Ten Business Concepts Move Forward in "Calling All Dreamers" Incubator Program
SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (September 12, 2022) – Today, Downtown Sacramento Foundation announced the 10 business concepts selected to move forward in the 2022/23 Calling All Dreamers retail business incubator. The cohort will continue through a multi-month boot camp series, and upon completion, one business will be awarded the coveted business start-up package, including $20,000 in cash and in-kind services valued at more than $120,000. The remaining entrepreneurs who complete the program will be awarded $5,000 in cash when they open their business in the downtown district.
“We are excited to welcome these 10 potential businesses to our downtown community,” said Madelyn Smith, Communications Manager of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “The decision to evolve our highly regarded Calling All Dreamers program from a competition to a business incubator allows us to better support even more entrepreneurs in our community. It’s exciting to see so many bright ideas move forward, and we cannot wait to see the innovative concepts add value to the fabric of Downtown Sacramento.”
As a next stop, each participant in the incubator cohort will next be paired with SCORE mentors to refine and prepare their business plans and prepare for the next evaluation phase in December.
The retailers vying to be downtown’s next signature storefront include:
+Life Juice Market – A juice bar concept offering cold-pressed juice, smoothies, bowls, and other healthy food options with an emphasis on fresh and local ingredients sourced from sustainable farmers. +Life Juice Bar will also serve as a wellness space with community in mind.
Burnside Coffee Bar – This popular coffee cart specializes in hand-selected, hand-pressed, and hand-crafted specialty coffee and teas. All drinks are hand-shaken and chilled, using only the best ingredients, down to the local farm they get their milk from.
Dipped N Color – Dipped N Color is a family-friendly creative paint studio that hosts themed events, including Paint & Sip Nights, Mommy-and-Me paint events, private paint parties, and “splat paint parties.” Their mission is to inspire every parent and child to connect deeply and create freely.
Flora & Fauna Provisions – A café concept that celebrates the farm-to-fork movement, featuring a seasonal menu based on the same ingredients you would find at a farmer’s market at that time of year. This unique culinary experience supports local agriculture, small businesses, and the community.
Mercado Urbano – A much-needed market concept offering fresh local foods and specialty items, featuring a coffee café and deli. Customers will be able to shop for produce and dry ingredients or stay to enjoy a quick meal.
QOOKIESNDREAM – A non-traditional bakery and café serving made-to-order cookies (fondly referred to as “qookies”) that are customizable with a variety of in-house toppings and served in an aesthetic environment.
Retrospect-Vintage Fashion – An eco-friendly, sustainable fashion and art collective, specializing in high-end vintage fashion, wearable art, and homme pieces. This retro-vintage co-op will curate sustainable vintage pieces for resale at the shop and online store.
Smoke N Link – A Sacramento farmers market favorite, Smoke N Link specializes in making homemade sausages, and showcasing a variety of styles and flavors including veggie and vegan options.
The Teetotalist – A zero-proof bar concept where people can gather, socialize, and enjoy a night out in a setting that feels like a bar, but with an alternate beverage menu.
West Coast Taco Bar – Voted Sacramento Bee’s “Best Burrito in Sacramento,” this well-known food truck is passionate about connecting with their community by providing a mix of traditional and innovative menu items.
For more about Calling All Dreamers and see complete prize package details, please visit CallingAllDreamers.org and join the conversation on social media using #CallingAllDreamers and #DowntownSac.
More than just a retail program, Calling All Dreamers has driven economic growth in downtown Sacramento since 2013, helping to open more than 30 businesses, creating more than 100 jobs, and leasing more than 26,000 sq. ft.
The 2022/23 Calling All Dreamers program is produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership and made possible by the generous support of the Sacramento Chapter of SCORE and the following program sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, City of Sacramento, Wells Fargo, SMUD, and California Bank of Commerce. The valuable prize package is made possible due to support from sponsors who continue to be champions for the economic growth of the downtown core that include Marquee Media, Smith, McDowell & Powell Law Corporation, XSIGHT Productions, Inc. designTECH, iHeart Media, PMU Accelerator, Bizhaven, Be Your Business, and many others.
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