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Wednesday, November 18th
GEW - Future Folsom Economic Forum
Where is the economy headed, and what does it mean for the future of our region and your business?
Join Choose Folsom for Future Folsom, an engaging morning of economic insight and regional conversation designed for business owners, executives, and community leaders who want to stay ahead of what's next.
Featuring renowned economist Chris Thornberg as our keynote speaker, the event will explore the economic trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the business landscape and what they mean for companies, investment, and growth in our region.
Following the keynote, hear from regional leaders in a dynamic panel discussion exploring economic growth along the Highway 50 corridor. Panelists include Micah Runner, Rancho Cordova City Manager; Bryan Whitemyer, Folsom City Manager; Stephanie Jantzen, General Manager of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District; and Crystal Bethke, Sacramento County’s Director of Economic Development.
Representing Folsom, Rancho Cordova, El Dorado Hills, and Sacramento County, these leaders will share insights on regional development, public investment, and the opportunities and challenges shaping our communities in the years ahead.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 7:30am – 10:00am
Location: 745 Oak Ave Pkwy, Folsom, CA
GEW - 1 Million Cups In-person at the Carlsen Center
Join 1 Million Cups Sacramento during Global Entrepreneurship Week for an in-person meetup at the Carlsen Center at Sac State. Entrepreneurs share their early-stage businesses for advice and feedback from their peers.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in our community!
Presenters:
- Shawn Esmaili, presenting Monava
- Seth Norman presenting CognitiveProthethics.AI
Arrive early to have a chance to say hello to your friends and to make some new ones!
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Location: Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 6000 J Street, Library 1520, Sacramento
GEW - Mentor Sprint Fast-Paced Mentoring for Entrepreneurs & Small Biz
Join us for Mentor Sprint, a dynamic speed-mentoring event designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners connect with experienced mentors for expert guidance and feedback.
As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world's largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups, this in-person event offers a high-energy format where you'll meet one-on-one with multiple mentors in focused 15-minute sessions. It's a fast, fun, and effective way to get advice, grow your network, and gain new insights — all in just 90 minutes!
Why Attend Mentor Sprint?
- Expert Guidance: Discuss your business challenges and get actionable advice.
- New Connections: Meet local mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who can help you grow.
- Fresh Perspectives: Gain insight from mentors with diverse backgrounds and industries.
- Efficient & Impactful: Walk away with new ideas and resources all before lunch!
Space is limited; register now to be mentored!
Mentor Sprint is part of Global Entrepreneurship Week Sacramento and is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed, please let us know at least two weeks in advance to secure the needed accommodations.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 10:45am – 12:30pm
Location: Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 6000 J Street, Library 1520, Sacramento
GEW - NorCal AngelCon - Final Pitch Event
During Global Entrepreneurship Week 2026, powered by Western Health Advantage, we're excited to bring you the 3rd Annual NorCal AngelCon Final Pitch Event.
The Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Connect Labs by Wexford, and the Growth Factory will co-host four of the Greater Sacramento region's most promising startups as they pitch a cohort of newly trained angel investors for $100,000+ in equity-backed and non-dilutive funding.
Additionally, as an audience member you will have the opportunity to select one winner for the Audience Award for $10,000.
The event will take place in person at Connect Labs by Wexford at Aggie Square
Agenda:
5:30–6:30 PM Dinner & Networking w/ Startups
6:30–8 PM Investor Panel & Startup Pitches
8:30 PM Winner Announcements — Audience + Investment Choice
Startup Finalists
Our finalists will be announced in early November following diligence.
Student Lightning Pitches
Teams will be announced soon.
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed please let us know at least two weeks in advance to secure the needed accommodations.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 5:30am – 8:30pm
Location: Aggie Square, 4480 2nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)
The 2026 theme is “Entrepreneurs Thrive Here.” The Global Entrepreneurship Network announced that 11,000 partner organizations across 200 countries will declare this message in November. The campaign aims to show people that entrepreneurship is a path open to them in their own communities. It is aimed especially at people who face structural barriers or may never have considered launching a startup. It connects them to the networks, tools, and support to take a first step.
