Supporting Black Founders + Sacramento Startup Events

"Dreams are lovely but they are just dreams... It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." - Shonda Rhimes

February is Black History Month and this week, there are a lot of events happening that celebrate and support Black Entrepreneurs. From our local 1 Million Cups Sacramento, to the California Small Business Development Center, to the National Small Business Administration, the focus is on recognizing the contributions of Black business owners as well as how we, as a community, can help accomplish the hard work that creates change. For more information, visit the SBA's page on Black History Month 2022.

I've highlighted some of these events in the Best Bets section below. I hope to see you at one or more of these events! You may also want to read this blogpost from the SCORE website, 9 Ways To Be An Ally For Black Professionals and Business Owners.

I also encourage you to check out the work Sacramento's own Mariah Lichtenstern has done on Closing the Tech Funding Gap through her fellowship with the Aspen Tech Policy Hub. While your're there, be sure to check out the petition to Remove Barriers to Startup Capital: Democratize Accreditation.

Reminder: Pitch Competition Application Deadlines

• Pitch Elk Grove Applications close Tuesday, February 22 at Noon, in person pitch event on March 31, $17,500 in total prize money (3 awards)
• Kings Capitalize, Applications close Friday, February 25 at 11:59 PM, winner announced at Kings vs Lakers game on Apr 3, $14,500 in total prize money (3 awards)

There’s a lot going on this week for entrepreneurs in our region! Check out this week’s Startup Digest for a full listing (plus you can sign up to get the digest weekly in your inbox while you’re there!).

This Week’s Best Bets

SCORE: Keys to a Successful Black Owned Business Startup, Tue Feb 22, 10 AM. New businesses are on the rise across the United States, and particularly in the black community. If you’re an entrepreneur with a good idea, it might be the right time to finally start your business. Join this educational webinar, presented by Owner & CEO of PKJ Consulting Phyllis Johnson, where she will break down how to plan your start-up, grow your business, and succeed in your industry. Online

1 Million Cups Sacramento, Wed Feb 23, 8:45 AM. Two Black founders will present their companies in 6-minute presentations and then get feedback and advice from an audience of their peers. Presenters: CoreImpact is a sports wearable company that tracks muscle activity. Legado Whiskey is a women owned spirits company that launched a Rye whiskey in late 2018. Online

Startup Happy Hour & AMA, Tue Feb 22 at 5 PM. Meet Matrubials co-founder/CEO Ishita Shah. Matrubials is developing novel milk-derived antibacterial therapeutics to address infectious diseases. Matrubials completed Y Combinator and is a member of FourthWave and the Growth Factory. Online

Google #iamremarkable Diversity & Inclusion Workshop, Wed Feb 23 at 4 PM. #iamremarkable is about empowering women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. You'll participate in a discussion about being more confident in the workplace and have the opportunity to talk about your achievements and discover new ways to speak up for yourself. Hosted by InnoGrove. Online

Small Business Administration: Celebrating Black History Month, Thu Feb 24, 10 AM. Join the SBA for a fireside chat and conversation with SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, on financial wellness, creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship, and the importance of increasing equity and access to opportunities to help uplift and support Black-owned small businesses. Online

California SBDC: Global Diversity & Investment Summit, Fri Feb 25, 10 AM. Venture investors and entrepreneurship experts celebrate Black History Month by lending their views and insights for Black business founders to successfully charter the entrepreneurial pathway from ideation to succession. Online

Plan Ahead

Bizwomen Mentoring Monday, Mon Feb 28, 9:30 AM. This event offers attendees the opportunity to meet women from all different industries who will hold small group discussions with mentees. Online

Getting VC Ready: Behind the Curtain, Wed Mar 2, Noon. Come ask your burning questions about engaging VCs while learning about what VCs look at the different stages of funding. In additions, the Moneta Ventures team will dive into the internal due diligence process from first contact to closing a deal. Online

Connect

Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs?Join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group! Startup founders and those who support the growth of our startup community connect and exchange ideas in this private moderated group.

Looking for an advisor? Mentor Sacramento is a great place to connect with an experienced advisor who through their experience, can help you advance your business. It's free to participate. Check it out here.