This month we’re partnering with StartupSac with their Startup Happy Hour.

Join us for an engaging evening at Startup Happy Hour! This mixer offers a fantastic chance for both seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers to network and relax with peers in the startup ecosystem.

During the event, you’ll connect with fellow innovators, exchange ideas, and you might even meet your next business partner. Enjoy a drink, savor delicious appetizers, and share stories with other passionate startup enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your network.

AMA: Our Ask Me Anything Guest is Daniel Kaye, Co-Founder and CEO of Bekonix.

Eats: Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Mark III and Choose Folsom beverages and delicious appetizers are being provided for this event.

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Time: 5 pm - 7 pm

Location: 110 Woodmere Rd Suite 100, Folsom, CA 95630

Cost: Free

Register: 3 Common

Connect with veteran entrepreneurs and supporters at our networking event! Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, or an ally, this is your chance to build relationships, share experiences, and grow your business. Join a supportive community that values leadership, resilience, and innovation. Everyone is welcome to network and collaborate.

This month, we're featuring AllegiantVETS CEO Marcus Haney.  Allegiant Giving is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans succeed in the civilian workforce. With a team of experts and a network of supportive employers, it offers a comprehensive suite of services and resources to assist veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life. From career counseling and job placement assistance to on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities, Allegiant Giving is committed to empowering veterans to reach their full potential.

About Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento

The Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento is dedicated to empowering military veterans through entrepreneurship, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and community support needed to launch and grow successful businesses. For more information, visit https://veteranentrepreneurtribe.com/

Date: March 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: AllegiantVETS, 4465 Granite Dr STE 700, Rocklin, CA 95677

Cost: Free

Registration: Startup Grind

Folsom Startup and StartupSac, in collaboration with the, Startup Grind Sacramento, is proud to present a monthly pitch workshop. Present your 5-minute startup pitch and receive valuable feedback from our experienced pitch coaches. If your pitch impresses the judges, you will be invited to present to local angel investors.

To take part in the workshop, please register here. Due to limited availability, we can only accommodate 2 pitches per workshop. If you are selected to participate, you will be notified via email. If you don't make the cut this month, don't worry - simply reapply for the next workshop, as we host them monthly. Additional resources for crafting a startup pitch can be found here

If you'd just like to observe the workshop, you can register to be an audience member here.

The Pitch Coaches

Date: Thursday, March 13, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Register: 3Common

CFO Basics for Startups

This month, we’re excited to welcome Bob Wang who a seasoned Fractional CFO with deep expertise in scaling tech companies. as our guest speaker. Bob will lead a workshop on accounting basics for startups.

As CFO of Traction Guest, he helped grow ARR from $3M to $10M, leading to a $100M exit. He’s reviewed 800+ companies at a private equity firm, advising on what drives investor value.

At Tee Up Advisors, Bob partners with SaaS founders to optimize financial strategy, streamline operations, and prepare for scale. Known for his hands-on approach, he’s dedicated to unlocking growth and helping tech companies hit their next milestone.

Date: March 12, 2025

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Cost: $5

Register: Startup Grind

Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Drive, Folsom, 95630

Breaking into government consulting shouldn't feel impossible—especially for those who are in it for the right reasons. This conference is designed for entrepreneurs and innovators alike who believe that doing good work with good people can lead to amazing outcomes.

Join Clutch for an energizing, refreshing, hands-on experience where you'll get a crash course in government consulting, connect with like-minded changemakers, and discover partnerships that amplify impact. Whether you're just starting or looking to grow, this conference series will help you navigate the space, build meaningful relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.

Agenda

8:30-9am – Check-In, Coffee, Networking

9am-10:30am – Government Consulting 101, topics to include: How to prepare your business for contracts, RFP overview, contract vehicles, and current landscape of government consulting

Speakers:

Angela Shell, DGS

Miriam Macias, Clutch

Partick Groves, Clutch

10:30-10:45 – Break

10:45-12:00 pm – Panel on the Experience of Contracting

Speakers:

Lauren Wittenberg Weiner – sold her company to an 8a – largest contract ever awarded to a woman by DOD from Florida

Jack Smith – Fortuna – DVBE and service disabled veteran owned – local Folsom

Deka Dike - DHCS Medical/Medicaid – grant funding winner and connections to hospitals

12:00-1:00pm – Lunch and Networking

We will have representatives from SMUD and CSAC in attendance

1:00-2:00pm – GovTech funding opportunities and innovation

Rachel Stern – GovTech VC

Date: March 12, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 2 pm

Cost: $100 (use promo code GOVCON10 for 10% Discount

Location: Frequency Coworking & Events, 3249 Quality Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Register: rsvpify

Business Model Refresh Workshop

Is your business struggling to keep up with new competitors? Are you concerned about stagnant growth in a traditional industry? Worried about external challenges like economic uncertainty, evolving markets, or even another recession? If so, it's time to "Refresh Your Business Model" to remain competitive and future-proof your business.

