DiverseCity Ventures

05/08/2026

Sacramento, thank you ❤️

So far, our community has helped StartupSac raise $5,035 during Big Day of Giving. We still have a ways to go to reach our $12,000 goal. We need your help!

Every dollar supports founder education, mentorship, networking events, and programs that help entrepreneurs across our region move their ideas forward. Your support is also helping us expand new workforce and entrepreneurship pathways for young adults ages 18–24.

We still have more ground to cover before the day ends, and every contribution makes a difference.

Donate here: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/Startupsac

05/04/2026

StartupSac supports entrepreneurs across the Sacramento region at every stage. Since 2017, we’ve helped founders, small business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs gain the skills, mentorship, and connections they need to move forward.

Now, we’re building on that foundation.

In 2026, we are expanding our work through a Youth Workforce & Economic Pathways initiative focused on young adults ages 18–24. Many in this group are working jobs with limited advancement or are not connected to traditional education pathways, yet have the drive and potential to build something of their own. This initiative extends our core work by creating earlier access points into entrepreneurship and career pathways.

What You’re Supporting

Participants will gain:

Real-world business and financial skills
Direct mentorship from local founders and professionals
Access to Sacramento’s startup and business community
Clear next steps toward income, careers, or launching a business
Your support helps us continue serving entrepreneurs of all ages while expanding access to those who need a starting point.

Deadline: Thursday, May 7.

Your gift supports StartupSac’s programs and helps us expand this new initiative. If you believe in building stronger pathways to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Sacramento, now is the time to give.

Donate Today!

StartupSac's mission is to accelerate Sacramento’s startup and innovation ecosystem by informing, educating, empowering, and connecting its startup founders and innovators.

05/02/2026

Applications are officially open for Pitch Elk Grove 2026.

If you are building a tech-enabled startup in the Sacramento region, this is your chance to pitch live, gain exposure, and compete for $20,000 in prize money.

This is more than a competition. It is a platform to get in front of investors, mentors, and a community that supports founders.

Deadline: June 8
Apply here https://startupsac.com/pitch-elk-grove/

05/02/2026

It's a new month, and that means a new issue of Comstock's magazine, this time featuring a cover by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Jack Ohman. Stay tuned for stories on California's wide-open race for governor; the AI tool helping detectives solve cold cases; startups and investors who prefer the Capital Region over the Silicon Valley; places to take in the arts with a side of snacks; and more.

11/06/2025

Looking forward!

Join us Tuesday Nov 18 from 5pm to 7pm at Sky Port Restaurant and Bar in Elk Grove for Startup Happy Hour during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

This meetup brings founders, creatives, and innovators together to talk openly about ideas, challenges, wins, and opportunities. It is a space to connect as humans first and entrepreneurs second.

Our AMA guest is Rebecca Nguyen, founder of ValleyMatch. Rebecca is a determined Elk Grove entrepreneur who built a company focused on authentic connection and intentional human matchmaking. ValleyMatch was acquired by DateSpot in 2025 after gaining traction through local pitch events and accelerators.

Let us come together as a community to support one another, share knowledge, and build relationships that help Sacramento grow stronger.

RSVP and be in the room.

Bring your curiosity. Bring your questions. Bring a friend if you want. https://3common.com/event/startup-happy-hour-with-valleymatch-founder-rebecca-nguyen/68e5f706b103216b03b3a39c?viewing_as_organizer=true

04/22/2025

There’s still time to cruise with us for Embracing Disruption Family Office event aboard the Fantasea One Yacht in in Marina Del Rey!

https://lu.ma/gm1lxmgr?tk=3AuvkK

🚨 Speaker Spotlight 🚨 We’re honored to announce Mariah "Roman" Lichtenstern, Founding Partner of DiverseCity Ventures, as a featured speaker at Embracing Disruption: Pioneering the Next Generation of Family Office — taking place April 30th aboard the Fantasea One Yacht in Marina ...

10/24/2024

Join us this Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), starting November 18, for exciting events that celebrate the theme “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone.” Whether you’re just starting out or already established, these events and sessions are designed to inspire and equip people from all backgrounds to succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and discover how entrepreneurship can empower you and continue to grow our regional ecosystem.
GEW is powered by Western Health Advantage.



