List Of Major Startups Events In Missouri

Missouri is quickly becoming a hub for entrepreneurial activity with numerous events throughout the year aimed at supporting startups and business growth. These gatherings provide valuable opportunities for networking, funding, and learning from industry experts. Finding the right startup events in Missouri can significantly accelerate your business growth by connecting you with investors, mentors, and potential business partners.

The state offers a diverse range of entrepreneurial resources and services across different cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia. From accelerator demo days to weekend-long startup launches, Missouri's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to expand with new events being added to the calendar each year, creating more opportunities for business owners to showcase their innovations and connect with the larger business community.

1) Missouri Startup Weekend – Columbia, April 11-13, 2025

Missouri Startup Weekend is a high-energy event where entrepreneurs can turn ideas into businesses in just 54 hours. The 2025 event will take place at EquipmentShare Headquarters in Columbia, MO.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, April 11 at 4:30 PM and runs through Sunday, April 13 at 9:00 PM. This intensive program gives participants a chance to pitch ideas, form teams, and build startups from scratch.

Entrepreneurs with the next billion-dollar idea can get access to skilled individuals who help turn concepts into viable business models. The event brings together developers, designers, marketers, and business developers.

Three-day pitch competition and business development activities include mentoring sessions, prototype development, and final presentations to judges. Winners receive resources to continue building their startups.

Registration is now open for anyone interested in participating. The collaborative environment creates networking opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential investors.

Early registration is recommended as space is limited. Tickets can be purchased through the official event platform.

2) STL Startup Week – St. Louis, November 10-14, 2025

STL Startup Week is a major entrepreneurial event that will take place in St. Louis from November 10-14, 2025. This five-day celebration showcases the best of the St. Louis startup ecosystem.

The event features inspiring talks and workshops designed specifically for founders, small business owners, and investors. Attendees can expect hands-on learning experiences, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Pitch competitions give startups a chance to present their ideas to potential investors. These competitions can be valuable for new businesses seeking funding and visibility in the Missouri market.

Each year, STL Startup Week brings together thousands of entrepreneurs and industry experts. The 2025 event continues this tradition of building connections between innovative thinkers in the region.

Registration for specific sessions is required. Businesses interested in participating should plan ahead to secure spots in the most relevant workshops and talks.

The week-long programming features are designed to foster new ideas and partnerships. For startups looking to establish themselves in Missouri, this event provides excellent exposure to the local business community.

3) Ozarks Startup Weekend – Regional 3-day event

Ozarks Startup Weekend brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators for an intensive 3-day experience focused on launching new businesses. Participants work together to explore and validate business ideas while competing for cash prizes and mentorship opportunities.

The event follows a practical format where attendees pitch ideas, form teams, and develop working prototypes or business models over just one weekend. This hands-on approach helps entrepreneurs test their concepts quickly with real-world feedback.

Codefi organizes this regional gathering with support from experienced tech founders and local sponsors. The tech-focused competition draws participants from four surrounding states, creating valuable networking opportunities.

The next Ozarks Startup Weekend in Springfield is scheduled for September 13-15, 2024. Previous events have helped launch successful startups that went on to secure funding and market traction.

Businesses benefit from expert coaching throughout the weekend, including guidance from nationally-recognized startup mentors. Participants gain skills in rapid prototyping, customer validation, and pitch presentation—all valuable whether their specific idea wins or not.

4) Ameren Accelerator Demo Day – St. Louis, annual investor pitch

Ameren Accelerator Demo Day serves as the culmination of a 12-week energy-technology program in St. Louis. During this event, startup founders present their innovations and fundraising needs to potential investors and customers.

The annual pitch event showcases energy startups that have completed the Ameren Accelerator program. These companies spend weeks working with top executives and successful entrepreneurs to refine their business plans before the big day.

To date, the Ameren Accelerator program has supported 19 companies across multiple cohorts, focusing on energy-related technologies. These startups have created more than 100 new jobs in the St. Louis area, showing real economic impact.

Demo Day allows entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge energy technologies they've developed during the program. The audience typically includes investors, industry experts, and potential business partners.

Startups interested in energy innovation can benefit from this platform to gain visibility, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The event happens annually in St. Louis and has become a key milestone for energy technology entrepreneurs in Missouri.

5) KCSourceLink Entrepreneur and Startup Events – Kansas City calendar

KCSourceLink offers a detailed Kansas City entrepreneur and startup event calendar that lists activities happening throughout Missouri. This calendar is specifically designed for innovation-led firms and startup enthusiasts.

The calendar includes various types of events such as workshops, networking sessions, and training opportunities. Many events are free to attend, like the weekly sessions at Kauffman Foundation Conference Center.

Events can be filtered by category, making it easier for business owners to find relevant opportunities. The "Startup" category contains events focused specifically on new ventures and entrepreneurial growth.

For June 2025, KCSourceLink has several scheduled startup events in Kansas City including an Open House by Startup Grind Kansas City. These events provide valuable connections and learning opportunities.

Entrepreneurs can attend either in person or virtually via Zoom, offering flexibility for busy business owners. The calendar is regularly updated, so checking back frequently ensures you won't miss important opportunities.