A business model defines how your company creates, delivers, and captures value. But the reality is that the average business model only lasts about five years. In fact, 52% of Fortune 500 companies have disappeared in the past 15 years because they failed to innovate and adapt their business models to evolving market conditions.

In this interactive workshop, you will:
Learn how to assess and evolve your current business model
Gain tools to monitor and adapt your business strategy in real time
Understand the key elements of business model innovation
Explore strategies for balancing growth and exploration to ensure long-term success

Why You Should Attend:
Executives and business leaders must learn to adapt and innovate their business models to avoid becoming obsolete. It’s not just about optimizing current operations — it’s about continuously exploring new opportunities while maximizing existing capabilities. This workshop will provide you with actionable insights to refresh your business model and drive sustainable growth for years to come.

Don’t let your business fall behind. Join us to future-proof your business and stay ahead of the competition!

Date: March 7, 2025

Time: 10 am - 3 pm

Location: Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 6000 Jed Smith Dr Library 1520, Sacramento, CA 95819

Cost: Free (lunch included)

Register: 3Common

Startup Grind Sacramento, in collaboration with Startup Folsom and Granite City Coworking, invites you to our recurring AI Meetup. Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. 

This month, we are featuring the cofounder of Plum Identity, Jon Coss. Plum Identify uses machine learning to decrease online fraud.

Date: March 4, 2024

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Cost: $5

Register: Startup Grind Sacramento

Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250

Innovation and entrepreneurship are taking center stage in Northern California as the Granite City Entrepreneurship Foundation unveils Folsom Tech Week 2025, a five-day celebration of technology and transformative ideas. From February 24-28, 2025, Folsom will host technologists, entrepreneurs, government officials, and investors for a dynamic series of events centered on the theme “Doing More with Less.”

This inaugural event promises to explore how cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can reshape industries, improve government efficiency, and inspire responsible innovation.

Event Highlights

Day 1: D.O.G.E. Hackathon (February 24)

The Department of Government Efficiency Hackathon kicks off the week with a 24-hour competition aimed at solving pressing public sector challenges. Teams of innovators, developers, and designers will collaborate to create AI-powered solutions focused on resource optimization and improving citizen services.

Day 2: Networking and Knowledge Exchange (February 25)

The second day is all about connections. Attendees can engage in open coworking sessions, finalize their registrations, and pick up event credentials. A mix of structured and informal networking opportunities will set the stage for meaningful collaborations throughout the week.

Days 3 & 4: Panels, Workshops, and Innovation (February 26-27)

The core of Folsom Tech Week lies in its thought-provoking panels and interactive workshops, featuring experts and thought leaders discussing topics like:

Using Technology for Efficiency in Government

Innovation in Healthcare: Reducing Costs and Improving Outcomes

The Founder Capital Stack: Creative Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Unlocking Northern California for Entrepreneurs

Highlights include the Startup Pitch Competition, where visionary founders will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and investors. The evenings will come alive with the 90s Concert and Brewfest, celebrating innovation with live music and local craft beer.

Day 5: Job Fair and Closing (February 28)

The final day features the announcement of the Startup Pitch Competition winner and a Job Fair connecting top talent with leading semiconductor and tech companies. Attendees can also participate in investor office hours and wrap up the week with additional networking sessions.

Details

Dates: February 25 -28

Cost: $65

Location: Granite City Coworking

Register: Lu.ma

Connect with veteran entrepreneurs and supporters at our first networking event! Whether you're a veteran, military spouse, or an ally, this is your chance to build relationships, share experiences, and grow your business. Join a supportive community that values leadership, resilience, and innovation. Everyone is welcome to network and collaborate—don’t miss out!

About Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento

The Veteran Entrepreneur Tribe of Sacramento is dedicated to empowering military veterans through entrepreneurship, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and community support needed to launch and grow successful businesses. For more information, visit https://veteranentrepreneurtribe.com/

Date: March 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: The Fat Rabbit, 825 Sutter St, Folsom, CA 95630

Cost: Free

Registration: Startup Grind

1 Million Cups Sacramento is having an in-person meetup on Wednesday, February 19th, at Granite City Coworking.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in our community face-to-face!

This will be a hybrid meeting so those who can't come in person can join us on zoom.

Presenters:

SymSoft Solutions, LLC Axyom Assist is an AI assistant that helps customer service agents excel by providing real-time guidance and relevant information during customer interactions.

BodiAudio has designed and patented a cost effective wireless BT stethoscope for EMT and remote medical applications.

Arrive early to have a chance to say hello to your old friends and to make some new ones!

Agenda

8:30-9:00 Freeform socializing (optional)

9:00-10:00 Formal Program - 2 presenters

10:00-11:00 Freeform socializing (optional)

If you can’t come in person, we will also be live-streaming the meeting on Zoom.

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 10 am

Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250 Folsom, CA 95630

Cost: Free

Registration: Eventbrite

Thank you to our sponsor SMUD!

What you do is not necessarily unique. But your story and the impact you're making is.

In a world where the things you do, the products and services you provide, are things that dozens of others are doing, how do you make yourself stand out? You share your story. People connect to PEOPLE, not products and services. And in a world where our thoughts divide, our feelings will unite. Jamie will help you switch the gears in your marketing minds to stray you away from the traditional self-promo type videos that most people use to create video content that ultimately gets overlooked. Jamie will show you the difference in creating content that focuses on your WHAT and instead help you focus on your WHY.

This workshop is aimed to help organizations find and share their stories so that people care about WHO you are, not WHAT you do. Jamie will guide you through finding your focus when creating a video, bringing out the most important, emotive parts and weaving it together to create a story that will receive good attention online and help promote your business and call to action.

Video is incredibly important in today's world. It's how everyone consumes information. After this webinar, you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to tell your own story and how it could make a tremendous difference in making YOU stand out.

Date: February 12, 2025

Time: 6 pm

Cost: $5

Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250

Registration: Startup Grind

Startup Grind Sacramento, in collaboration with Startup Folsom and Granite City Coworking, invites you to our recurring AI Meetup. Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. 

This month, we are featuring the CEO of HuLoop, Todd Michaud. HuLoop Automation transforms industries by integrating Human-in-the-Loop Intelligent Automation, combining human decision-making and governance with AI-driven automation for unmatched efficiency and innovation. With a focus on customer needs, HuLoop simplifies automation, making it accessible to non-technical users and ensuring everyone can benefit. The company envisions a future where humans and AI collaborate to drive growth and success.

Date: February 4, 2024

Time: 6 - 8 pm

Cost: $5

Register: Startup Grind Sacramento

Location: Granite City Coworking, 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250

CFO Basics for Startups (Virtual Event)

This month, we’re excited to welcome Bob Wang who a seasoned Fractional CFO with deep expertise in scaling tech companies. as our guest speaker. Bob will lead a workshop on accounting basics for startups.

As CFO of Traction Guest, he helped grow ARR from $3M to $10M, leading to a $100M exit. He’s reviewed 800+ companies at a private equity firm, advising on what drives investor value.

At Tee Up Advisors, Bob partners with SaaS founders to optimize financial strategy, streamline operations, and prepare for scale. Known for his hands-on approach, he’s dedicated to unlocking growth and helping tech companies hit their next milestone.

Date: January 29, 2024

Time: 5 pm - 6 pm

Cost: Free

Register: Startup Grind

Location: Online

This month, we’re excited to welcome Natalie Vollrath, Senior Regulatory Consultant at MEDIcept, as our guest speaker. Natalie will lead a 45-minute workshop on "Regulatory Basics for Medical Startups."

In this session, Natalie, a regulatory expert with over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, will provide an overview of the critical regulatory frameworks startups must navigate. Attendees will gain insights into FDA classifications, ISO standards, and compliance requirements for medical devices, diagnostics, and software. Natalie will guide participants through the essential steps for preparing regulatory submissions, meeting product registration requirements, and ensuring compliance in both U.S. and international markets.

Having led ISO and FDA compliance efforts and contributed to successful product introductions, Natalie will share her expert advice on determining regulatory pathways, preparing documentation, and avoiding common regulatory pitfalls. Whether your startup is just beginning or already developing products, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to meet regulatory standards and advance with confidence.

