Minority-owned Sacramento businesses can get help from new city entrepreneurship program

Sacramento is releasing $500,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds to the California Black Chamber of Commerce to provide assistance and support to minority-owned micro and small businesses in the city.

In partnership with organizations like Green Tech, Neighborhood Innovation, and Black Small Business Association, the funds will be used to identify minority businesses in need of technical support, financial education, and guidance.

The program offers young entrepreneurs from low-to-moderate income households an opportunity to expand their knowledge and resources.

“The program will connect our local minority-owned businesses with access to capital and business mentors to help them recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth opportunities,” said Mikel Davila from the city’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development.

The funding for the program comes from the federal American Rescue Plan, the 2021 coronavirus relief law.

Jay King, California Black Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, said his goal is to change outcomes for businesses by putting them in a position where they can develop and grow.

“What that means is businesses have to be able to thrive. We teach them how to stay alive,” said King. “If they need accounting services, if they need to get their website built, if they need help with marketing (or) getting a business license, whatever the service is.”

The program is expected to start in mid-August. Businesses with interest in receiving support services should contact the project coordinator, Lorre Jacobs at 916-633-6524, or projsupport@calbcc.org, or visit the www.CalBCC.org website.