Sacramento food entrepreneurs looking to build the skills needed to start or grow their businesses can apply for the fall 2026 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy (AMA).
Offered by Alchemist Community Development Corporation, the 12-week program covers business financing, permitting, marketing, food safety, product development, business planning and other topics involved in operating a food business. The academy is designed for Sacramento entrepreneurs, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or under-resourced communities.
The City of Sacramento is supporting AMA and the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program through its 2026 Innovation Grant Program. The City’s investment is intended to help local food entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses, create local jobs and bring new products to market.
Kasandra Kachakji, owner of Meza California, which offers “Arab food with a Mexican twist,” graduated from AMA in fall 2021 and later participated in the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program. She opened her restaurant on 16th Street in 2025 and said the community fostered by Alchemist is an important part of the experience.
“Starting a food business is scary, but Alchemist connects you with other business owners who support each other to push their businesses further,” Kachakji said. “When the City invests in programs like Alchemist, it creates access and opportunity. More people are fed, more people are able to build businesses around feeding others, and more jobs are created. It’s really special.”
The fall cohort is limited to approximately 20 participants. Classes will be held primarily via Zoom.
Participants must complete the academy before they can apply for the Alchemist Kitchen Incubator Program. Qualifying businesses can receive up to five years of individualized mentorship to further develop their operations.
Since the incubator began in 2020, it has grown to include 29 active businesses and eight alumni. Products from participating businesses are available at 20 area stores and nine farmers markets, as well as at cafes, restaurants, sporting events, and festivals.
Prospective applicants must attend a live information session or watch an on-demand session before applying. The remaining live information sessions will be held via Zoom:
- Wednesday, July 29, 6–7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6–7 p.m.
Applications are due Aug. 9. The program begins Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 18.
Information session registration, applications and additional program details are available on Alchemist CDC’s website.