Date: January 15, 2024

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Cost: $5

Register: Startup Grind

Location: Granite City Coworking 705 Gold Lake Dr Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630

Startup Grind Sacramento, in collaboration with Startup Folsom and Granite City Coworking, invites you to our recurring AI Meetup. Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. 

This month, we are featuring Aaron Watkins who won the Zappy Award for AI innovator of the year and Storiel who was the runner up at the StartupSac Mock Investor Salon.

Storiel Is an AI copilot that streamlines story editing by providing deep narrative feedback, market insights, and hyper-realistic beta reader responses - helping creative writers produce polished, market-ready stories more efficiently.

Date: January 7, 2025

Time: 6 pm

Cost: $5

Registration: Startup Grind

What you do is not necessarily unique. But your story and the impact you're making is.

In a world where the things you do, the products and services you provide, are things that dozens of others are doing, how do you make yourself stand out? You share your story. People connect to PEOPLE, not products and services. And in a world where our thoughts divide, our feelings will unite. Jamie will help you switch the gears in your marketing minds to stray you away from the traditional self-promo type videos that most people use to create video content that ultimately gets overlooked. Jamie will show you the difference in creating content that focuses on your WHAT and instead help you focus on your WHY.

This webinar is aimed to help organizations find and share their stories so that people care about WHO you are, not WHAT you do. Jamie will guide you through finding your focus when creating a video, bringing out the most important, emotive parts and weaving it together to create a story that will receive good attention online and help promote your business and call to action.

Video is incredibly important in today's world. It's how everyone consumes information. After this webinar, you'll walk away with a better understanding of how to tell your own story and how it could make a tremendous difference in making YOU stand out.

Date: December 12, 2024

Time: 5 pm

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Registration: Startup Grind

Her career as a broadcast journalist moved her across the country from California to Iowa and eventually Wisconsin, where she covered tragedy, triumphs, politics, community events, and burdened our blizzards and severe weather on live TV. As a reporter, Jamie did everything as a one-woman band from finding her own stories to setting up interviews, filming everything, editing everything, presenting it in front of the camera, writing up the web story and doing it all over again day after day. Jamie said doing it all prepared her to be able to run her videography and storytelling business as a solopreneur. She is driven by emotional storytelling and has a passion for creating empathy through videos. Jamie's videos have helped organizations fundraise, hire staff, promote events, generate leads, and brand and market themselves in new ways that make other people care about them. Jamie’s business motto is: “If a picture says a thousand words, my videos will leave people Beyond Words.”

Celebrate the holiday season with Sacramento's entrepreneurial community! Join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and camaraderie at the Startup Holiday Party—a collaborative event hosted by StartupSac, CleanStart, The Carlsen Center, Startup Folsom, MedStart, Startup Grind, 1 Million Cups and AgStart.

Why Attend?

Whether you're a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or a supporter of the startup ecosystem, this is the perfect opportunity to network, unwind, and celebrate with fellow innovators. Enjoy an evening of good cheer with other local startups, venture supporters, and entrepreneurial advocates who make our region vibrant and forward-thinking.

Event Highlights:

Mix and mingle with a diverse network of entrepreneurs and community leaders

Raise a glass to the year’s successes and toast to new opportunities in 2025

Experience the unique ambiance of Lucid Winery, located in the heart of Sacramento’s R Street Corridor

Date: December 11, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm

Cost: $10

Location: Lucid Winery & Event Venue, 1015 R Street, Sacramento, 95811

Registration: Eventbrite

Please join the Northern California Innovation District the 3rd Thursday of every month to hear from local start-ups that have opportunities to invest early and mid stage. Please note that this to participate as an attendee. If you would like the opportunity to pitch in person, sign up to participate in our startup pitch workshop.

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Granite School, 909 Mormon St, Folsom, CA 95630 United States

Cost: Free

Register: Choose Folsom

Startup Folsom, in partnership with Granite City Coworking, is hosting the casual startup networking event, Beers & Geeks. If you love startups or have a startup idea, then come mingle with like minded people. Make a connection and this could be the seeds for the next big thing.

Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Location: The Fat Rabbit 825 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA, 95630

Cost: Free

Register: Eventbrite

Startup Grind Sacramento, in collaboration with Startup Folsom and Granite City Coworking, invites you to our recurring AI Meetup. Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. 

