The City of Sacramento’s 2026 Innovation Grant Program is designed to create a pipeline for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.
Donor Name: City of Sacramento
State: California
City: Sacramento
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 12/22/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Incubator and Accelerator grants are focused on nurturing and supporting early-stage businesses with an end goal of the participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs starting or growing their own business, spurring innovation, and stimulating economic development in Sacramento. Companies and non-profits are invited to apply to fund incubator and accelerator programs for a cohort of participants with high growth potential and innovative solutions. These programs should provide support to businesses 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.
Funding Information
Incubator and Accelerator: Between $50,000 and $100,000.
Uses of Funds
- Program development and delivery costs (e.g. staff time, licensing costs, software, etc.)
- Salaries for staff delivering programming
- Training supplies and equipment
- Office space and co-working membership fees
- Marketing costs for program recruitment
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages provided to participants at the funded programs
- Software subscription fees
- Professional and contracted services.
Eligibility Criteria
- Neighborhood and Commercial Corridor Action Grant for the Stockton Blvd. PlanProposed programming may be new for the applicant or represent further development of existing programs.
- Proposed programming must be completed within a 12-month contract period beginning no earlier than March 30, 2026.
- All project activities funded by this grant program must be open and advertised to the general public and include publicity that recognizes the funding received from the City of Sacramento.
- Applicants must be in compliance with current and past City grants.
- Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within the Sacramento city limits, except if grant-supported programming is provided within the city limits
For more information, visit City of Sacramento.
