Calling All Dreamers Semi-Finalists Announced
Ten entrepreneurs move forward in retail competition for downtown storefront
Contact: Jordyn Anderson, 707-779-2287
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 12, 2018) – Downtown Sacramento Foundation today announced ten business concepts selected to move forward in the 2018 Calling All Dreamers retail business competition. Semi-finalists will continue to compete for a downtown storefront and the coveted business start-up package valued at more than $100,000 with essential resources and tools to turn their dream into reality.
“Calling All Dreamers is a competition all about helping entrepreneurs to start off on the right foot to realize their dream of opening a business in downtown Sacramento,” said Valerie Mamone, Business Development Senior Manager of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “Too often startups struggle with capital, overhead expenses, permitting processes and the details of actually managing a business. We’re going to be able to help the 2018 class of dreamers to refine their visions and bring their small businesses dream to life.”
Semi-finalists will be paired with local SCORE mentors to support each entrepreneur to refine and prepare their business plans for the next evaluation phase. Refined business plans will be submitted early July 2018 where the top concepts will move on to the public vote phase of the competition.
The 2018 semi-finalists vying to become downtown’s next signature retailer are:
Blossom Bathhouse – Specializing in hand-crafted bath bombs, body butters, lotions, shower gels, hand-poured soy candles, body and facial scrubs featuring fresh, natural local ingredients, Blossom Bathhouse embodies the farm-to-tub movement by recognizing that what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it.
Brownell Ceramics – Brownell Ceramics creates beautiful porcelain tableware and décor for home and life. Dedicated to the craft of quality, handmade products, each Brownell Ceramics piece is designed and handcrafted locally with the finest raw materials.
Hello Puddin Chia Company – Enjoy gourmet, adaptogenic, and convenient chia puddings by Hello Puddin Chia Company. Featuring healthy ingredients, without any harmful additives or fillers, build your own chia bowl and choose from a selection of cold brew and kombucha on tap.
Hyper LoCal – A retail storefront featuring specialized handmade products by Sacramento and NorCal localized artisans, artists, clothing and furniture makers, Hyper LoCal connects the local community and visitors with thoughtfully handcrafted products.
Kindred Craft Collective – A creative workshop and curated goods space for people seeking stylish, high quality handmade (and local!) products and modern craft activities, Kindred Craft Collective is a retail storefront and community supportive of local artisans and makers of all levels and mediums.
Moonshine & Co. – Enjoy a well-deserved moment of self-indulgence in a fun and warm environment at Moonshine & Co. Nail Bar where promoting superior customer service and well-being for every client is reinventing the Sacramento nail industry.
Nasty Sauce – How can something nasty taste so good?! Nasty Sauce creates handcrafted, uniquely flavored sauces perfect for any BBQ. Each unforgettable batch is made in the heart of Sacramento with locally sourced ingredients.
NEO Escape Rooms – Experience an immersive, new form of reality entertainment that builds camaraderie and fully engages everyone’s creativity at NEO Escape Rooms where players must work as a team to solve a series of puzzles before time runs out.
Pure Soul – Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean tasteless. Taste soul food in its purest form at Pure Soul, an entirely vegan café featuring a full range of coffee, fresh juices, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, that makes eating out on a plant-based lifestyle much easier.
Ready Set Confetti – Whether looking for special hand-picked supplies to create your next memorable party or looking to sit back and let party planning happen for you, Ready Set Confetti is a one-stop shop for a unique, highly-curated selection of party supplies and gifts.Learn more about each business concept, watch their video pitch and see complete prize package details at CallingAllDreamers.org.
More than just a retail competition, Calling All Dreamers has driven economic growth in downtown Sacramento for six years, helping to open 18 businesses, create 25 full-time and 67 part-time jobs, and lease more than 20,000 sq. ft. The Shark Tank-style competition takes qualified applicants through a business development program that calls for extensive business planning, market research, proof of financial sustainability, and more. New this year, the winner will receive support to negotiate leasing terms for a downtown storefront in Downtown Commons (DOCO).
The 2018 Calling All Dreamers competition is produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and made possible by the generous support of the following program sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, City of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, SMUD, Marquee Media and more.
The prize package is made possible with the support of sponsors who continue to be champions for the economic growth of the downtown core: Blanket Marketing Group, MeringCarson, Consolidated Communications, LJ2 Interiors, SMP Law Corp and more.
Join the conversation on social media using #CallingAllDreamers and #DowntownSac.
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About Downtown Sacramento Foundation
Established in 2011, Downtown Sacramento Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 that supports programs that complement Downtown Sacramento Partnership priorities to improve the economic, physical, cultural and social environment in order to foster civic pride.
About Downtown Sacramento Partnership
Downtown Sacramento Partnership is a nonprofit, property-based improvement district (PBID) that serves as the collective voice for the 197 property owners and more than 400 businesses located within the 66-block urban core of Sacramento. Driven by the mission to build value downtown, Downtown Partnership is the principal advocate, champion and steward for those who work, live, visit and do business here.
For more information, visit www.downtownsac.org + godowntownsac.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.