This month, we will be featuring Dr. Jeffrey Mrizek who will discuss his AI powered real estate startup.

Date: November 6, 2024

Time: 6 pm

Cost: $5

Registration: Startup Grind

As the leader of MrizekGlobal, Jeff focuses on developing creative leaders and social entrepreneurs who drive positive change. With a foundation in business management and grant administration, his work emphasizes transformative leadership, intercultural competence, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. At Global Urban Nomads, Jeff fosters a community grounded in "philotimo," promoting dignity and honor in nurturing transformational leaders.

Jeff’s approach combines systems thinking and strong analytical skills to navigate the complexities of economic and workforce development. Through innovative scenario planning and interest-based negotiations, he has facilitated public-private partnerships and designed career pathways, empowering the next generation of leaders and contributing to sustainable global talent and ecosystem development.

Digital Marketing Basics for Startups

Rich Foreman will be conducting a webinar on behalf of Idea to IPO on Digital Marketing Basics for Startups which will cover:

1. Importance of Digital Marketing for Startups  
2. Core Components of Digital Marketing  
3. Social Media Marketing  
4. Influencer Marketing  
5. Building a Personal Brand as a Founder  

Date: Nov. 1, 2024

Time: 9 am

Location: Online

Cost: Free

Registration: Event

How to Build an MVP in 30 Days or Less!

Rich Foreman, the co-founder of Apptology, will conduct a workshop on how to build a minimum viable product (MVP) in 30 days or less.

This workshop will cover:

1) What is an MVP?

2) The MVP Proces

3) Types of MVPs

4) Building a Functional MVP

5) How to Manage Costs

6) How to Manage Time

And more!

Date: October 25, 2024

Time: 9 am PDT

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Register: Meetup

Rich holds s a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored a book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." . He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is board member of StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber.

Please join the Northern California Innovation District the 3rd Thursday of every month to hear from local start-ups that have opportunities to invest early and mid stage. Please note that this to participate as an attendee. If you would like the opportunity to pitch in person, sign up to participate in our startup pitch workshop.

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Granite School, 909 Mormon St, Folsom, CA 95630 United States

Cost: Free

Register: Choose Folsom

The Future Worlds Symposium is a yearly tech conference organized by Sacramento's professional ACM chapter with assistance from local ACM student chapters. Each year the symposium takes on a new theme, guiding the topics and ideas covered by speakers throughout the conference.

The theme for this year's symposium is "Living in an AI World".

The event will be held in hybrid mode, both in-person and virtually, with keynotes, talks, and poster sessions on Day One at Folsom Lake College, California and in Virtual Format via Zoom. Sessions on Day Two are via Zoom only.

We cannot wait to share the talks and discussions we have planned for the event! We hope to see you there!

Living in an AI World

As stated above, the theme for this year's symposium is "Living in an AI World".

We have wonderful talks planned from various great speakers, starting with an introduction and welcome by our Chair, Dr Harsh Verma.

On Thursday morning, the keynote speaker, Deb Stromberg, Vice President of Engineering, Datacenter Platform Engineering at Intel Corporation will give an intriguing talk regarding the back-end engines and what powers AI and Data Centers. She will be followed by Damian Danchenko, Head of AI/ML Customer Engineering - North America Startups, at Google, who will provide strategies for helping early-stage companies build their next greatest AI-based technologies on Google Cloud.

Next hear from Jacob Rangel, Senior AI Prompt Engineer, TEDx Speaker and AI Strategist on leveraging Generative AI to revolutionize creative problem-solving and drive efficiency across industries.

We will then split up into breakout discussions on AI in Transportation and Education to have thought provoking discussions regarding various fields and how they might interact with AI and Poster Session Presentations by students.

Date: October 10, 2024

Time: 9 am - 4 pm

Location: Folsom Lake College, Folsom, CA, 10 College Pkwy, Folsom, CA 95630

Cost: Starts at free (with promo code)

Register: tikkl

Promo Codes:

• 'STARTUPS' to get 50% Discount

• 'ACM090' to request Scholarship of 90% Discount

• Special - 'STUDENT99' - Special Discount for Qualified Students on Request 

This month, Startup Folsom, is taking a road trip to Sacramento and we are doing a joint event with Startup Sac and we are participating in their Biz-Tech Mixer. If you love startups or have a startup idea, then come mingle with like minded people. Make a connection and this could be the seeds for the next big thing.

