Ready to make waves in St. Louis? From September 8-14, 2025, our region is alive with events for entrepreneurs, tech creators, and marketing strategists. Erik Lutenegger, our Founder, shares his curated selection to help you seize every opportunity.
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 8
How to Start a Business the Right Way | U.S. Small Business Administration
This online session guides participants through the essential steps for starting a business, facilitated by a community college small business center. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and resources tailored to their existing or planned business ventures. (Virtual)
The Collapse of Pre-AI Distribution Moats | Lovable Head of Growth | The Product School
Embark on an insightful session led by Elena Verna, exploring how AI reshapes growth strategies and disrupts traditional distribution moats in SaaS. Gain expertise from her deep experience at top tech firms and understand modern growth dynamics. (Virtual)
Leveraging Your Network with LinkedIn Tools | Virginia Career Works
Take part in an interactive online workshop led by LinkedIn experts focused on mastering networking strategies. Learn how to showcase skills, complete LinkedIn Learning courses, and engage with new AI tools for professional growth. (Virtual)
The Wedge + SIUE Presents: Legal Support for Small Business Series
Transform your understanding of business legality at this comprehensive seminar connecting entrepreneurs with affordable legal resources. Learn vital aspects like contract law, regulatory compliance, and protective measures that deliver a competitive advantage for emerging businesses. (In-Person | The Wedge)
Vetworking STL September 2025
Connect with fellow veterans, student veterans, and military families while exploring career opportunities during this premier STL networking gathering. Hosted at Chicken N Pickle St. Charles, the event fosters professional relationships with companies that support military talent. (In-Person | Chicken N Pickle)
Leveraging AI in Product Development | Cortex
Join a session exploring how AI revolutionizes product development, detailing where it makes the most significant impact, and showcasing the latest tools organizations use to enhance innovation. Gain insights on adoption trends and practical steps to lead your team forward. (In-Person | The Showroom – 20 S Sarah)
Her Quiet Strategy Room For Introverted Women | Building Her Dream
Appreciate a supportive virtual space where introverted women gather to reflect on their challenges and receive gentle encouragement. This hour-long session offers mindset shifts, fresh perspectives, and practical next steps without pressure or overwhelm. (Virtual)
September 9
How to get your business visible on Google | Enterprise Nation
Unite with fellow small business owners online for a power-packed webinar featuring expert guidance on using Google’s free tools. Discover how to verify your site with Search Console and leverage Google Business to increase local discoverability. (Virtual)
Rising Grinds | The 89th Collective
Soak up the energy of a weekly meet-up where coffee meets collaboration. Thoughtful conversations flow among innovators and changemakers, fostering new ideas and relationships in a relaxed, inspiring environment that nurtures purpose. (In-Person | The 89th Collective)
LinkedIn™ Deep Dive: Jump-Start Your Profile Today | Enterprise University
Enhance your LinkedIn presence by diving into intermediate-level tactics for business growth. Learn how to transform regular activity into meaningful connections, build stronger prospecting routines, and align platform use with your ongoing sales strategy. (Virtual)
How to Successfully Grow Your Startup in the U.S. | Founder Institute
Ignite your startup’s growth with expert guidance on expanding into the U.S. market, covering company setup, compliance, hiring, and GTM strategies for acquiring your first U.S. customers. Learn how to localize pricing and design a sustainable 90-day roadmap. (Virtual)
The Age of Agents: How Google Cloud is Powering the Future of AI | ODSC
Learn how AI is evolving through secure tool integration with MCP. This session breaks down the roles of Gemini CLI and the Agent Development Kit, illustrating how developers can construct advanced agents equipped to handle multifaceted tasks with real utility. (Virtual)
Selling on a Shopify Website | Gaston College SBC
Kick off your journey in e-commerce with a focused training session exploring how to maximize sales on a Shopify platform. Facilitated virtually, this event provides hands-on guidance perfect for current or aspiring online sellers. (Virtual)
Build Bonds Beyond Screens | CreativeMornings
Attend an interactive virtual experience where you’ll connect deeply through a unique board game designed to foster trust, laughter, and authentic conversations. Engage with the Creative Mornings community in breakout rooms and enjoy a space built for both introverts and extroverts. (Virtual)
Live SEO Fixes for Real Websites: Gain Authority and AI Search Visibility | Search Engine Land
Learn from top SEO specialists during this practical webinar featuring live assessments of various brands’ websites. Understand how to convert detailed findings into strategic actions that boost your site’s online authority and visibility in AI-powered searches. (Virtual)
Prompt Writing 101 | General Assembly