1 Million Cups Sacramento StartupSac California Capital FDC Better Business Bureau Serving Sacramento & Northeast California Startup Folsom Western Placer Waste Management Authority FourthWave
Sacramento State Sierra College Sacramento Valley SBDC City of Rancho Cordova Government City of Elk Grove - City Hall City of Roseville, California Government City of Sacramento, Government City of Sacramento, Government Startup Grind Sacramento California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce East Sacramento Chamber Sac Black Chamber of Commerce Growth Factory Greater Sacramento Economic Council Right to Start SMUD DiverseCity Ventures Chicostart

08/17/2024

Spread the word!

Spread the word!

Sacramento, CA Founders, Empower Your Business with the Common Good Collective's Homegrown Accelerator Program!

The Homegrown Accelerator program is designed to empower minority-led businesses that make a positive impact on their communities. Through mentorship, resources, and a supportive network, we help you turn your ideas into sustainable and growing businesses.

Program Details:
Duration: 8 weeks, 2-hour sessions
Focus: Business owners with less than 5 years in operation or an annual operating budget under $100K

https://www.commongoodco.org/app-landing-page

StartupSac SAC CULTURAL HUB MEDIA FOUNDATION The Sacramento Observer, Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Laura Good, Cameron R. Law, Beth Broome, Dawn McGee.

07/29/2024

It's not too late to join us on July 31 for the NSF Convergence Accelerator Regional Expansion Event | Southeast – Atlanta.

As part of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator’s expansion to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators, NSF will host an in-person expansion event in Atlanta, GA.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator Southeast Regional Expansion Event in Atlanta, GA will share with attendees how we plan to expand from a single national program to 10 regionally focused NSF Convergence Accelerators that aim to enhance and promote regional competitiveness in research and innovation. We welcome our colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from academia, industry, nonprofits, government, and other communities of practice to join us in Atlanta, GA for this Southeast Regional Expansion Event.

The Convergence Accelerator program builds on foundational research by bringing together researchers, practitioners and stakeholders from a wide array of sectors and domains to accelerate use-inspired solutions to complex challenges that benefit from multidisciplinary perspectives. These 10 NSF Regional Convergence Accelerators will harness the full geography of innovation throughout the U.S., increasing NSF's reach by engaging more researchers as well as NSF's impact by scaling the delivery of tangible solutions for all Americans.

Event Highlights:

Program and expansion overview. Gain a comprehensive understanding of NSF, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), the NSF Convergence Accelerator program model, and plans for the regional expansion.

Regional Anchor opportunity. Explore the pivotal role of a Regional Anchor, designed to execute the NSF Convergence Accelerator’s program model at the regional level and ensure the overall experience is consistent with the existing program.

Regional Consortia opportunities. Learn about the opportunities that the Southeast Regional Convergence Accelerator will offer to partners within the region. Discover how Consortia Members will collaborate to solve the region’s most complex challenges, from ideation to research delivery.

Panel discussions. Hear firsthand from NSF Convergence Accelerator-funded teams in candid conversations about their projects and their experience in the program.

Dynamic networking opportunities. Connect with like-minded innovators, collaborators, and thought leaders committed to addressing complex regional challenges.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator is continuing its program expansion with a Southeast Regional Expansion Event in Atlanta, GA.

07/26/2024

Register for the 4th Annual Small Business Success Summit, presented by FSCDC, Sat, July 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM at 2251 Florin Rd. Co-hosted by: Metro, CA Black, Hispanic, and Rainbow Chamber.

Welcome to the 4th Annual Small Business Success Summit! Join us for a day filled with valuable insights, networking opportunities, and expert advice to help your small business thrive. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from industry leaders.

30 speakers - 8 Informational Panels - 20+ Exhibitors/Vendors + Lunch & the After4 Jazz and Networking Pitch Mixer

http://www.fscdc.org

06/18/2024

Intro to Environmental Justice

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-environmental-justice-tickets-927603195127?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
****Important Register your scholar here:*****

https://forms.gle/KcyWEoDEsgNNe5MM7

Scholars grades 6-9! Join Square Root Academy for an exciting 6-part program where you'll learn about Environmental Justice in Sacramento. Test the quality of Sacramento's water, learn about the Air Quality Index, address the issue of our dwindling tree canopy, and go on a field trip to plant trees where we needs them the most. Join a team of young minds to come up with innovative solutions and help educate the community on clean energy and environmental science. Be part of the change in environmental justice for Sacramento.

Event Details:

Dates: Saturdays July 13th - August 24th
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: LAB 7 Coworking
2417 21st. St
Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and connect with others who share your interest in the Environment, grab some snacks, and plant some trees for the future of Sacramento. See you there!

Join Square Root Academy for a new 6-part program. Make a difference in the environmental future of our community here in Sacramento!