Sacramento, California – Sacramento is opening the door once again for local companies looking to grow, innovate, and reach new markets. City officials are inviting established businesses to apply for the Economic Gardening program, an initiative designed to give entrepreneurs access to expert insight and financial support as they plan their next phase of expansion.
Through the program, selected businesses receive 40 hours of advanced market research consulting along with the opportunity to secure up to $50,000 in matching grant funds. The effort aims to equip companies with the data, strategies, and resources needed to scale their operations while keeping growth rooted in Sacramento.
At the heart of the initiative is a partnership with specialists from the National Center for Economic Gardening. These experts work closely with participating businesses, using detailed market intelligence to help leaders better understand their industries. The process focuses on identifying untapped customer bases, sharpening competitive advantages, and revealing new opportunities within evolving markets.
Alongside this national expertise, Sacramento’s consultant Berkeley Strategy Advisors provides ongoing technical guidance, helping businesses interpret research findings and translate insights into practical growth strategies.
To qualify, companies must already operate within the city limits and meet several criteria. Eligible applicants must have between five and 99 employees and generate annual revenue ranging from approximately $1 million to $50 million. The program is particularly geared toward firms preparing for significant expansion—whether that means entering new markets, increasing staffing levels, scaling operations, or pursuing major partnerships and contracts.
City of Sacramento Project Manager Michael Young said the program is designed to give local companies the analytical tools they need to make informed decisions about their future.
According to Young, the combination of business intelligence and financial support allows companies to move forward with confidence, boosting revenue and creating jobs while ensuring that the benefits of growth remain within the local economy.
For some businesses already participating, the research has provided a clearer view of the road ahead. Executive Autopilots, a Sacramento-based aircraft avionics repair and installation station, recently took part in the program and found the insights particularly valuable.
“The data helped us see where demand for modern avionics upgrades is growing and how we can position our services to reach those customers,” said Andrey Kalchenko, co-owner of Executive Avionics.
“We’re using the insights to guide new equipment investments that will help us compete for additional and more complex projects in a more effective and competitive manner.”
Armed with that information, the company is now considering investments in new equipment that could allow it to compete for more complex projects and expand its capabilities within the aviation sector.
Once businesses complete the research phase with the National Center for Economic Gardening, they become eligible to apply for the program’s grant funding. Companies must match the grant amount and use the funds to carry out the expansion strategies identified during the consulting process.
Since launching in 2020, the initiative has supported dozens of Sacramento businesses seeking to grow strategically. In total, 32 local companies have participated so far, including six selected for the most recent cohort in 2025.
Applications for the next round are now open, with interested Sacramento businesses encouraged to submit their materials through the city’s website by April 20.