Innovation Challenge’ Program Helps Sacramento Creative Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses

City of Sacramento creative entrepreneurs and businesses can now apply to participate in a six-week “Creative Business Innovation Challenge” to help grow their businesses.

The goal of the program is to support and grow underserved and minority-owned creative businesses in food, fashion, design, festival and cultural experiences, game design, film, media, music and entertainment, and other areas.

It is open to entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or those who are growing brands ready to launch into new markets.

The program is managed by local events and marketing agency Unseen Heros and creative company accelerator Creative Start Ups. It is funded through the City’s Office of Arts and Culture.

“Sacramento has a history of creative talent, but it has not always been actively supported and recognized,” said Unseen Hero’s CEO Roshaun Davis. “Through partnerships like this, new opportunities are being created to support and celebrate the city’s creative ecosystem, specifically for BIPOC entrepreneurs.”

The program will connect participants with business experts to gain a better understanding of:

developing business plans and pitches
marketing, finance and operations
networking and collaboration
accessing funding and investment opportunities and,
will provide ongoing support and mentorship

“The City of Sacramento is proud to support the development of this partnership with Creative Startups and Unseen Heroes,” said Megan Van Voorhis, Director of Convention & Cultural Services. “It’s a critical piece of our broader effort to develop a more vibrant and just creative economy in the region.”

Those interested in participating can apply online by April 16 here. The program runs in May and June.

The challenge 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.