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SITE NAVIGATION

Innovation and Grants

Innovation Grants

Innovation and Grants

Innovation Grants

open_in_full

Read the Grant Guidelines

Apply July 15 - Sept. 9

Download the Program Flyer

$500,000 in grants now available to fund programs that support Sacramento start-up businesses and entrepreneurs

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is now accepting applications for grants to fund organizations that help start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in Sacramento.

$500,000 is availalbe in this solicitation and grant requests may be for no more than $100,000.

The Incubator and Accelerator Grants are focused on nurturing and supporting early-stage businesses located in the City of Sacramento with the goal of the participants starting or growing their own businesses, spurring innovation, and stimulating economic development.

Companies and non-profit organizations with proven experience are encouraged to apply now through Sept. 9, 2024.

Companies and non-profits are invited to apply to fund incubator and accelerator programs hosted in the City of Sacramento for a cohort of startups with high growth potential and innovative offerings. These programs should provide support through a combination of the following services:

Mentorship and Coaching: Guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors on business development, strategy, marketing, fundraising, and more.
Educational Programs: Training sessions or workshops on topics such as business planning, market research, product development, and financial management.
Product Development Support: Assistance or guidance on prototyping, testing, iteration, and product refinement based on market research.
Legal and Administrative Support: Assistance with legal, accounting, and administrative tasks such as business incorporation, intellectual property protection, and contracts.
Marketing and Branding Support: Assistance in identifying and reaching target audiences and customers through marketing and public relations strategies.
Strategic Partnerships: Connections with other startups, industry leaders, corporate entities, and business support organizations to expand access to resources and expertise.
Access to Funding: Pitch training and hosting pitch events, demo days, and introductions to investors including venture capital firms, angel investors, and government grants.
Office Space: Access to shared office space for startups to work and collaborate.

Programs must be completed within a 12-month contract period, and at least 90% of cohort participants must have either a residence or business within the Sacramento city limits.

Complete grant guidelines can be found here or at the link above.

Formal quesitons can be logged using this microsoft form now through Wednesday, August 7, at 5 p.m.

An optional information meeting on the grants will be held on Wednesday, July 29, at 11 a.m. on Zoom.
Register here.

Innovation Growth Fund

The Sacramento Innovation Grant Program (previously RAILS Grant Program) offers multiple funding opportunities from the City’s Innovation and Growth Fund. This annual funding supports the development of Sacramento’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem through “startup enablers” – community-based initiatives and programs that help entrepreneurs take their startup from initial idea to viable company.

The program grants are designed to achieve the following objectives:

Expand the reach of entrepreneurial support organizations
Increase opportunities for startups to grow Increase the number and viability of startups
Increase VC investment in Sacramento
Marketing broadly to change the perception of the ecosystem
Foster and facilitate high-growth startups
Encourage targeted collaborations
Build key industry verticals

Past funding opportunities

2023 Grant Programs

Innovation Event Grants

Innovation Event Grants Innovation Event Grants of up to $15,000 can be used to fund a one-time or a series of events focused on fostering knowledge and ideas that inspire entrepreneurship and the growth of innovative businesses and programs. Example events could include: Regularly scheduled meetups to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts; Startup weekends gathering entrepreneurs to kick-start new companies; and Business pitch competitions where startups present their companies and business models for funding and promotion.

Ecosystem Building Grants

Ecosystem Building Grants are designed to catalyze innovation in the startup community and build pipelines for entrepreneurs into key industry verticals. Grant funding can be used for projects that include:

Incubator and accelerator programs that provide mentorship, networking, and education to raise capital, grow their business, and create new jobs
Programs that accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies
Companies making it easier to work with and in Sacramento
Co-working spaces and non-profit organizations bringing together the innovation community in Sacramento
Educational programs training our next entrepreneurs in technology and business principles to build Sacramento-based startups

To be notified when these and other funding opportunities open up, subscribe to our email list.

ON THIS PAGE

Innovation Grants

Innovation Incubator and Accelerator Grants

$500,000 in grants now available to fund programs that support Sacramento start-up businesses and entrepreneurs

Innovation Growth Fund

Past funding opportunities

Innovation Event Grants

Ecosystem Building Grants