Date: Monday, October 7, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: 2904 Franklin Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95818

Cost: Free

Register: Eventbrite

How to Build an MVP in 30 Days or Less!

Rich Foreman, the co-founder of Apptology, will conduct a workshop on how to build a minimum viable product (MVP) in 30 days or less.

This workshop will cover:

1) What is an MVP?

2) The MVP Proces

3) Types of MVPs

4) Building a Functional MVP

5) How to Manage Costs

6) How to Manage Time

And more!

Date: October 3, 2024

Time: 9 am PDT

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Register: Meetup

Rich holds s a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored a book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." . He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is board member of StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber.

Startup Grind Sacramento, in collaboration with Startup Folsom and Granite City Coworking, invites you to our recurring AI Meetup. Swing by Granite City Coworking for a relaxed evening featuring pizza and informal chats about all facets of Artificial Intelligence. 

This month, former copywriter Jacob Rangel shares his transformative journey into AI prompt engineering, revealing how traditional writing skills can be leveraged for gain and good in this emerging field. Demystifying AI and language models, you'll learn about the vital role prompt engineers play in our future and demonstrate key techniques for crafting effective prompts. Attendees will gain insights into both fundamental and advanced prompt engineering methods, including chain-of-thought prompting. The presentation also covers ethical considerations and offers career transition strategies, guiding curious minds to evolve and thrive in the AI-driven future of content creation.

Date: October 1, 2024

Time: 6 pm

Cost: $5

Registration: Eventbrite

MedStart Event: Digital Marketing Basics for Startups

The Sacramento Region is home to a vibrant medical startup ecosystem. To support its growth, we are reintroducing MedStart, a program dedicated to fostering innovation in medical and life sciences.

This month, Rich Foreman will cover digital marketing basics which include website design, SEO, digital marketing, content marketing, social media, and influencer marketing.  Rich's standard advice is that every startup needs to have a proficiency in digital marketing and in this workshop, he will outline what you need to know and provide actionable advice.

MedStart is supported by ReadyStart Cleanroom, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the 50 Economic Alliance, and Startup Folsom.

Please note that this event is in-person at the ReadyStart CleanRooms. Food and beverages will be provided.

Date: September 26, 2024

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Cost: Free

Register: Eventbrite

1 Million Cups Sacramento Birthday Bash!

Celebrate with us at the 8-Year Birthday Bash of 1 Million Cups Sacramento!

This year, we're commemorating 8 incredible years of building a vibrant, supportive community of entrepreneurs. Join us for a morning filled with inspiring presentations, meaningful networking, and a heartfelt reflection on the amazing journey we've shared together.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Engaging Presentations: Hear from a successful founder who has grown with us and a newcomer making their debut.

• Community Connections: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share your insights, and make new connections within the 1MC community. New faces are always welcome!

• Tasty Treats: Enjoy delicious refreshments (because what's 1MC without coffee?) and indulge in special birthday treats as we celebrate.

Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are just joining the journey, we can't wait to celebrate our impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem together and look forward to many more years of growth and innovation.

RSVP today and secure your spot at this unforgettable event. Thank you for being an essential part of our community's journey. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Presenters

Ecojoyous

Ecojoyous will be presenting at 1 Million Cups for the first time! After placing second in the Calling All Dreamers contest, they recently opened their storefront in downtown Sacramento. Ecojoyous specializes in natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable goods, offering organic, plastic-free, and low-waste alternatives for the home and body, along with their own handmade soaps and candles. Presenting at 1MC gives Ecojoyous the opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, share their story, and gain valuable feedback. Join us to learn more about their journey and how they're making sustainability accessible to the local community.

JAPA

JAPA first presented at 1 Million Cups five years ago, when their business was just an idea. Today, they are a thriving B2B SaaS company using AI and IoT sensors to revolutionize parking management and enhance the commuter experience. Join us to hear how JAPA grew from concept to a funded company with significant customers. Learn from cofounder Mathew Magno as he shares how he leveraged the resources in the greater Sacramento region to support JAPA's launch and growth. Discover the innovative strategies that transformed JAPA into a leader in smart parking solutions!

Date: Wednesday September 25, 2024

Time: 8:30 - 10:15

Location: Capitol Event Center, 1020 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 Grab a cup of coffee and meet someone new!

9:00 - 10:15 Presentations, Celebration and CAKE!

10:15 - 10:30 Free form socializing!

Cost: Free

Registration: Eventbrite