If you’ve been dreaming of launching your own business or expanding into a brick-and-mortar space, now’s your chance. Calling All Dreamers, a downtown Sacramento business incubator, is accepting applications through September 1, 2025. The program supports both first-time founders and seasoned business owners looking to open or grow a business in the heart of Sacramento.

What Is Calling All Dreamers?

Hosted by the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, Calling All Dreamers is an annual business incubation program that helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Ten business concepts will be selected to participate in a multi-month program that includes:

  • Business planning with a SCORE mentor
  • 10+ workshops covering marketing, HR, funding, safety, and more
  • Pitch development and presentation coaching
  • Assistance finding a downtown storefront location

Participants must be willing to open a business within the Downtown Sacramento Partnership district.

What’s in the Prize Package?

The program culminates in awards for the top five concepts. Finalists who complete the program and sign a lease downtown within a year are eligible for:

  • $20,000 in matching funds for the grand prize winner
  • $15,000 for the runner-up
  • $5,000 each for the remaining finalists

Winners also receive in-kind services such as HR consulting, PR, advertising, and lease negotiation support from program partners including:

  • BizHaven (HR and safety consulting)
  • T-Rock Communications (PR and marketing support)
  • Inside Publications (local advertising package)
  • Indie Capital (real estate and leasing support)
  • Carlsen Center at Sac State (entrepreneurship education)

Success Story: Pittador Brews

Last year’s winner, Pittador Brews Specialty Teas and Coffees, secured a $20,000 prize and is opening their café in Old Sacramento Waterfront in summer 2025. Known for its pet-themed drinks and vibrant community vibe, the business has been active at local markets and events for nearly five years. Now, thanks to Calling All Dreamers, they’re making the leap to a permanent storefront.

Meet Past Finalists

Other standout participants from the most recent cohort include:

  • Haus of Comedy – Improv classes and shows; received $15,000 after signing a lease
  • Cà Phê Diễm – Vietnamese coffee business seeking to open its first café
  • Nacho House – Pop-up vendor with customizable nachos looking for a permanent home
  • Style For It – Plus-size women’s fashion and event wear boutique planning to expand

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

  • Be 18 or older and a U.S. resident
  • Submit a unique business concept that supports a vibrant downtown
  • Operate outside of the city or plan to open a new concept in Sacramento
  • Be willing to open within the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s district
  • Apply Here

Applicants do not need to already own a business, but they must submit a concept, a short video pitch, résumés of team members, and a $50 application fee.

See the official rules and requirements for complete eligibility details.

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: August 1 to September 1, 2025
  • Workshops: September through December 2025
  • Pitch Presentations: January to February 2026
  • Storefront Launches: Throughout 2026

Wrap-Up

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to launch or expand your business in Downtown Sacramento, this is your opportunity. Calling All Dreamers offers funding, training, and guidance to help you take the leap with confidence. Whether you’re selling coffee, clothing, comedy, or something entirely new, this program could be the start of your downtown success story.

Apply here by September 1 or reach out to Program Manager Andrew LaFrance at alafrance@downtownsac.org for more information.

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