City offering local companies market research and funding through ‘Economic Gardening 2.0′

Local businesses now can apply to participate in the City of Sacramento's "Economic Gardening 2.0" program, which offers companies 40 hours of market research consulting and up to $50,000 in matching funds for future growth.

The program pairs local companies with business experts from the National Center for Economic Gardening who provides key market research guiding participating companies to better identify customers and pinpoint market opportunities. To be selected, companies must already be established in the city of Sacramento and have five to 99 employees and $1 million to $50 million in revenues.

"The Economic Gardening 2.0 program has helped local businesses increase revenue, create more jobs and expand their operations right here in Sacramento," said City of Sacramento Project Manager Aubree Taylor. "The matching grant opportunity and high-level business technical assistance fosters innovation, growth and business development."

Following engagement with the National Center for Economic Gardening, the City will provide selected businesses with up to $50,000 that the business must match in equivalent funds to implement the recommendations they received during their consulting.

Since its inception in 2020, 26 local companies have participated in the Economic Gardening 2.0 program. Ten local companies were chosen in 2023 to participate the last cohort of the Economic Gardening 2.0 program. After the businesses received their 36 hours of market research and business analysis, they all are now completing their funded activities.

"The Economic Gardening 2.0 program has been a game-changer for our business. As a local Sacramento company, we've benefited tremendously from the resources and funding provided through this initiative," said Derek Hironaka, founder of screen-printing and promotions company, Garage Champs. "With the support of EG 2.0, we've been able to expand our services, create new job opportunities, and significantly contribute to our community's economic growth."

Interested businesses can learn how to apply online by Jan. 17, 2025 on the City's website.