Chicostart

09/02/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: Tri Counties Bank

We’re proud to have Tri Counties Bank supporting GrowTECH FEST 2026!

As California’s Local Bank, Tri Counties Bank provides personal, small business, and commercial banking services with a focus on local decision-making and personalized service. Their commitment goes beyond banking through community engagement, philanthropy, and investments that help strengthen the communities they serve.

Their mission is simple: improving the financial success and well-being of their customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.

Their support helps us bring entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders together to build what’s next for the North State.

Celebrating + Elevating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the North State 💚

08/31/2026

Your go-to update for all things entrepreneurship, tech, and small biz. 🧡⁠

Think your student startup idea has what it takes? Step onto the GrowTECH FEST stage for the ⚡NEXTGEN Lightning Round and pitch your idea LIVE in 60 seconds.

🏆Top 3 WINNERS take home cash prizes!

📍Chico, CA
📅 October 8, 2026
⏱️60-second pitch
🎓Open to students in the California North State
🔞Must be 18+
🚨Applications due Friday, September 18!

Apply to pitch at GrowTECH FEST 2026
🔗https://fyu7i8lt1a4.typeform.com/to/fj637g20

Making Money Moves is here! 🤑

Join Basic Needs, the Financial Wellness Clinic, Chico Start, and the Center for Excellence in Finance for Big Refund Energy: Budgeting & Smart Debt on August 31 from 4:00-5:30 PM in Selvester’s 100. 📍

Learn how to make your financial aid refund last, budget smarter, and better understanding loans, credit cards, and other debt. 💰

08/31/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

We’re proud to have the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supporting GrowTECH FEST 2026!

CalOSBA serves as the voice of California’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the resources, programs, and regulations they need to start, manage, grow, and build resilient businesses. Through advocacy, technical assistance, and connections to capital, markets, and networks, CalOSBA works to make opportunity more accessible to businesses across the state.

Their support helps us connect the North State entrepreneurial community with the resources, connections, and opportunities needed to turn ideas into impact.

Celebrating + Elevating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the North State 💚

08/28/2026

⚡️Student entrepreneurs, this one’s for YOU!

Think your startup idea has what it takes? Put it to the test in the NEXTGEN Lightning Round at GrowTECH FEST 2026! 🚀

You’ll have 60 seconds to pitch your business idea LIVE on the GrowTECH FEST stage in front of entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders.

🏆 Cash prizes for the top 3 pitches
📍 Chico, CA
📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ Applications due September 18

Ready to take your shot?
Apply now! https://fyu7i8lt1a4.typeform.com/to/fj637g20

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Making Money Moves is here! 🤑

Join Basic Needs, the Financial Wellness Clinic, Chico Start, and the Center for Excellence in Finance for Big Refund Energy: Budgeting & Smart Debt on August 31 from 4:00-5:30 PM in Selvester’s 100. 📍

Learn how to make your financial aid refund last, budget smarter, and better understanding loans, credit cards, and other debt. 💰

08/27/2026

What if you could make better decisions and spend 75% less time in meetings?

Meet Jessica Rivera, Vice President of Human Resources at California Employment Association, at GrowTECH FEST 2026.

Her interactive session, “Turbo Charge Your Decision-Making Process,” will introduce the Six Hats method to help business owners and teams simplify complex decisions, reduce friction, uncover innovative solutions, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

With more than 25 years of experience leading teams, developing talent, and delivering training to thousands of leaders across the country, Jessica brings practical tools and expertise designed to create real results.

Walk away with a structured approach to defining problems, evaluating alternatives, and reaching better decisions faster.

📍 Day 2 | October 9 | Chico, CA
🎟️ Register for GrowTECH FEST 2026
🔗 https://reg.eventmobi.com/growtech-fest-2026

08/26/2026

STUDENT FOUNDERS...

Think your startup idea has what it takes? Step onto the GrowTECH FEST stage for the ⚡NEXTGEN Lightning Round and pitch your idea LIVE in 60 seconds.

🏆Top 3 WINNERS take home cash prizes!

📍Chico, CA
📅 October 8, 2026
⏱️60-second pitch
🎓Open to students in the California North State
🔞Must be 18+

Your pitch will be evaluated on:
• Desirability
• Feasibility
• Viability

🚨Applications due Friday, September 18 at 11:59 PM!

Ready to put your idea to the test?

Apply to pitch at GrowTECH FEST 2026
🔗https://fyu7i8lt1a4.typeform.com/to/fj637g20

08/25/2026

🚨 Only a few days left! If you've been meaning to register for the Butte County Job Fair, now's the time. 💪

Hiring for entry-level roles? Management positions? This event brings the candidates straight to you — no need to sift through hundreds of online applications. Come showcase what makes your company a great place to work! 🌟

🗓️ September 3rd | 1–4 PM | Oroville Convention Center
📅 Registration closes THIS Friday, August 28th

Register now: https://afwdfall26jobfair.eventbrite.com
Questions? Contact Valarie Mello: 530-616-0847 | [email protected]

08/25/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

We’re proud to have the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State supporting GrowTECH FEST 2026!

The Carlsen Center helps make innovation and entrepreneurship more accessible through education, mentorship, hands-on experiences, and connections that empower entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impact.

Their support helps us bring entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders together to build what’s next for the North State.

Celebrating + Elevating the Entrepreneurial Spirit in the North State 💚