Two small business incubator programs, funded by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation & Economic Development through the Innovation Growth Fund, are now accepting applications: StartupSac’s FastTrac Program and Alchemist CDC’s Microenterprise Academy.

“The City of Sacramento is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Denise Malvetti, Deputy Director of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development. “These programs provide vital resources to help new businesses thrive, driving innovation and economic growth in our community.”

StartupSac

StartupSac, a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation, is dedicated to accelerating Sacramento’s startup and innovation ecosystem by informing, educating, empowering, and connecting founders and innovators. Its FastTrac program provides comprehensive business training and mentorship to early-stage companies and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on supporting underrepresented communities.

• Focus: This 12-week program aims to support aspiring Sacramento entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners by providing essential resources, training, and mentorship. Through the Kauffman FastTrac® Entrepreneurial Training Program, participants will gain practical tools and expert guidance to turn their business ideas into reality, fostering innovation and driving inclusive economic growth in the region.
• Eligibility: Participants must reside in or have a business located within the city of Sacramento. Those applying must also commit to the 12-week program and dedicate 2–4 hours per week to assignments outside of scheduled program meetings.
• Application deadline: Feb. 5
• Program duration: The program will run Wednesday evenings, 5:30 to 8 p.m., from Feb. 19 through May 14, at Bloom Workspaces in Midtown Sacramento.

Alchemist Microenterprise Academy

The Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA), part of Alchemist Kitchen, supports aspiring food entrepreneurs from underserved communities in Sacramento through business training, mentorship, and access to commercial kitchens.

• Focus: AMA is a 12-week business training program designed to support entrepreneurs in the greater Sacramento region, particularly those from low-income or under-resourced communities, in starting and growing food-based businesses. Participants will learn essential topics such as business financing, permitting, marketing, and developing a business plan. Completion of AMA is a prerequisite for applying to the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program, which offers up to five years of one-on-one mentorship for qualifying food businesses.
• Eligibility: The Spring 2025 cohort is limited to approximately 20 participants and will primarily be held on Zoom, with a few in-person sessions. Attending an AMA information session is mandatory for those interested in applying. Prospective participants can choose to attend one of four live Zoom sessions or watch the on-demand session online.
• Application deadline: Feb. 9
• Program duration: Feb. 25 through May 17

“After each session of the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy, we get such consistent feedback that this program has saved entrepreneurs years of learning on their own,” says Alchemist CDC Executive Director Sam Greenlee. “We want to reach as many Sacramentans as we can about this opportunity to accelerate their dreams of starting a successful food business.”

For more information on these opportunities and the application process, visit the City’s website.