Calling All Dreamers Finalists Announced
(July 16, 2019) – Downtown Sacramento Foundation today announced the five business concepts selected to continue to the final phase of the 2019 Calling All Dreamers competition: Cerealism, Co-Creations House of Art, Leash and Collar, Nash & Proper and The Spottery. One entrepreneur will be chosen to win a startup prize package valued at nearly $100,000 with special in-kind services and resources to help launch their small business dreams into reality in a downtown Sacramento storefront.
“The five finalists moving forward showed creativity, relevance and the ability to adapt their unique idea into a storefront in downtown Sacramento,” said Valerie Mamone, Business Development Senior Manager of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “We’re eager to see how they further develop their plans and the public reception as voting gets underway.”
The public can help to determine the winner by voting online at www.CallingAllDreamers.org by 5 p.m. PST on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019. Ballots can also be cast in-person at previous Calling All Dreamers winner storefronts on the following dates:
- July 17-23: The Allspicery, 1125 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- July 24-31: Oblivion Coffee and Comics, 1020 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Aug. 1-8: Milkhouse Shakes, 1100 Front St Suite 140, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Aug. 9-19: Andy’s Candy Apothecary, 1012 9th St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Meanwhile, finalists will continue working with their Sacramento SCORE mentors to refine their business concepts and prepare for the final pitch to the selection committee composed of downtown property owners, prominent businesses and Downtown Sacramento Foundation board members. The committee will review each concept for viability, resources, operating practices, investment, public votes and more, with the winner announced in September.
Learn more about the finalists, watch their video pitch and see complete prize package details at www.CallingAllDreamers.org.
PRESS: Download photos, videos and logos here. To coordinate coverage and schedule interviews with past participants or program leads, contact Emily Penrod at [email protected]. Join the conversation on social media using #CallingAllDreamers and #DowntownSac.
About the 2019 Calling All Dreamers finalists:
Cerealism – A hand crafted cereal bar open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Laterica Reddix’s Cerealism will feature popular brands as well as limited edition and seasonal cereal favorites from across the globe. With customizable milk and add in options, there’s an endless combination possibility in each bowl.
Co-Creations House of Art – Juna-Rae Sterba designed the modern new art studio to offer unique classes, features and amenities all under one roof. Featuring classes in pottery and canvas painting, glass fusion, clay sculpting and more, Co-Creations House of Art will bring out the artist in everyone.
Leash and Collar – Dog lovers rejoice, George and Patty Castillo’s Leash and Collar will sell unique accessories, including bandanas, bow ties, bags, drinkware, CycleDog’s eco-friendly leashes and collars, and more. Not just a retail store, eventually they will work with community partners to foster dogs for adoption.
Nash & Proper – Sacramento-born chef and co-owner Cecil L. Rhodes II is evolving the popular Nash & Proper food trucks into Sacramento’s first brick and mortar restaurant focused on hot chicken, a fiery fried variety inspired by Nashville’s famous flavor. Putting his own spin on the iconic dish, expect a similar cult following for Sacramento hot chicken.
The Spottery – The paint-your-own pottery studio by Meagan Lewis will feature locally made ceramic plans to draw kids, adults, and groups to make their own keepsake products from an ever-rotating inventory, from cheese platters to dog bowls. Finished ceramic pieces will also be available for purchase in a curated retail section.
The 2019 Calling All Dreamers competition is produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and is presented by Kaiser Permanente with a special thanks to our program sponsors: SCORE, 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: MeringCarson, L2J Interiors, SMP Law Corp and more.
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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 200 property owners and more than 5,000 businesses located within its 66-block boundaries in downtown Sacramento. Driven by the mission to build value downtown, the organization serves as the primary advocate, champion and steward for those who work, live, visit and do business in downtown.