Sacramento entrepreneurs, researchers and business owners can participate in several upcoming opportunities supported by the City of Sacramento’s 2026 Innovation Grant Program.
The grant program, administered by the City’s Economic Development Department, awarded a combined $1 million to 17 organizations providing training, technical assistance and other resources to help local entrepreneurs develop their skills and grow their businesses.
“The City continues to invest in opportunities that help Sacramento entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey,” said Development Project Manager Aubree J. Taylor. “These programs provide the training, guidance and resources entrepreneurs need to strengthen their businesses and plan for long-term growth.”
Upcoming opportunities include:
Atlas entrepreneurship program for high school students
Growth Factory Nonprofit’s Atlas: Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship for high school students is a three-month, after-school program for Sacramento-area students in grades nine through 12.
Students will work in small teams to interview community members, develop and test potential solutions, and present their work during a community showcase. They also will receive coaching from entrepreneurs and investors while learning about design thinking, a problem-solving process centered on understanding people’s needs.
Sessions will be held from 4:30–7 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15 at Connect Labs at Aggie Square. Meals and validated parking will be provided. Students who complete the program will receive a $200 stipend.
Applications are open through Sept. 7 to students in grades nine through 12, with no GPA or prerequisite course requirements. Parents and educators can attend virtual information sessions Sept. 3 or 4.
Learn more, register for an information session or apply at the Atlas website. Questions can be sent to atlas@gfnteam.org.
Build Up Sacramento accelerator
Growth Factory Nonprofit is accepting applications for Build Up Sacramento, an accelerator for owners and CEOs of established Sacramento-based microenterprises and small and midsize businesses.
The program will help participants identify potential customers, develop internal processes and prepare their businesses for growth. Sessions will be held from January through May 2027 on a combination of weekly and biweekly schedules at Connect Labs at Aggie Square. Participants also will have access to individual office hours between sessions.
The cohort will include up to 20 businesses selected through an application and interview process. Any business owner may apply, although preferred applicants will have operated for at least one year, have at least three employees or contractors and maintain a presence in the city of Sacramento.
Applications are open through Nov. 30. Learn more, register for an information session or apply at the Build Up Sacramento website. Questions can be sent to buildupsac@gfnteam.org.
Open office hours for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs can receive individual guidance through free office hours offered by Growth Factory Nonprofit’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs).
The one-hour sessions can address topics such as evaluating a business idea, raising capital, developing a product, reaching customers and hiring employees. Guidance is provided by EIRs, mentors and subject-matter experts from partner organizations.
Sessions are available from noon to 3 p.m. every other Tuesday at Connect Labs at Aggie Square. Registration is open to anyone through the office hours website.
ALTITUT SBIR Studio program for researchers and businesses
The application period has been extended for the Small Business Innovation Research Studio program from ALTITUT, which helps graduate students and faculty members turn scientific research and laboratory discoveries into potential businesses.
Participants receive early seed funding and guidance on intellectual property, business modeling and the federal Small Business Innovation Research program. The studio supports academic researchers at different stages of development, from validating an initial concept to bringing their technology to market.
Applications are due Sept. 7. Academic founders and researchers can learn more and apply on the ALTITUT website.
From Zero to AI workshop series for small businesses
The Alliance for Community Development is offering “From Zero to AI,” a free monthly workshop series that helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit organizations and creatives use artificial intelligence (AI) in their work.
The workshops cover practical applications of AI and are designed for participants of all experience levels. Each workshop is offered in person at Sage + Silver Studios in Sacramento and virtually via Zoom. Participants may attend one or multiple sessions.
The Sept. 9 workshop will focus on analyzing local competition and the broader business landscape. Participants will learn how to identify competitors, assess their strengths and find potential gaps in the market.
The workshops are free and open to the public. Register for the Sept. 9 session or view other upcoming workshops through Eventbrite.
Those who missed earlier sessions and would like to additional information can email Melanie Nuni at melanie@allianceacd.org.
About the City’s Innovation Grant Program
Originally established in 2016 as RAILS, the Sacramento Innovation Grant Program supports entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. Funded projects include incubator and accelerator programs, training initiatives and other services that help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
The program supports the City’s ScaleUp Sacramento inclusive economic development strategy, which focuses on expanding economic mobility, increasing access to entrepreneurship resources and creating opportunities for historically underserved communities.
