Venture Soul Entrepreneurship Program

The Venture Soul Entrepreneurship Program is a community-centered, hands-on experience created to support Black entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey. Presented by Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer and sponsored by SMUD, this program is designed to help you launch, grow, and sustain your businesses.

Program Application

For Black Business Owners & Aspiring Entrepreneurs

This program is geared toward Black business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the ideation phase or within their first one to two years of business, and are ready to strengthen their skills, strategy, and network.

A women in a corporate setting at her desk holding a tablet in one hand and document in the other hand.

Program Eligibility

We prioritize applicants who:

  • Identify as Black men and women business owners or entrepreneurs (all are welcome to apply)

  • Have a business located in the Sacramento Region, San Joaquin County, and the Greater San Francisco regions

  • Are in the ideation phase or within 1–2 years of business

  • Are able to attend all required sessions (both in person and online)

We are currently accepting applications through May 31, 2026

Program Application

  • The application period opens Monday, February 23. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis.

  • Participants are required to pay a program fee of $250, which helps cover materials and program-related expenses.

  • Yes. A virtual information session will be offered Monday, May 25th from 12:00-1:00 PM .

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Practical, Real-World Tools to Help Your Business Thrive

July 2026- October 2026

Participants will take part in interactive workshops focused on practical, real-world tools to help your business thrive. Topics include:

  • Branding and marketing strategy

  • Leveraging technology and AI to streamline operations

  • Accessing business loans and funding opportunities

  • Building sustainable business systems

  • Learning directly from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts

Each session is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and intention.

  • The program runs from March 2026 through July 2026, with workshops and activities scheduled both virtually and in person throughout this period.

    Workshops will be held one Wednesday per month from 6:00–8:00 PM and one Saturday per month from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. The full schedule will be shared with accepted participants.

  • Most sessions will take place in person at Capsity Coworking in Sacramento, CA. and will offer online sessions

  • Yes. To get the most out of the experience and to honor the collective journey of the cohort, participants are expected to attend all nine workshops as well as the Annual Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer in July 2026.

  • The program will culminate in a Business Showcase & Mixer, where participants will pitch their businesses and compete for support in their next stage of growth. They will also have an opportunity to be featured on Full Circle Radio aired on 97.5.

Showcase at the 4th Annual Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer

As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses at the 4th Annual Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer in July 2026. This signature event typically draws close to 200 attendees and offers meaningful exposure, networking, and real-world experience. Participating businesses will also be highlighted across Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer’s social media platforms.

Sistah Soul Brunch & Mixer

Program Sponsors