Attention food entrepreneurs!
Are you looking for guidance to launch your food business? Alchemist CDC just announced that they are accepting applications for the next cohort of their Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA).
About Alchemist Microenterprise Academy
Alchemist CDC designed AMA as a 12-week business training course to cover the fundamentals of starting and growing a food business. The program is for entrepreneurs in the greater Sacramento region, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or under-resourced communities. The program covers important topics such as business financing, permitting, marketing, and developing a business plan, among so much more!
Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program
Completing AMA serves as the prerequisite for applying to the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program (AKIP). In AKIP, qualifying food businesses receive up to five years of one-on-one mentorship. Over the past three years, AKIP has grown to support 24 businesses, whose products are now available in 20 area stores and 6 different farmers markets, as well as through partnerships in cafes, restaurants, sporting events, and festivals that extend well beyond our area code.
What’s Covered in AMA
- How to develop a Business Plan
- Types of Food-based Businesses
- Overview of Business Structures
- Financial Literacy and How to Access Capital
- How to Navigate Permits
- Human Resources and Legal considerations
- Food Safety
- Product Development
- Product Pricing
- Marketing
- And more!
Mandatory Information Session
To apply for the program, attendees must fulfill a prerequisite of attending an AMA information session. These sessions take place on Zoom every Wednesday from 6-7 pm until January 31. Additionally, participants have the option to watch a recorded, on-demand version of the information session. During these sessions, prospective applicants will learn about the program and the application process. Attending either a live Zoom session or completing the on-demand AMA Information Session is mandatory for program eligibility. To RSVP for one of the live Zoom AMA Information Sessions, click here. The on-demand Information Session is accessible here.
Application Deadline and Program Dates
The application deadline is February 4, and the program will begin on February 27, running 12 weeks until May 15. The Spring 2024 cohort will be limited to around 20 participants. It will primarily take place on Zoom, providing abundant opportunities to ask questions and actively engage with a dynamic community of like-minded entrepreneurs, staff, and expert guest speakers. There will also be 4-5 in person sessions. To access applications and obtain more information, visit alchemistcdc.org/ama/.
Entrepreneur Resources: Check out the StartupSac Website for information on resources available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Also check out the NorCal Entrepreneur Hub. From capital to connections and training to talent, find the resources you need to build your business in NorCal.
