08/28/2026
The entrepreneurial spirit of Redding will be unleashed at this year’s 10th Annual Startup Games. This unique “learn-to-launch” entrepreneurship event is designed to supercharge the skills, connections, and dreams of local budding entrepreneurs by providing a platform to learn, connect, and compete.
Trisha Funk, Director of Startup Redding, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "The
Startup Games is one of the best ways we can meet, engage, and impact our region's entrepreneurs. We host events all year long, but the Startup Games is the biggest, and most impactful.”
The event will be held September 11th - 13th, and welcome participants for a kickoff on Friday night. Participants will pitch their business ideas and then form teams around the best ideas. The newly formed teams will gather feedback from potential customers, develop a prototype, and crunch the numbers in order to be ready to present their idea in front of a panel of local business leaders and live audience, "Shark Tank" style.
The Startup Games promises to be a guided, collaborative, and high-energy event where participants:
• Practice the most important things to do with any new idea
• Meet like-minded people and collaborate during the event
• Engage in friendly competition while learning
• Enjoy a unique experience they’ll talk about for years
Rebecca Baer, President and CEO of the Shasta Economic Development Corporation, shared her anticipation, "It’s always inspiring and exciting to hear the ideas that people are dreaming about! Supporting our local entrepreneurs is one of the best ways we can grow our regional economy. A healthy economy includes a healthy entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem. The Startup Games is a fun, competitive event which opens the door for business founders to enter into the economy. The event also fosters the skills and talent we need in our local workforce.”
Startup Games is open to everyone. Participants include seasoned entrepreneurs, those with just an idea and a dream, and anyone in between. Anyone interested is encouraged to seize this opportunity to learn, network, and kickstart their next big venture.
Startup Games is financially supported by the Shasta Economic Development Corporation with help from additional local business partners.
