Calling All Dreamers: Downtown Sacramento Opens Annual Application for Business Incubator

Dreams of owning a business are powerful and transformative. They drive innovation, create jobs, and bring new experiences to communities. In the heart of Sacramento, the Downtown Sacramento Foundation (DSF) is once again opening the doors for aspiring entrepreneurs with the 12th Annual Calling All Dreamers business incubator. This one-of-a-kind program is designed to provide hands-on training and a valuable startup package to help bring these dreams to life.

Program Organizers

The Calling All Dreamers program is managed by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and presented by Kaiser Permanente. This initiative is supported by the Capital Corridor Chapter of SCORE, SMUD, California Bank of Commerce, and the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The program is guided by a special selection committee that includes prominent business leaders and SCORE volunteers who help refine business concepts and improve business acumen. Their collective expertise and dedication ensure that participants receive the best possible support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Who Should Apply?

The Calling All Dreamers program is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who have a big idea for a retail, restaurant, or experience-based business that they want to bring to downtown Sacramento. Whether you’re an individual with a new concept or an existing business looking to expand, this program is designed to help you transform your vision into reality. Ideal candidates are those who are passionate, driven, and ready to commit to the extensive planning, market research, and proof of financial sustainability required to succeed.

How to Apply

Applying for the Calling All Dreamers program is easy. Interested entrepreneurs can submit their applications online here now through 11:59 p.m. PST on September 4, 2024. The application process is designed to capture your business idea, your passion, and your readiness to take on the challenge of opening a business in downtown Sacramento.

Key Dates

Here are the important dates to keep in mind for the Calling All Dreamers program:

  • August 1, 2024: Applications open online at CallingAllDreamers.org.
  • September 4, 2024: Applications close at 11:59 p.m. PST. (extended)
  • September 12, 2024: Incubator cohort announced and bootcamp begins.
  • December 2024: Program finalists are selected.
  • February 2025: Final pitch and award announcement.

Program Benefits

The Calling All Dreamers program offers more than just a chance to win a startup package valued at nearly $120,000, which includes $20,000 in cash and in-kind business services. Participants will engage in business development workshops, receive mentorship from local business experts, and become part of a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs. First-place awardees receive $20,000 in cash and in-kind benefits, while second-place awardees receive $10,000 in cash. Additionally, all finalists who complete the program and open a business downtown will be awarded a cash prize of up to $5,000 each.

Wrap-Up

The Calling All Dreamers program is a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to life in downtown Sacramento. With the support of the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, local business leaders, and an array of generous sponsors, this program provides the tools, resources, and community necessary to succeed. If you have a dream of owning a business and contributing to the vibrant downtown Sacramento community, don’t miss this chance. Apply today and take the first step towards making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

For more information and to apply, please click here

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