Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Sacramento
From November 17–21, 2025, the Sacramento region joins thousands of communities around the world to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) — five days of talks, workshops, panels, and pitch events built around this year’s theme: “Together We Build.”
Monday, November 17
Fund Your Research & Innovation Through Grants
10 – 11 AM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Learn how to access grant funding to fuel your research or innovative idea.
Register
From Idea to Impact: Student Entrepreneurs Leading the Way
11:30 AM – 1 PM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Hear from student founders turning ideas into ventures that create impact across campus and beyond.
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Sacramento Entrepreneurial State of the Union
5:30 – 8 PM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Join leaders from across the region for our annual kickoff celebration of Sacramento’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Register
Tuesday, November 18
Founder Activation – Shop Your Shape Pop-Up
9:30 AM – 5 PM, Frequency Coworking, Rancho Cordova
Kick off GEW with a full-day founder activation featuring Shop Your Shape. Explore products, meet the founder, and support local entrepreneurship.
Register
Startup Café: Coffee, Connections & Conversation
10 – 11 AM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Casual networking over coffee with founders, students, and mentors.
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Office Hours with Growth Factory EIRs
12 – 3 PM, Roseville Venture Lab, Roseville
Meet one-on-one with Growth Factory’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for tailored startup guidance and resources. Registration and intake form required.
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The Possibility of a Circular Future
1:30 – 2:45 PM · Science Complex, Sac State
Explore how innovation and sustainability intersect to create circular economies.
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Open Research Panel: Local Knowledge, Lasting Impact
4:30 – 6:30 PM· Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Explore how open research drives collaboration and real-world impact in a panel featuring regional leaders from education, nonprofits, government, and startups—plus Q&A and light refreshments.
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Startup Happy Hour with ValleyMatch Founder Rebecca Nguyen
5 – 7 PM · Sky Port Restaurant & Bar, Elk Grove
Celebrate GEW with networking, conversation, and inspiration from Elk Grove founder Rebecca Nguyen, whose company ValleyMatch was recently acquired by DateSpot.
Register
Wednesday, November 19
1 Million Cups Sacramento — Global Entrepreneurship Week Edition
8:30 – 10 AM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Two founders share their startup journeys and get feedback from Sacramento’s entrepreneurial community. In-person and hybrid.
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Mentor Sprint: Fast-Paced Mentoring for Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
11 AM – 12:30 PM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
A high-energy mentoring session where founders meet experienced mentors for rapid-fire feedback.
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Sac Valley SBDC: Buying a Business
12 – 1 PM · Online
Thinking about buying a business? Learn why many entrepreneurs choose acquisition over starting from scratch and what to consider along the way.
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Impactful Innovations in Health & Human Services
12 – 1 PM · Online
Three founders share how they transformed lived expertise into ventures that elevate human wellbeing.
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Zero to Traction (Live Recording)
12:30 – 1:30 PM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Join a live podcast recording exploring the early stages of startup growth.
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NorCal AngelCon — Final Pitch Event
5 – 8:30 PM · Connect Labs by Wexford (Aggie Square), Sacramento
Watch top startups pitch live to investors at this regional angel investment competition.
Register
Thursday, November 20
Improv to Innovation
9 – 10:30 AM · Carlsen Center, Sac State
A playful workshop to unlock confidence, flexibility, and “think on your feet” creativity through improv exercises.
Register
Women’s Business Center: The Power of Capital
9:30 – 11 AM · Online
Learn how to fund your business growth, explore capital options, and understand key financial and credit considerations.
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Innovation Forum at Frequency Coworking
10 AM – 2:30 PM · Frequency Coworking, Rancho Cordova
Join operators, investors, and founders for a dynamic day on IP strategy, smart scaling, and commercializing innovation—plus the chance for one standout company to be considered for up to $25K in investment from the MinervaFund.
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Startup Storytelling & IP with Ruky Tijani
Thu, Nov 20, 12 – 1 PM · Online
Join FourthWave for a fireside chat with trademark attorney and startup advocate Ruky Tijani on how clear storytelling and smart IP strategy help founders grow, moderated by Nancy Perlman.
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Calling All Sustainability Innovators – Turn Ideas Into Action
1 – 2:30 PM · Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sac State
Turn your clean tech or sustainability idea into something real in this hands-on workshop,
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The Artist’s Road Map
3 – 4 PM · Carlsen Center, Sac State
A practical talk for emerging artists on building a sustainable art career—covering business basics and income pathways beyond graduation.
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MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
5 – 7 PM · Connect Labs by Wexford (Aggie Square), Sacramento
Learn how innovation and public investment are fueling Sacramento’s next wave of startups, jobs, and inclusive economic growth.
Register
PROTEIN CENTRAL hosted by iCAMP
5 – 7:30 PM · Robert Mondavi Institute, UC Davis
Connect with researchers and industry leaders advancing sustainable food and alternative protein innovation.
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SEA Startup Workshop: From Idea to Action
5:30 – 7:00 PM · Weintraub Tobin, Downtown Sacramento
A practical, beginner-friendly workshop to move your idea from concept to action.
Register
Friday, November 21
AI Sprint: From Idea to Prototype – for College Students Only
10 AM – 12 PM · Online (Zoom)
College students build a working app prototype in 2 hours—no coding required. Participants can compete for $1,000 at the showcase.
Register
Startup Office Hours with Traction Lab
12 – 1 PM · Online (LinkedIn)
Bring your real startup questions and get sharp, evidence-based feedback from JDM and Cam Law—no slides, no fluff, just traction. Register.
EveryDay Creative Pitch Night
5:30 – 8:30 PM, The Urban Hive, Sacramento
Celebrate 15 creatives as they share rapid-fire pitches showcasing fresh ideas shaping Sacramento’s creative scene.
Register
Saturday, November 22
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy Graduation: Fall 2025 Cohort
11 AM – 1 PM · Empress Tavern, Sacramento
Celebrate the newest AMA graduates as they showcase their food-preneur creations, share their business journeys, and connect with the community at this in-person tasting and graduation event.
Register
Join the Celebration
Global Entrepreneurship Week is about connection, learning, and possibility. Together, Sacramento’s entrepreneurs, students, mentors, investors, and ecosystem builders are strengthening the region’s startup community.
Explore the full lineup and register for events — and celebrate innovation all week long!
