This list has something to offer everyone, from tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs to marketing professionals and those curious about the most recent advancements and innovations. Find the next major breakthrough or cultivate valuable connections. Don’t miss this extensive compilation of events and opportunities shared by our Founder, Erik Lutenegger, for the week of September 4-8 in St. Louis!
ESO, Funding & Accelerators Opportunities
Looking for funding, business acceleration, or entrepreneur support opportunities.
Applications Open | STL Startup Week
If you didn’t see, the new STL Startup Week Week website has launched. And if you want to be part of the action beyond just attending, there are 3 ways to get involved. If you have a regular event in the Startup Ecosystem, you can run a Community Event and be added to the Schedule; you can Sponsor the week or volunteer to help at the events. All of those applications are open now.
Community Events
Volunteers
Sponsors
(Ecosystem Opportunities)
Applications Open | Cortex Square One Boot Camp
This is an in-depth 10-week program that combines formal instruction with hands-on learning, networking, and mentoring. It seeks to instill in entrepreneurs the confidence and skills needed to succeed in high-growth industries. Participants will work on specific deliverables such as a business model canvas, financial statements, pitch deck, 2-minute elevator pitch, and planning checklist. (Incubator)
Applications Open | Keep It Local Business Fund
The Nextdoor Kind Foundation and NAACP are offering $5,000 grants and valuable resources to support entrepreneurs of color nationwide. Eligible businesses must be majority-owned/operated by people of color. Apply before September 4, 2023. (Funding)
Due October 2 | Enthuse Foundation 5th Annual Pitch Competition
This NYC competition celebrates women in the food, beverage, and CPG sectors. Five entrepreneurs will present to industry experts. Prizes include up to $10,000 cash and business services. Eligible participants are female-majority-owned businesses, operational for under 4 years, earning under $500,000. (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)
Marketing, Startup & Tech
Events on September 4
How to create repeated online revenue | Enterprise Nation
Sonaya Williams guides attendees on crafting successful online campaigns to boost sales and build sustainable revenue streams, sharing lessons from her agency journey and effective strategies for reaching sophisticated online audiences. (Virtual)
Events on September 5
Lead Blueprint Workshop | Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Learn about effective organic lead generation, the pitfalls of common marketing strategies, a 4-step system for securing high-end leads, multi-channel approaches for B2B, and brand authority establishment without ad spend. (Virtual)
Events on September 6
1 Million Cups St. Louis
This event is for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the innovation community here in St. Louis. Presenters are Children with Faith and Hope & Grocery Market Kits
(In-Person)
Building a Multi-Six Figure Business through Social Media Marketing | Network After Work
Andy Audate delves into building credibility on social media, establishing authority via podcasting and speaking, mastering his unique marketing system, and effectively leveraging Virtual Assistants for business expansion.
(Virtual)
AI Megatrends: How AI Will Redefine Your Future | Enterprise University
At this webinar, you’ll get strategic clarity on the reality of AI, discover how to use AI for personal productivity gains, and understand how your industry, career, and profession will be impacted by AI (Virtual)
TechSTL High Tech Happy Hour – XR, Media & Design @ T-REX
Meet and network with St. Louis’s top tech professionals and dive into XR, Media, and design, discussing all things XR/AR/VR, Animation, Metaverse, UX/UI, Gaming, and Graphic Design while enjoying cold beers and appetizers. (In-Person)
Events on September 7
September 7-8 // Intersessions Conference for Artists and Creative Professionals
This free, two-day conference returns in advance of Music at the Intersection and focuses on the nexus of art, music, technology, and entrepreneurship. (In-Person)
Generative AI: Understanding the Value Across Business Functions | Insider Intelligence
In this webinar, senior analyst Max Willens explores generative AI’s perception versus its usage, its current value to businesses, and potential future challenges. Attendees will gain insights on AI adoption forecasts, associated risks, and investment trends. (Virtual)
Enhancing Learning Through Immersive Experiences | American Marketing Association
Dive into the transformative world of immersive learning while exploring the potential of virtual reality, augmented reality, and simulations in education. (Virtual)
Introduction to Patents | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Explore the realm of patents: understand key concepts, types, and how they differ from other intellectual property protections. Master the basics of U.S. patent acquisition and learn advanced search techniques with free tools. (Virtual)
Skandalaris Center Information Session and IdeaBounce®
Meet at Bowles Plaza for a fun fall event at the Skandalaris Center. Learn about its resources and get involved with WashU’s innovation and entrepreneurship. Then, Pitch ideas at IdeaBounce®, network, and enjoy some Ice Cream for Bears. (In-Person)
Venture Café St. Louis | Thought Leadership & Public Speaking
This evening offers seasoned presenters and up-and-coming thought leaders. Learn how to present with TEDx, monetize your expertise, and build a lucrative sales funnel. As well as gain insights from top public speaking coaches and thought leadership experts. (In-Person)
Founders Lounge | MultiPass Venture Community
Entrepreneurs can enjoy an evening fostering relationships, exchanging stories, and gathering insights. It promotes networking, provides opportunities for potential collaborations, and includes inspirational talks from successful entrepreneurs. (In-Person)
Events on September 8
Filament Fridays
You can spend the day with the Filament team with opportunities to pick their brains, brainstorm solutions to some of your personal work challenges, and co-work in a unique space with other cool people. (In-Person)
Bourbon Friday at TechArtista U City
It’s Friday, and it’s not Friday without Bourbon Friday. And you can join us at Techartista U City 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)
September 8-10 // NGA Geo-Hack for Humanity-Leaders of Tomorrow Solving The Problems of Today
University students will analyze food security indicators globally, exploring factors like crop yields, conflicts, migration, and disease. Teams will employ data analysis and programming skills in their assessments. Be sure to apply by September 7th if you are interested. (In-Person)
September 8-10 // Taste of Black STL
Experience St. Louis’s vibrant Black culinary talent with over 100 vendors from various cities, featuring a DJ/block party, chef battles, local artists, a children’s area, and a community charity drive. Admission is free. (In-Person)
Events on September 9
St. Louis Classic Cocktail Party 2023
Enjoy three hours of live music and cocktail tastings, highlighting Missouri and Illinois craft distilleries, each showcasing unique cocktails. Part of the proc eds benefits the Arts Council of Lafayette Square. (In-Person)
Further Out
September 18-22 // STL Startup Week
STL Startup Week is back. And there are 5 days of amazing programming; there’s a new Kickoff Party, Startup Connection is back, and of course, we will be hosting another amazing Closing Party and so much more. The Schedule is online right now, it’s all free, and you start registering today. (In-Person)
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok
What’s got your gears turning this week? Share in the comments! Our mission is to enhance the St. Louis Startup, Tech, and Marketing Ecosystem, so your insights and suggestions are vital.
If there’s an event or crucial date you want to highlight, reach out at events@bourbonfriday.show.