Sacramento, Calif. – Five local LGBTQ+ 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 fourth-edition of the small-business grant program in partnership with Suncrest Bank, powered by fan and community nominations, will provide $10,500 in grants – raising the program’s cash prize total to $42,000 with two more editions to come later this year. With the support of the Rainbow Chamber, the program will showcase several of the region’s LGBTQ+ businesses and provide much-needed resources.
Sacramento, Calif. – Five local LGBTQ+ 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 fourth-edition of the small-business grant program in partnership with Suncrest Bank, powered by fan and community nominations, will provide $10,500 in grants – raising the program’s cash prize total to $42,000 with two more editions to come later this year. With the support of the Rainbow Chamber, the program will showcase several of the region’s LGBTQ+ businesses and provide much-needed resources.
Throughout open voting, nearly 1,000 votes were cast for the nominated businesses, representing eight industries. The finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of LGBTQ+ advocates and business leaders including Uptown Studios President Tina Reynolds, Rainbow Chamber Foundation President Paul Weubbe and PHPR Owner Patrick Harbison, as well as April Funston from Suncrest Bank and Dustin Vicari from Republic FC. 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. All of the nominees and finalists will have access to free educational services and consulting opportunities from Suncrest Bank to help bridge the resources gap that many minority-owned businesses experience.
Throughout open voting, nearly 1,000 votes were cast for the nominated businesses, representing eight industries. The finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of LGBTQ+ advocates and business leaders including Uptown Studios President Tina Reynolds, Rainbow Chamber Foundation President Paul Weubbe and PHPR Owner Patrick Harbison, as well as April Funston from Suncrest Bank and Dustin Vicari from Republic FC. 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. All of the nominees and finalists will have access to free educational services and consulting opportunities from Suncrest Bank to help bridge the resources gap that many minority-owned businesses experience.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Lavender Library
Sacramento’s all-volunteer-run lending library, archive and community space with LGBTQ+ books, films and more. We are a hub of learning and connection for Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. Learn more at lavenderlibrary.com.
Little Sparrow Childcare
An inclusive early childhood education provider. They meet the needs of each child and family in a wholesome way to address each person and their individual personalities. There is an emphasis on love, kindness, and inclusivity.
Plant Daddy Co.
Queer-owned house plant store focusing on inclusion, community and local artists. Their cult following of plant lovers buy out plants in a matter of hours. The incredible PDC audience is also quick to support the local makers that bring handcrafted items into the shops. Community has become one of the keystones of Plant Daddy Co. something the boys are eternally grateful for. Learn more at plantdaddyco.shop.
Strapping
This local storefront offers a variety of gifts and housewares and a fair price, treats everyone as a welcomed friend, and going the extra mile to make sure you find the perfect gift. Learn more at strappingstore.com.
Sugar Sweetery
A specialty baking business based in Rancho Cordova, CA that creates edible art to fit any celebration from decorated cookies to cakes, cheesecake, and brownies. Learn more at sugarsweetery.com.
The grand prize winner and finalist awards will be announced during the club’s June 26 Pride Night at Heart Health Park.
For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/suncrestbank.
The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Lavender Library
Sacramento’s all-volunteer-run lending library, archive and community space with LGBTQ+ books, films and more. We are a hub of learning and connection for Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ community. Learn more at lavenderlibrary.com.
Little Sparrow Childcare
An inclusive early childhood education provider. They meet the needs of each child and family in a wholesome way to address each person and their individual personalities. There is an emphasis on love, kindness, and inclusivity.
Plant Daddy Co.
Queer-owned house plant store focusing on inclusion, community and local artists. Their cult following of plant lovers buy out plants in a matter of hours. The incredible PDC audience is also quick to support the local makers that bring handcrafted items into the shops. Community has become one of the keystones of Plant Daddy Co. something the boys are eternally grateful for. Learn more at plantdaddyco.shop.
Strapping
This local storefront offers a variety of gifts and housewares and a fair price, treats everyone as a welcomed friend, and going the extra mile to make sure you find the perfect gift. Learn more at strappingstore.com.
Sugar Sweetery
A specialty baking business based in Rancho Cordova, CA that creates edible art to fit any celebration from decorated cookies to cakes, cheesecake, and brownies. Learn more at sugarsweetery.com.
The grand prize winner and finalist awards will be announced during the club’s June 26 Pride Night at Heart Health Park.
For additional information about Republic FC Kickstart, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/suncrestbank.