Missing an event? Business owners can submit their own event details to be included in the calendar, helping to promote startup activities throughout the region.

6) MOSourceLink Entrepreneurial Resource Mapping Events – Statewide

MOSourceLink hosts mapping events throughout Missouri that connect entrepreneurs with resources they need. These events showcase the statewide Resource Rail map, which outlines available business support services across different regions.

Business owners can attend these events to find local workshops, mentoring programs, and funding opportunities tailored to their stage of development. The mapping events typically occur quarterly and rotate between major cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia.

The events feature representatives from MOSourceLink's extensive entrepreneurial support network who provide on-the-spot guidance. Attendees can speak directly with resource providers and learn how to access their services.

Registration is free but required due to limited space. Each session includes networking time, resource presentations, and one-on-one consultations with business experts.

Startups seeking specific help can contact MOSourceLink at 866-870-6500 before events to ensure relevant resources will be present. The organization also offers virtual mapping sessions for entrepreneurs unable to attend in-person events.

7) St. Louis Startup and Innovation Week – April 21-27, 2025

St. Louis Startup and Innovation Week brings together founders, investors, and tech professionals for a week of networking and learning. The event runs from April 21-27, 2025, with activities focused on community grants and entrepreneur support across the city.

St. Louis tech startup funding includes a venture capital initiative using public money to invest in Missouri-based companies. This creates growth opportunities for new businesses looking to scale.

The week features sessions at various innovation hubs and coworking spaces throughout St. Louis. Entrepreneurs can attend workshops, panels, and networking events designed to help grow their businesses.

Started in 2019, the event has become the region's premier gathering for the entrepreneurship community. Thousands of attendees participate each year, making it an essential event for anyone in the startup ecosystem.

Sessions cover topics like marketing, branding, and growth strategies specifically for startups and small businesses. The marketing track for founders offers practical insights tailored to early-stage companies.

Most events are free to attend, making this an accessible opportunity for businesses of all sizes to connect and learn.

8) Agile2024 Conference – Dallas, July 22-26, with Missouri attendances

The Agile2024 global conference is set to take place in Grapevine, Texas (Dallas area) from July 22-26, 2024. This major event brings together Agile communities worldwide to share experiences and build new connections.

Missouri-based startups and businesses are expected to attend in significant numbers. The conference offers valuable networking opportunities with Agile experts and practitioners from across the country.

The event features a robust agenda of workshops, presentations, and discussion panels led by industry leaders. Missouri tech companies can gain practical insights into implementing Agile methodologies that improve product development and team efficiency.

Registration is currently open for businesses wanting to participate. The conference program team has organized tracks covering various aspects of Agile practices relevant to startups at different growth stages.

Missouri attendees typically form regional meetups during the conference, creating additional networking opportunities for local businesses. These informal gatherings often lead to valuable partnerships and knowledge exchange between companies facing similar challenges.

9) Missouri Main Street Startup Community Grants Meeting – April 2025

The Missouri Main Street Connection is hosting a special grant meeting for startups in April 2025. This event focuses on the Community Empowerment Grant program which offers valuable funding opportunities for new businesses in historic commercial districts.

Startups can learn about the 70/30 matching service grants available through this initiative. The program provides $10,000 grants specifically designed to help activate outdoor public spaces in historic districts.

The meeting will take place as part of the Missouri Main Street Connection programs and trainings schedule. Attendees will gain insights into creating not-for-profit organizations and establishing effective organizational committees.

Business owners interested in revitalizing commercial districts should prioritize this event. The grant workshop will explain the time-tested Main Street principles for downtown revitalization.

Registration is required to attend. The exact date in April 2025 will be announced on the Missouri Main Street Connection website. This meeting represents a prime opportunity for startups looking to secure funding and connect with community development resources.

10) EquipmentShare HQ Startup Launch Weekend – Columbia, April 2025

The 2025 Startup Weekend runs April 11-13 at EquipmentShare's corporate headquarters located at 5710 Bull Run Drive in Columbia. This event continues the tradition that began as Columbia Startup Weekend before expanding to serve entrepreneurs across Missouri.

EquipmentShare has a special connection to this event. The construction technology company won Missouri Startup Weekend in 2014 before growing into a successful business that now hosts the competition.

The three-day event gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch business ideas, form teams, and develop their concepts. Participants work intensively throughout the weekend to create viable business models.

Redbud VC hosts the competition at the EquipmentShare headquarters, providing mentorship and resources to participants. Startups compete for prizes that can help launch their businesses.

The event attracts dozens of entrepreneurs from across Missouri and creates networking opportunities with potential investors, mentors, and collaborators.

Economic Impact of Missouri's Startup Events

Startup events in Missouri drive significant economic growth through job creation and regional development. These gatherings transform innovative ideas into viable businesses that strengthen local economies.

Boosting Local Innovation Ecosystems

Missouri startup events create vital economic ripples throughout communities. When entrepreneurs gather at events like Missouri Startup Weekend, they generate immediate benefits for local businesses through increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and transportation services.

