Sacramento Launches Fourth Cohort of Economic Gardening 2.0 to Support Growth-Stage Companies

The City of Sacramento is accepting applications for the fourth cohort of its Economic Gardening 2.0 program, a tailored initiative aimed at empowering local second-stage businesses. Overseen by the City’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, this program is designed to support companies that serve as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.

Program Overview: Growth Through Market Research and Funding

Economic Gardening 2.0 provides participating businesses with two primary benefits:

  1. Market Research Consulting: Up to 10 companies will receive 40 hours of personalized consulting from experts at the National Center for Economic Gardening (NCEG). These seasoned professionals leverage advanced tools—including corporate databases, geographic information systems (GIS), and search engine optimization (SEO)—to help businesses identify customers, analyze markets, and refine strategies.
  2. Matching Grant Funding: After completing the consulting phase, participating businesses may receive up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to implement the recommendations provided. This grant requires a 1:1 match in funds from the business, demonstrating a commitment to growth and investment.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the program, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Be for-profit, privately held, headquartered and operated in the city of Sacramento
  • Have been in operation for at least five years
  • Employ 5 to 99 staff members
  • Generate $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue
  • Derive or have the capacity to derive at least 50% of sales from markets outside Sacramento County

Delivering Tangible Results

Participating companies will benefit from customized support designed to address their unique challenges and growth goals. The NCEG specialists provide insights in areas such as:

  • Identifying new customer leads through deep-dive database searches
  • Mapping target markets using GIS tools
  • Enhancing social media engagement to connect with audiences
  • Boosting website visibility through SEO strategies
  • Refining core business strategies to target niche markets
  • Analyzing team dynamics to strengthen leadership

Sacramento’s program distinguishes itself by combining these technical insights with direct financial support, ensuring businesses can take meaningful action on the recommendations they receive.

A Strategic Investment in Sacramento’s Future

The Economic Gardening 2.0 program is part of the City’s broader efforts to strengthen the regional economy by investing in second-stage businesses—companies with proven success and significant potential for expansion. Research shows that these businesses are among the most effective contributors to economic growth and job creation.

Application Details

Applications for Cohort 4 are open now and will close on January 17, 2025, at 5 PM. Interested businesses can learn more by visiting the City’s website.

This initiative is an excellent opportunity for Sacramento businesses to gain expert guidance, access financial support, and take their growth to the next level. Don’t miss this chance to join a program that empowers local companies to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

For additional programs for entreprepreneurs and small business, visit our Accelerator and Incubator page.