Engage in a hands-on, interactive session designed to boost your AI skills by mastering clear and concise prompt writing. Learn effective strategies for crafting prompts that enhance AI responses, optimize workflows, and increase productivity in just one hour. (Virtual)
2026 NavalX Crucible Ignitor Applicant Info Sessions | FedTech
Gain insights during this virtual session about leveraging federal and university technologies for entrepreneurial success. Participants will learn about a 15-week program offering access to cutting-edge innovations, expert mentoring, and pathways to launch startups focused on national security and commercial impact. (Virtual)
LinkedIn 101: Build Your Professional Presence & Network | Women’s Employment Network
Venture into advanced LinkedIn techniques through this virtual class focused on building a professional persona and expanding connections effectively. Discover tips on endorsements, recommendations, creating engaging posts, and boosting your professional brand. (Virtual)
Retirement & Investment Planning for Freelancers | Freelancers Union
Venture into advanced LinkedIn techniques through this virtual class focused on building a professional persona and expanding connections effectively. Discover tips on endorsements, recommendations, creating engaging posts, and boosting your professional brand. (Virtual)
Tech on Tap STL | TechSTL
Revel in engaging tech discussions led by local speakers while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with cold beverages, as this monthly meet-up fosters connections within the St. Louis tech scene at a popular downtown cocktail bar. (In-Person | Trust)
September 10
Defining Your Brand Strategy With AI | Digital Boost
Understand how artificial intelligence can shape your brand strategy during this insightful online event. Learn to define what your brand stands for and pinpoint ideal customers to create content that resonates effectively and strategically. (Virtual)
PitchSTL | Presenters: Channel Design and Oak & Limestone
Transform your startup journey with weekly sessions offering an opportunity to pitch in front of peers, gain expert feedback, and connect with fellow innovators. Each Wednesday’s meetings at Cortex foster growth and collaboration for emerging businesses. (In-Person | Cortex’s Square One)
Strategies for Growing and Enhancing Our Region | RedKey Realty Leaders
Ignite your understanding of St. Louis’ future at this event featuring insightful data from a top university and lively discussions on regional growth, housing trends, and economic strategies beneficial to community advocates, business owners, and policymakers alike. (In-Person | Vue 17: A Modern Broadcast & Event Center)
Lunchtime Live | Food Trucks: Wing and a Prayer
Admire the blend of culture and cuisine at Lunchtime Live, where you’ll experience live local music paired with various food truck offerings each Wednesday lunchtime from April to October in the bustling center of downtown. (In-Person | Old Post Office Plaza)
Best Practices for Cap Table Management | NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers
Absorb a practical guide to cap table management from seasoned professionals in venture finance. Explore real-world use cases, effective tools, and best practices to ensure your equity data supports confident decision-making and aligns with investor expectations. (Virtual)
What 1.6 Billion Form Interactions Reveal About UX, Conversions, and Drop-Off | American Marketing Association
Take a comprehensive session that dives deep into optimizing online forms through detailed data analysis. Discover why small adjustments in UX and copy can dramatically improve conversion rates and how monitoring field-specific data is key for ongoing success. (Virtual)
Want to Be a Micro-Unicorn? Winning With AI the Right Way | NY Public Library, Thomas Yoseloff Business Center
Join an insightful online session exploring how entrepreneurs can integrate AI ethically and effectively into their businesses, learning practical tools for growth while avoiding common risks like bias and automation pitfalls. (Virtual)
How to Build a Multi-Six Figure Business Through Social Media | Network After Work
Immerse yourself in a virtual event led by Andy Audate that teaches how to attract leads via podcasts, social media, and stage speaking, designed to help you fill your calendar automatically and increase revenue. (Virtual)
Geosaurus Unleashed | T-REX
Network with industry leaders at this monthly meetup featuring Andy Dearing from Surdex Corporation. Discover how precise geospatial services are delivered efficiently through a blend of classic methods and modern advancements, all while enjoying food, drinks, and camaraderie. (In-Person | T-REX Downtown STL)
StartupSTL Night | TechSTL
Thrive in an electrifying environment fostering startup growth by connecting founders with funders through intimate practice pitches; enjoy interactive talks from seasoned entrepreneurs; engage in practical workshops; and access vital resources to accelerate business scaling. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
Skandalaris Center Information Session and IdeaBounce® | Skandalaris Center
Enhance your entrepreneurial journey by attending an engaging session outlining how to utilize Skandalaris Center assets. The evening continues with IdeaBounce®, encouraging idea sharing and collaborative learning backed by prize winnings and social time over food. (In-Person | Bowles Plaza Amphitheater)
