Calling All Dreamers
Downtown Sac’s Brick & Mortar Business Incubator
Open Your Business Downtown
Calling All Dreamers is a business incubator where industry professionals mentor entrepreneurs to get unique business concepts into storefronts. Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the six-month-long program involves workshops, hands-on experience, a support network of other entrepreneurs, and the chance to earn a coveted business start-up package.
Previous participants of the Calling All Dreamers incubator program — Dipped N Color Splat Studio, Nash & Proper, Neo Escape Rooms, Flora & Fauna Provisions, Cerealism, Leash & Collar, Pizza Supreme Being, Sun & Soil Juice, and more — have become signature Sacramento businesses.
August 2024 – February 2025
Apply by Wednesday, September 4 at 11:59 PM.
Previous Open Participants
Since 2013, Calling All Dreamers has helped business owners open storefronts downtown and across Sacramento. The program provides participants with a collaborative network of entrepreneurs and mentors, so creative business concepts can thrive as physical locations.
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Prize Package
Taking a business from a dream to reality is a complicated task, and the first year is usually the most difficult for small businesses. Downtown Sacramento Foundation, with the generous support of Calling All Dreamers’ sponsors, will help the winner of the 2024 program navigate the challenges of its first year in business.
Prize Package
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn MoreProgram Information
Through the generous support of the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, the Calling All Dreamers business incubation program returns this fall! Applications will be accepted August 1 – September 4 and the program will run September 2024 – February 2025. Every year 10 business concepts are chosen by the selection committee from the applicant pool to participate in the program.
During the program, participants are paired with a business mentor who assists them in building out their business plan and financial projections. They attend 10-12 business workshops that focus on a variety of relevant topics including marketing, HR policies, staffing, available storefront properties, team building, financing options, and more.
After several months, the top five concepts are chosen to move forward and are eligible to receive a cash infusion for their business provided they complete the program and sign a lease in the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s district within one year.
View the Downtown Sacramento Partnership’s Property Based Improvement District (PBID) map here.
Application requirements and materials are listed below:
1. Business Model Concept
Your submittal must include the following components and not exceed 10 pages:
| Executive Summary | Provide a detailed description of the business concept not to exceed one page. Be clear and concise in providing the vision for your business. Include your mission statement. |
| Business Model | What are the products or services that would be delivered or sold? What is or will be the name of the business, and why? What kind of operational requirements will you have? Is this a new, expanded, or relocated business? |
| Financial Plan | What resources and assets will be needed (personnel, financing, inventory, equipment, licenses, permits) and what is available? What would the potential prize monies be used for? |
| Management Plan | Have you ever managed a business before? What has that experience taught you about this opportunity? What key personnel would your business require? Do you have a plan for the management structure? |
| Marketing Plan | Define the target market for the business and your core customer. How will you drive customers to your store? Who is your competition in the downtown district and outside the district that may affect your business? Why will they come to your business as opposed to other similar businesses? How will you get the word out to your customers? Please include any market research. |
| Startup Timeline | Outline timeline for startup. What will you need to start your business? Identify schedule and necessary resources to develop the concept (equipment, staffing, build out, permits and licenses). |
| Value Proposition | How will the business enhance downtown? Are there any similar businesses downtown? If so, how will your business distinguish itself? |
2. 60-second video pitch
Your 60-second video is your personal business pitch that gives us a flavor of your brand and business concept. It should showcase your personality and tell a compelling story about why downtown needs your business. Have fun and be creative! The videos may be shared with the public via the Calling All Dreamers website or DSP’s social media channels.
3. Résumés of all business partners
All information will be kept confidential, to the extent allowed by law, and is for the use of this business plan competition. We will not provide, sell, or distribute information about your company or your business plan to other parties or third parties. The Selection Committee or DSF Board may require verification of certain information during the review of the proposed business plan. Only complete business plans will be considered, i.e. plans including all of the aforementioned sections.
Questions? Email Andrew LaFrance, Business Development Manager, at [email protected].
Upcoming program dates
August 1, 2024 — Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort open!
Meet the 2023-2024 Calling All Dreamers Winner!
The Dreamland Cinema has won $20,000 cash and a package of in-kind services.
The Dreamland Cinema
The Dreamland Cinema is currently a 26-seat ‘microcinema’ focused on bringing the best in independent, arthouse, international, and cult films to Sacramento. Their plan is to move The Dreamland Cinema into a larger space downtown and expand their food and beverage menus. They also plan to showcase new releases, host movie trivia nights and VHS swaps, set the mood with pre-show DJ sets, and most importantly have more seats! Learn more about The Dreamland Cinema and check out their showtimes here.
This year’s Calling All Dreamers Runner-Up wins $10,000 cash!
Ecojoyous
Ecojoyous offers a variety of one-of-a-kind upcycled and handmade artisan goods which are locally sourced with primarily natural and organic ingredients. They also currently offer a mobile refillery for various kitchen, bathroom, and home products and plan to include a refillery in their storefront space. Their goal is to empower, inspire, and help change the way we consume home and body products. Learn more about Ecojoyous here.
The remaining finalists are eligible to receive $5,000 if they lease a downtown storefront by March 1, 2025!
Capital Tuk Tuk
Capital Tuk-Tuk provides tours that feature the best parts of Sacramento. There are several tours to choose from including the Sacramento City Tour, the “Murals of Sacramento” tour, beer and wine tours, and other custom touring options lead by a knowledgeable tour guide. Book your tour with Capital Tuk-Tuk here.
Nouvelle Healing
Nouvelle Healing represents a new paradigm in the realm of healing. It encompasses holistic approaches that offer solace and support to those grappling with anxiety and depression including Reiki sessions, guided meditations, steams, and sound baths. Book your visit with Nouvelle Healing here.
Planted Foods
Planted Foods focuses on nutrient-dense foods with healing properties with a twist by making them familiar and tasty. They plan to open a cafe that boasts unique, fresh, and wellness-focused foods. Learn more about Planted Foods here.
Be a Part of the Dream
The valuable prize package is made possible due to the generous support of sponsors who continue to be champions for the economic growth of the downtown core.
Partnership opportunities are still available for local businesses able to donate much-needed accounting and marketing support. Businesses interested in helping to make a difference by donating services should contact Andrew LaFrance, Business Development Manager, at [email protected] or 916-442-8575.
