Sacramento entrepreneurs, researchers and business owners can participate in three upcoming opportunities supported by the City of Sacramento’s <a href="https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/city-manager/oied/business/innovation-and-entrepreneurship/innovation-grants” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>2026 Innovation Grant Program.
The grant program, administered by the City’s Economic Development Department, awarded a combined $1 million to 17 organizations providing training, technical assistance and other resources to help local entrepreneurs develop their skills and grow their businesses.
“The City is committed to helping Sacramento entrepreneurs move their ideas forward and build sustainable businesses,” said Development Project Manager Aubree J. Taylor. “Through these programs, entrepreneurs can access practical tools, specialized guidance and resources to develop their skills, address challenges and prepare for future growth.”
Upcoming opportunities include:
Alchemist Microenterprise Academy for food entrepreneurs
Sacramento food entrepreneurs can apply for the fall 2026 Alchemist Microenterprise Academy, a 12-week program covering business financing, permitting, marketing, food safety, product development and other aspects of operating a food business.
Applications are due Aug. 9. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
From Zero to AI workshop series for small businesses
The Alliance for Community Development is offering “From Zero to AI,” a free monthly workshop series that helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit organizations and creatives use artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses and organizations.
The workshops cover practical applications of AI and are designed for participants of all experience levels. Each workshop is offered in person at Sage + Silver Studios in Sacramento and virtually
The Aug. 12 workshop will focus on advanced prompting and “master prompts.” Participants will learn how to customize AI tools to provide more tailored business recommendations and revise prompts to produce more useful results.
The workshops are free and open to the public. Register for the Aug. 12 session or another upcoming workshop through Eventbrite.
ALTITUT SBIR Studio program for researchers and businesses
ALTITUT is accepting applications for its Small Business Innovation Research Studio, which helps graduate students and faculty members turn scientific research and laboratory discoveries into potential businesses.
Participants receive early seed funding and guidance on intellectual property, business modeling and the federal Small Business Innovation Research program. The studio supports academic researchers at different stages of development, from validating an initial concept to bringing their technology to market.
Applications are due Aug. 16. Academic founders and researchers can learn more and apply on the ALTITUT website.
About the City’s Innovation Grant Program
Originally established in 2016 as RAILS, the Sacramento Innovation Grant Program supports entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. Funded projects include incubator and accelerator programs, training initiatives and other services that help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
The program supports the City’s ScaleUp Sacramento inclusive economic development strategy, which focuses on expanding economic mobility, increasing access to entrepreneurship resources and creating opportunities for historically underserved communities.
