you to pursue your next round of financing confidently. (Virtual)
Community Bazaar | International Institute St. Louis
Delight in the opportunity to engage with local cultures through sharing meals and discovering helpful community services while supporting small immigrant-run businesses. Regular sessions occur every two weeks throughout the year. (In-Person | International Institute St. Louis)
Microbusiness Socials | Neighborhood Innovation Center
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs in an inviting space tailored for microenterprise development. These socials encourage sharing progress updates, refining strategies together, and building lasting networks crucial for sustained business achievement. (In-Person | Urban Eats)
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Venture into a spirited gathering that blends professional networking with the art of bourbon tasting, offering attendees an opportunity to savor diverse bourbons while building meaningful relationships in a relaxed yet vibrant environment. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
September 27
Local SEO – Get More FREE Leads | SCORE Broward
Discover how to turn search engines into steady free leads with a hands-on look at on-page and off-page SEO essentials. This live session delivers practical tips, real-world strategies, and actionable guidance to boost local visibility. (Virtual)
September 28
Artificial Intelligence for Information Accessibility Conference | UNESCO IFAP WGIA
Gain insights from leading voices around the world during UNESCO’s AI4IA Conference held online each year. The forum dedicates itself to exchanging knowledge on improving global access to information technologies in honor of the IDUAI observance. (Virtual)
St. Louis Code and Coffee
Indulge in a casual yet inspiring space for coders at all levels to converge. Benefit from brief presentations on community events followed by open work time where participants either develop projects or network in a friendly setting. (In-Person | TechArtista UCity)
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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Let’s hear it, what’s got you energized for the week ahead? Drop your answer in the comments. And if you have an event, deadline, or announcement, let us know at [email protected].
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