Beyond short-term gains, these events spark lasting economic development. New companies formed during pitch competitions often establish local operations, creating jobs and expanding the tax base. In fact, startup initiatives using public funding actively work to spur economic growth by investing in Missouri-based tech companies.

These events connect entrepreneurs with necessary resources to turn ideas into profitable ventures. Organizations like MOSourceLink track the economic impact of Missouri startups and work with resource networks to identify and fill gaps in entrepreneurial services.

Attracting Investment and Talent

Missouri's startup events serve as powerful magnets for outside capital and skilled professionals. Events offering substantial prizes, like the $45,000 award plus $150,000 investment opportunity at the Missouri-based tech startups competition, attract serious investors looking for promising opportunities.

These gatherings showcase Missouri's innovation potential to venture capitalists and angel investors from across the country. The state's startup ecosystem benefits from this visibility, resulting in increased funding flowing into local companies.

The talent attraction impact is equally important. Top professionals attend these events to network and find exciting career opportunities. When skilled workers relocate to Missouri for startup jobs, they bring expertise, spending power, and often families who further contribute to community growth.

Startup events also foster partnerships between universities and businesses, creating pipelines for student talent to remain in Missouri after graduation.

Networking and Learning Opportunities

Missouri startup events offer powerful ways to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable skills. These gatherings combine educational components with networking to help new businesses thrive in the competitive marketplace.

Workshops and Education Sessions

Most major Missouri startup events feature specialized workshops targeting essential business skills. The St. Louis Business Networking Event includes hands-on sessions covering pitch development, financial modeling, and marketing strategies. These workshops are typically led by successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.

Many events offer tiered learning tracks based on startup stage—from ideation to scaling. For example, STL Startup Week provides over 20 different educational sessions across its five-day program.

Workshop topics often include:

• Fundraising techniques
• Digital marketing essentials
• Legal considerations for startups
• Product development methodologies

Pre-registration is usually required for popular sessions, which frequently sell out weeks before the event.

Collaboration Between Startups and Established Companies

Missouri startup events create valuable bridges between new ventures and established businesses. The annual Gateway to Innovation conference facilitates partnerships through structured matchmaking sessions where startups can meet potential corporate clients.

Many events use speed networking formats to maximize connection opportunities. Business and Brews gatherings in St. Louis pair casual atmospheres with serious networking potential.

Corporate innovation leaders often attend these events specifically seeking startup partnerships for:

• Technology implementation
• Joint ventures
• Acquisition opportunities
• Supplier diversity initiatives

MOSourceLink reports that 42% of Missouri startups secure at least one significant business relationship through these structured networking events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri's startup scene offers many events for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. These events provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, funding, and skill development throughout the state.

What are the top startup networking events in Missouri?

The Missouri Startup Weekend in Columbia stands out as a premier networking event. It returns April 11-13, 2025, offering entrepreneurs a chance to build and pitch ideas while competing for $45,000 in prizes.

STL Startup Week in St. Louis brings together founders, investors, and support organizations for five days of workshops and networking opportunities.

KCSourceLink hosts regular events in Kansas City that connect startups with resources and potential partners.

How can entrepreneurs benefit from attending startup events in Missouri?

Entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship from experienced business leaders. Many events feature seasoned professionals who provide guidance on business challenges.

Funding opportunities emerge as investors often attend these events looking for promising ventures. The winning company at Missouri Startup Weekend could receive a $150,000 investment opportunity.

Skill development workshops help founders improve their business acumen. These sessions cover topics from marketing to financial planning.

Are there any annual startup competitions or pitch events in Missouri?

Ameren Accelerator Demo Day in St. Louis gives startups a platform to pitch to investors. This annual event showcases innovative companies seeking funding and partnerships.

Ozarks Startup Weekend runs a regional 3-day competition where entrepreneurs develop business ideas. Teams form on Friday and present working prototypes by Sunday.

Tech conferences focused on startups occur throughout the year across Missouri, offering various pitch competitions with cash prizes and investor exposure.

Which cities in Missouri host the most significant startup events?

St. Louis leads with multiple major startup gatherings. The city hosts STL Startup Week and Ameren Accelerator Demo Day, along with numerous smaller events throughout the year.

Kansas City features a robust calendar of tech and startup events. The city's entrepreneurial ecosystem supports regular meetups, workshops, and pitch competitions.

Columbia is emerging as a startup hub, especially with EquipmentShare's Technology & Development Center hosting major events like Missouri Startup Weekend.

What are some notable success stories from past Missouri startup events?

Balto, founded by Marc Bernstein, grew after connections made at local startup events. Bernstein now serves as a Missouri Startup Weekend mentor, helping new entrepreneurs.

Several companies secured significant funding after participating in Missouri pitch competitions. These success stories demonstrate the impact of these events on startup growth.

How can startups in Missouri apply or pitch at local startup events?

Registration for Missouri Startup Weekend typically opens months before the event. Entrepreneurs can sign up through the event website and should prepare a brief initial pitch.

For most pitch competitions, startups must submit an application describing their business model. Selection committees review these applications and invite qualifying companies to present.

Many events offer preparation workshops before the main competition. These sessions help entrepreneurs refine their pitches and business plans for better results.