Unlock Your Culinary Potential with the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy

Are you an aspiring food entrepreneur in the Sacramento area? Transform your culinary dreams into a thriving business with the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy’s Fall 2025 cohort. This 12-week business training course is designed to make sense of the confusing aspects of starting a food business, providing the guidance and tools you need to succeed.

About Alchemist CDC

Alchemist Community Development Corporation (CDC) is dedicated to fostering vibrant, equitable, healthy, and diverse neighborhoods. With a mission rooted in connecting communities to land, food, and opportunity, Alchemist CDC champions social justice, community health, and diversity. Their efforts are focused on dismantling systemic barriers and promoting equitable change, while honoring the heritage and culture of Sacramento’s Indigenous communities, including the Tribal lands of the Nisenan and other local tribes.

What is the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy?

The Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA) is tailored for those looking to launch a food-based business. It is particularly aimed at entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds or under-resourced communities in the greater Sacramento region. The program offers in-depth training on business financing, marketing, permitting, and developing a business plan. Most of the Fall 2025 cohort will take place on Zoom, with a few in-person meetings to help build community and connection.

Who Should Apply?

If you’re passionate about starting a food business but feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, AMA is for you. The program helps remove barriers by equipping participants with the knowledge and resources they need. Graduates of AMA may also be eligible for the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program (AKIP), which offers up to five years of one-on-one mentorship to help businesses grow sustainably.

How to Apply

Before applying, it is mandatory to attend one information session. You can choose from four live Zoom sessions or watch an on-demand session available starting July 23. The live Zoom info sessions will be held on:

  • Wednesday, July 23 from 6:00–7:00 PM

  • Wednesday, July 30 from 6:00–7:00 PM

  • Tuesday, August 5 from 6:00–7:00 PM

  • Tuesday, August 12 from 6:00–7:00 PM

Once you RSVP, you’ll receive the Zoom link to join. To access the on-demand info session or to RSVP for a live session, visit www.alchemistcdc.org/AMA. Note that the ondemand session won’t be available until after the first session is recorded on July 23.

The application deadline is August 17, and the program will run from September 2 to November 19.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Info Sessions: July 23, July 30, August 5, and August 12 from 6:00–7:00 PM, online

  • On-Demand Info Session Available: July 23

  • Application Deadline: August 17

  • Program Start Date: September 2

  • Program End Date: November 19

Wrap-Up

The Alchemist Microenterprise Academy is more than just a class—it’s a launchpad for your food business. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your ideas to the next level, AMA offers the knowledge, mentorship, and community support to help you thrive. Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative program and take the first step toward bringing your culinary vision to life.

Learn more and apply at www.alchemistcdc.org/AMA

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