Water, Energy and Technology Center at Fresno State

Start, Grow, Stay is made possible through the support of Accelerate California.

The Accelerate California program focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion while helping strengthen regional innovation, business growth, and job creation across underserved communities. The program supports a diverse network of entrepreneurs and helps connect partners throughout the Central Valley.

Through this initiative, we can support innovative entrepreneurs like our pitch competition participants and continue building opportunities for startups and small businesses across the region.

Accelerate California spans all eight counties of the Central Valley, and our goal is to continue bringing Start, Grow, Stay to communities across the region. Last year, we hosted the event in Fresno County, and this year we are excited to bring it to the in Madera County, just minutes north of Fresno off Highway 41.

If you want to learn more about Accelerate California’s mission or see the impact the program is making in the Central Valley, make sure to register for Start Grow Stay 2026 here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/start-grow-and-stay-conference-tickets-1987419396916?aff=oddtdtcreator

🌟 Partner Highlight 🌟

We are excited to spotlight one of our partners making the Start, Grow, Stay Conference possible: the Fresno Asian Business Institute & Resource Center - ABIRC!

Since its startup, ABIRC has provided essential networking for the Southeast Asian Community through programs such as the first Hmong Cohort in the Central Valley, fundraisers for local schools, and partnerships with local non-profit organizations. Their work has extended across ten counties: Fresno, Butte, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare, and Yuba.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with them as we bring founders together to connect, grow, and take courageous next steps in their journeys.

📍 Learn more about our partners and the Start, Grow, Stay Conference: wetcenter.org/sgs
And let us know that you can make it here: https://lnkd.in/gqh-7vzx

🗓️ May 29 @ Buena Vista Event Center
📬 If you have any questions, please reach out. We would love to connect.

Join us for the Start, Grow, Stay Conference. Be part of an afternoon filled with innovation, connection, and opportunity in the Central Valley. Entrepreneurs, students, investors, and community leaders will come together for networking, founder presentations, and live pitch competitions. Celebrate local innovation, make meaningful connections, and support emerging ventures across the region. Selected founders will move forward as our recommendation to CalOSBA for funding, along with mentorship and coaching.

📅May 29, 2026
⏰Doors open at 12:30 PM
📍Buena Vista Center, 14860 CA-41, Madera, CA 93636

Register here: https://lnkd.in/ggDy3uY9

This is your final opportunity to apply for the Pitch Competition at the Start, Grow, Stay Conference. If you have been considering it, now is the time to take action! Don’t miss the chance to step forward and showcase your venture.
Apply here: https://www.wetcenter.org/sgs

We had the opportunity to participate in the University High Opportunity Fair last Friday, connecting with students as they explored their next steps.

The Water, Energy and Technology Center joined fellow departments from the Fresno State Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology to share our programs and mission. Peggy Cromwell represented our team, engaging with students and highlighting the work we do.

We appreciate the chance to connect with such a motivated group of students and look forward to continuing these conversations.