Downtown Sacramento Foundation (DSF) is encouraging entrepreneurs to submit their big ideas in the 12th Annual Calling All Dreamers business incubator. This one-of-a-kind business incubator provides a chance for aspiring business owners to be awarded a coveted business start-up package, which includes $20,000 in cash and in-kind business services. Applications can be submitted online at CallingAllDreamers.org now through 11:59 p.m. PST on September 1, 2024.
While this is the 12th season for Calling All Dreamers, it is year three of the new iteration of programming. Following the adaptation to a business incubator approach, the previous Calling All Dreamers cohort resulted in one business opening downtown within months of finishing the program, two other participants already operating within Sacramento, and two more with pending leases downtown.
“The Calling All Dreamers business incubation program allows passionate entrepreneurs to develop their business concept, meet fellow small business owners, and learn from a variety of local business experts,” said Andrew LaFrance, Business Development Manager of Downtown Sacramento Partnership and program manager for Calling All Dreamers, “This free program has resulted in a wide range of retail, restaurant, and experience-based businesses opening with downtown Sacramento over the past eleven years. These businesses have created dozens of new jobs and have brought immense value to the downtown core.”
Selected applicants will participate in business development workshops that call for extensive planning, market research, and proof of financial sustainability. While first place awardee will receive $20,000 in cash and in-kind benefits, the second-place awardee will receive $10,000 in cash, and all other finalists who complete the program will also be awarded a cash prize of up to $5,000 each if they open a business downtown.
Leading the cohort through the process is a special selection committee formed by the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, including prominent business leaders and SCORE volunteers who help refine business concepts and improve business acumen. Ultimately, the committee will select the most viable candidate to receive the prize package to assist the successful launch of their downtown Sacramento storefront.
After being selected by a committee in early September, the cohort will begin their first round of business workshops from September-November. The selection committee will choose the program finalists in December, and finalists will then proceed to the next round of business bootcamps, resulting in a final pitch in February. A final awardee and runner up will be announced February 2025.
The Calling All Dreamers program is produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and presented by Kaiser Permanente, with the generous support of the Capital Corridor Chapter of SCORE, SMUD, California Bank of Commerce, and the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The valuable prize package is made possible due to support from sponsors who continue to be champions for the economic growth of the downtown core that include Haven Studios, Bizhaven, Indie Capital, T-Rock Communications, and more. Partnership opportunities are still available for local businesses able to donate. Businesses interested in helping to make a difference by donating services are encouraged to contact Andrew LaFrance, Business Development Manager, at alafrance@downtownsac.org or 916- 442-8575.
Former Calling All Dreamers finalists currently operating shops and storefronts in downtown Sacramento include Flora and Fauna (2023), Dipped N Color Splat Studio (2023), Nash & Proper (2019), Cerealism (2019), NEO Escape Rooms (2018), Urbano Mercado (coming soon), and Ecojoyous (coming soon). Other Calling All Dreamers participants currently operating shops and storefronts in Sacramento include Gondo Fusion, Burnside Coffee, Jazzy Bird, Leash & Collar, The Kitchen Table, Allspicery, Sun and Soil Juice, and Pure Soul.
For more information about the Calling All Dreamers competition and/or how to apply, please visit www.CallingAllDreamers.org.
