Sacramento, Calif. – Five local, women-owned businesses, selected through a public vote by Republic FC fans and community members, will pitch their organizations in the final round of Republic FC Kickstart. The third-edition of the small-business grant program – in partnership with Suncrest Bank and the support of the Sacramento Metro Chamber – powered by fan and community nominations, will provide $10,500 in grants for five women-owned small businesses that support the community and continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic.
Throughout open voting, 3,000 votes were cast for the 40 nominated businesses, representing nine various industries. Each finalist will receive a share of the $10,500 grant pool – $5,000 grand prize grant, $2,500 for second place, and three $1,000 grants.
Sacramento, Calif. – Five local, women-owned businesses, selected through a public vote by Republic FC fans and community members, will pitch their organizations in the final round of Republic FC Kickstart. The third-edition of the small-business grant program – in partnership with Suncrest Bank and the support of the Sacramento Metro Chamber – powered by fan and community nominations, will provide $10,500 in grants for five women-owned small businesses that support the community and continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic.
Throughout open voting, 3,000 votes were cast for the 40 nominated businesses, representing nine various industries. Each finalist will receive a share of the $10,500 grant pool – $5,000 grand prize grant, $2,500 for second place, and three $1,000 grants.

The five finalists have an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of community and business leaders including Metro Chamber President & CEO Amanda Blackwood, Clutch & BOLD Speaker Series co-founder Anne Descalzo, Sugar Coated Cupcakes co-owner LaQueanya Henry – a previous Republic FC Kickstart winner and KCRA’s Michelle Dapper, as well as Suncrest Bank’s Elizabeth Zennadi and Republic FC Controller and CPA Sarah Schubert.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Amariginal Art specializes in creating African-American and African Diaspora-influenced cultural artwork for private and public spaces. Contemporary and Afrofuturism Visual Artist Delgreta Brown has practiced her studio craft for 12 years and has exhibited her artwork throughout Northern California. Ms. Brown provides a variety of creative and design solutions executed in original art and fine art reproduction. Learn more at sacramento.shop/pages/seller-profile/amariginal-art.
Carmazzi Caramel Corn is a family ran business that makes some of best caramel corn out there! Using Grandma's secret recipe, these Lil Drops of Sunshine are sure to brighten your day. Learn more at carmazzicaramelcorn.com
Hip + Hooray creates custom balloon décor perfect for any celebration. With an eye for color and a passion for parties, they are all about creating fun, standout balloon pieces for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, holidays, and more. The 100% biodegradable latex balloons have the creativity, color, and personality sure to make your party pop! Learn more at hiphooraycompany.com.
Luna Unleashed is a personal trainer, certified body sculptor and provides many different non-invasive treatments to help clients get the body shape they desire. Learn more at lunaunleashed.as.me.
The Artisan Pour is a wine concierge service that creates the connection between socially conscious wine consumers and Black boutique wine brands. Through our creative marketing and promotion strategies, wine consumers can explore and discover Black boutique winemakers while expanding their palate. Learn more at theartisanpour.com.
The grand prize winner, as well as the additional prize winners, will be announced later this month. To help bridge the resources gap that many minority-owned businesses experience, all of the nominees and finalists will have access to free educational services and consulting opportunities from Suncrest Bank.
For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/suncrestbank.
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The five finalists have an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of community and business leaders including Metro Chamber President & CEO Amanda Blackwood, Clutch & BOLD Speaker Series co-founder Anne Descalzo, Sugar Coated Cupcakes co-owner LaQueanya Henry – a previous Republic FC Kickstart winner and KCRA’s Michelle Dapper, as well as Suncrest Bank’s Elizabeth Zennadi and Republic FC Controller and CPA Sarah Schubert.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Amariginal Art specializes in creating African-American and African Diaspora-influenced cultural artwork for private and public spaces. Contemporary and Afrofuturism Visual Artist Delgreta Brown has practiced her studio craft for 12 years and has exhibited her artwork throughout Northern California. Ms. Brown provides a variety of creative and design solutions executed in original art and fine art reproduction. Learn more at sacramento.shop/pages/seller-profile/amariginal-art.
Carmazzi Caramel Corn is a family ran business that makes some of best caramel corn out there! Using Grandma’s secret recipe, these Lil Drops of Sunshine are sure to brighten your day. Learn more at carmazzicaramelcorn.com
Hip + Hooray creates custom balloon décor perfect for any celebration. With an eye for color and a passion for parties, they are all about creating fun, standout balloon pieces for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, holidays, and more. The 100% biodegradable latex balloons have the creativity, color, and personality sure to make your party pop! Learn more at hiphooraycompany.com.
Luna Unleashed is a personal trainer, certified body sculptor and provides many different non-invasive treatments to help clients get the body shape they desire. Learn more at lunaunleashed.as.me.
The Artisan Pour is a wine concierge service that creates the connection between socially conscious wine consumers and Black boutique wine brands. Through our creative marketing and promotion strategies, wine consumers can explore and discover Black boutique winemakers while expanding their palate. Learn more at theartisanpour.com.
The grand prize winner, as well as the additional prize winners, will be announced later this month. To help bridge the resources gap that many minority-owned businesses experience, all of the nominees and finalists will have access to free educational services and consulting opportunities from Suncrest Bank.
For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/suncrestbank.
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