Special to The OBSERVER | Sacramento City Express

Sacramento city creative entrepreneurs and businesses can now apply to participate in the 12-week “EveryDay Creative” accelerator program, designed to help scale their businesses.

This course is part of a broader eight-month program and is available to entrepreneurs who have developed foundational business skills through either growing their company or completing entrepreneurship courses. Eligible participants must generate at least $20,000 in annual revenue within the Sacramento city limits.

Managed by CLTRE and Creative Startups and funded by the City’s Office of Arts and Culture through federal American Rescue Plan dollars, the program is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in growing their creative businesses, with a focus on those facing barriers to traditional resources and funding.

“Programs like EveryDay Creative are essential for strengthening Sacramento’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Jason Jong, the City’s arts and creative economy manager. “By investing in innovative entrepreneurs and teams, we’re not just supporting individual businesses—we’re driving local economic growth and creating opportunities across the city.”

This 12-week accelerated program helps creative entrepreneurs scale their businesses, diverse founders to build a resilient and inclusive future, and supports entrepreneurial teams in securing mission-aligned funding.

Participants will gain access to business development training, market validation support, investor connections, and opportunities for market expansion. Those who complete the program successfully will receive non-dilutive impact investments ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

“I learned the importance of mentorship, cross-collaboration with my cohort peers, crafting a compelling pitch and developing a detailed business plan,” said former participant Cecilia Romo. “The program gave me the support and confidence I needed to take action and grow.”

“As a bi-racial Latino and a small business owner, this program has helped pave my way to new resources, connections and a strong support team who wants to see me thrive,” added Eríc Martínez, local chef and owner of Crispín Supper Club. “More eyes are now seeing our mission to minimize food waste in our community and its thanks to CLTRE’s Everyday Creative Accelerator Program.”

The program offers:

  • Mentorship and training: Insights and guidance from seasoned industry experts.
  • Networking opportunities: Connection with peers, investors, and leaders.
  • Customized support: Resources and tools to develop, refine, and implement creative businesses.
  • Storefront residency: Use of a storefront location to sell products, host events, and increase visibility.
  • Field trips and learning labs: Opportunities for hands-on learning.

Applications are open until March 6 at 11:59 p.m. The program kickoff will be on April 3 and 4.

The program fee is $95 per person. Those who cannot afford the $95 fee, can submit a recommendation letter from a community leader (pastor, professor, mentor, or other) who supports their entrepreneurial efforts.

For more information and to apply, visit the EveryDay Creative program website.