SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Downtown Sacramento Foundation is encouraging entrepreneurs to submit their big ideas in the 13th annual Calling All Dreamers business incubator. This program provides a one-of-a-kind chance for aspiring business owners to receive resources and support to launch their dream business. 

Applications can be submitted online at CallingAllDreamers.org through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 1.

Now entering its 13th year as a business incubation program, last year’s Calling All Dreamers winner signed a lease in Old Sacramento Waterfront and plans to open in September. 

Last year’s runner-up is in lease negotiations and plans to sign a lease this summer.

“Calling All Dreamers is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with local experts to develop and elevate their business models,” said Andrew LaFrance, business development manager at Downtown Sacramento Partnership and program manager for Calling All Dreamers. 

“This free program has assisted nearly 40 retail, food-based and experience-based businesses with opening in Sacramento since 2013. I am eager to see which exciting business concepts participate in the 13th season of this impactful program that has brought so much value to the downtown community.”

 Selected applicants will participate in business development workshops that call for extensive planning, market research and proof of financial sustainability. After several months, the top five concepts are chosen to move forward and are eligible to receive a $5,000 to $20,000 cash infusion into their business provided they complete the program and sign a lease in Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s district within one year.

Leading the cohort through the process is a special selection committee formed by the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, including prominent business leaders and SCORE volunteers who assist them in building out their business plan and financial projections. 

Ultimately, the committee will select the most viable candidate to receive the cash infusion to assist the successful launch of their downtown Sacramento storefront.

 After being selected by a committee in early September, the cohort attend a variety of business workshops from September through November. 

The selection committee will choose the five program finalists in December and the finalists will practice and deliver a final pitch in February. 

The final awardee and runner-up will be announced in February 2026. 

Former finalists and runners-up currently operating in downtown Sacramento include Pittador Brews (coming soon), Haus of Comedy (coming soon), Ecojoyous (2024), Dipped N Color Splat Studio (2023), and NEO Escape Rooms (2018).