Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sac State

Embrace the ! Mark your calendars for ! Workshops, connections, keynotes, panel disco and more!

Two Days. One FEST. 💚

Keynotes, workshops, and connections with the North State's startup community.

Day 1 brings big ideas to the Big Room — keynotes, startup stories, and the region's top innovators, plus an after-party in Downtown Chico.

Day 2 dives into hands-on learning with workshops and a networking lunch.

📅GrowTECH FEST 2026 October 8th-9th Chico, CA

Tickets on sale July 1st!

💡 Carlsen Center Weekly Newsletter - June 15th
https://mailchi.mp/csus/jun-15th-2026?e=[UNIQID]
The best developers build more than software; they build trust.

California wants to spend with YOU. The state has a 25% small business goal and a 3% DVBE goal — but only if you know how to compete for contracts.

Join Chicostart x Department of General Services for an advanced deep-dive into California's procurement process:
✅ State acquisition methods
✅ Leveraged procurement agreements
✅ Solicitation formats

📅 Wednesday, June 24
🕦 11:45 am – 1:30 pm
📍 Roseville Venture Lab | 316 Vernon St, Ste 110, Roseville, CA
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/level-3-contracting-with-the-state-at-roseville-venture-lab-registration-1990132338397?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is the final session in our 3-part series — don't miss it.

🚀 Level 3: Contracting with the State | Roseville Venture Lab

Join ChicoSTART and the California Department of General Services for an advanced workshop on California’s procurement process and how to compete for state contracts.

📊 Did you know?
State goals include 25% small business participation and 3% DVBE.

This final session covers acquisition methods, solicitation formats, CUF requirements, and key resources to navigate the state marketplace.

📍 Roseville Venture Lab
🗓 June 24 | 11:45 AM check-in + lunch | 12:00 PM start

In partnership with ChicoSTART, DGS, Tri Counties Bank, and Roseville Venture Lab

At the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sac State, we are proud to be part of a movement that transforms innovative ideas into real-world impact. 🙌 We are committed to expanding opportunity, uplifting diverse founders, and helping build California's innovation economy — right here in the Greater Sacramento region.

We appreciate the support and partnership of the CA Office of the Small Business Advocate. Their dedication to small businesses and entrepreneurs across California makes this work possible. Together, we are proving that bold ideas and strong communities go hand in hand. 🚀



1 Million Cups Sacramento
StartupSac Startup Grind Sacramento Startup Folsom

Three upcoming application deadlines present Sacramento-area founders with timely opportunities to secure funding, accelerate business growth, and advance venture development. These programs are designed to support startups across multiple stages, from entrepreneurs refining early-stage concepts to founders preparing to scale established ventures.

NorCal AngelCon Applications close May 27th:
- Connects early-stage founders across the Greater Sacramento region with a community of recently trained angel investors ready to write first checks.
- Selected startups move through a process of support to compete for $100,000 equity investment and $20,000 in non-dilutive capital.
- Gain mentorship, pitch prep, and visibility across the region's growing innovation ecosystem.
Apply here: https://airtable.com/appHG4p0lKtFoMujK/pagAdHmAhF7bR8goF/form

FourthWave Applications Close June 5th:
- Accelerator program focused on underrepresented founders and innovative solutions
- Structured support for scaling ventures with community impact focus
- Application https://gust.com/programs/fourthwave-2026

Pitch Elk Grove - Apply by June 8th:
- Local pitch competition open to the Greater Sacramento region, connecting entrepreneurs with regional investors
- Platform for showcasing scalable business solutions to funding community
- Opportunity to gain visibility within the region's growing startup ecosystem
Learn more and apply: https://startupsac.com/pitch-elk-grove/

For more opportunities, check out this week's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/csus/may-25th-17464064?e=[UNIQID]

StartupSac 1 Million Cups Sacramento City of Elk Grove - City Hall

Day Today we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of freedom.