Sacramento entrepreneurs invited to apply for 12-week food business training

Alchemist Community Development Corporation (CDC) is accepting applications for the Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA), a 12-week course covering the essentials of starting and growing a food business. Participants will learn about business finance, marketing, permits, legal issues, human resources, and more.

AMA is designed for entrepreneurs in Sacramento, especially those from low-income or under-resourced communities, and offers training, mentorship, and access to commercial kitchens.

The program is funded by the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation & Economic Development through the Innovation Growth Fund and was selected as part of the City’s Innovation Incubator and Accelerator Grants.

The spring 2025 cohort graduated 16 participants, many of whom entered with just an idea and left ready to launch or expand their businesses.

“This program helped me take my idea from just a concept to an actual business in a few short months. Without AMA my business would still be in the planning phase,” said past participant Pamela Marquez, owner of Puzz E Gata Jamaica.

To apply, applicants must view an information session either live or pre-recorded. The final information session is on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m., via Zoom. These information sessions give more in-depth information about the program and how to apply. Prospective applicants may also sign up for the on-demand information session at https://alchemistcdc.org/ama/.

The fall 2025 cohort is limited to around 20 participants and will be mostly held on Zoom with opportunities to ask questions of advisors and engage with a dynamic community of like-minded entrepreneurs, staff, and expert guest speakers.

Completing AMA is the prerequisite to apply for the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program (AKIP), where qualifying food businesses receive up to five years of one-on-one mentorship.

The last day to apply is Aug. 17. The program begins Sept. 2 and runs until Nov. 19. Information session links, RSVP, application, and FAQs are available at https://alchemistcdc.org/ama/.