Live Coding Workshop – FREE Intro to Full Stack Development at T-REX | TechSTL
Connect with experts and fellow learners during a comprehensive three-hour live coding session covering essential topics like Full Stack Development, Cyber Security, and Python programming. Available both onsite at T-REX or through Google Meets streaming. (In-Person | T-REX Downtown STL)
September 11
Prompt Like a Pro: Learn Prompt Engineering Techniques to Unlock AI’s Full Potential | Microsoft Reactor
Share this opportunity to discover how prompt engineering can elevate your work with AI technologies such as GitHub Copilot. Gain valuable insights and real-world strategies during this hour-long livestream event focused on core AI concepts. (Virtual)
Early Agentic AI Adoption: Proven Steps for Tech Services Leaders to Avoid Failure | Gartner
Elevate your AI adoption approach with expert-backed guidance on deploying agentic AI in enterprise settings. Gain clarity on aligning technology with business outcomes, qualifying projects, and ensuring transparent, results-oriented communication from the start. (Virtual)
Beyond Automation: How Intelligent Robots Will Change the Factory | Association for Advancing Automation
Delve into the transformative role of intelligent robots in modern factories. With insights from TAIROS and Intel’s ecosystem, this session highlights how intelligent robotics enables dynamic collaboration, advanced control, and real-time problem-solving across manufacturing. (Virtual)
Startup Compensation in H1 2025 | Carta
Understand the evolving dynamics of startup pay in 2025, from post-boom salary corrections to emerging hiring strategies. Industry leaders analyze market disparities, compensation tiers, and how AI influences founder decisions and employee outcomes. (Virtual)
September Networking Mixer 2025 | African Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis
Discover a two-hour networking mixer where business owners can explore unique financial support options offered by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Enjoy refreshments and convenient parking while connecting with local professionals at this in-person event. (In-Person | World Trade Center, St. Louis)
Founders Lounge Global | Powered by Metis Analytics
Thrive in a space designed for entrepreneurial momentum, where visionaries gather weekly to build, brainstorm, and elevate their ventures. Founders Lounge blends opportunity with community, creating a launchpad for ideas and long-term partnerships. (In-Person | Spark Coworking St. Louis)
Social Thursdays | KRe8 Spaces
Celebrate midweek with Social Club Thursdays for an evening of lighthearted fun and connection. Each Thursday at KRe8 Place brings people together for laughter, relaxation, and shared experiences that brighten up your week. (In-Person | KRe8 Spaces)
September 12
Music at the Intersection
Ignite your senses with live performances, interactive art installations, and innovative ideas from this multifaceted festival. It also highlights social responsibility, pledging donations from ticket sales to aid disaster relief in the community. (In-Person | Various – Grand Center)
PlayDays: AI for Innovation & Impact | Filament
Join a forward-thinking community exploring artificial intelligence’s capacity to drive impact and innovation. This part two event offers insights into new trends, challenges, and success stories within the AI landscape. (In-Person | Filament)
Marketing Planning Friday Forum | MarketingProfs
Embark on a comprehensive marketing planning journey featuring three expert-led sessions focused on using AI, event-led growth strategies, and customer experience-driven planning for 2026. Gain actionable tactics, strategic frameworks, and live Q&A opportunities to elevate your marketing approach. (Virtual)
Community Bazaar | International Institute of St. Louis
This gathering invites attendees to experience enriching cultural exchanges through food and fellowship while accessing vital community resources. Support for immigrant businesses is central, making it meaningful and inclusive for all visitors. (In-Person | International Institute of St. Louis)
Bourbon Friday // Networking & Bourbon Tasting
Immerse yourself in a lively networking event where startups and changemakers gather over bourbon tastings, sharing stories and experiences in a relaxed atmosphere at Techartista Downtown from 4 to 7 pm. (In-Person | TechArtista Downtown)
September 13
Boost Local Business Fast with Influencer Power | SCORE Western Massachusetts
Be part of a hands-on workshop where local business owners gain clarity on finding influencers, avoiding common pitfalls, and launching smart campaigns. Leave with ready-to-use templates, proven techniques, and a confident plan to boost visibility. (Virtual)
September 14
St. Louis Code & Coffee
Join an inclusive, informal co-working session where tech enthusiasts of all skill levels gather to work on projects or socialize. The event features introductions, announcements, and potentially a member-led workshop, creating a collaborative environment for learning and networking. (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.
Join us on Meetup or Tiktok.
We’d love to hear how you plan to make the most of the week ahead! Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you have an event or key date we should include, email [email protected].
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