For Immediate Release
October 3, 2023 / Alchemist CDC / Sacramento, CA
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced on September 26 that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3.9 million to Alchemist Community Development Corporation (Alchemist CDC) in support of its community and workforce development project. This award complements $8.1 million in funding from the State of California’s CERF Economic Development Pilot Program to construct the Alchemist Public Market project, which will feature amenities that enable under-served entrepreneurs to start new food businesses, provide workforce development for workers with high barriers to employment, create an attractive and energetic community gathering place, and offer low-income neighbors access to quality food from local producers. The US EDA funding will target the project’s all-electric shared-use incubator kitchen, a social enterprise café operated by partner NorCal Resist, and a retail store with grocery staples featuring products from small Sacramento makers. The completed project in Sacramento’s River District will also include a co-working office, 8 small incubator restaurants with a shared outdoor food court, ample shade structures, a weekly farmers’ market, an inclusive playground, and more.
Quotes
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo:
“As part of the Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in America, we’re making sure that communities in California and across the country have the resources they need to grow and diversify their economies. These EDA investments will support underserved communities across the Golden State as they work to develop new employment opportunities for residents.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo:
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local business growth and workforce development. These projects will address the urgent need for economic equity by breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and increasing the availability of training in high-demand occupations.”
Governor Gavin Newsom:
“California is working to expand economic opportunity in every corner of our state. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for advancing these grants, which will support local projects led by the Yurok Economic Development Corporation, Tule River Economic Development Corporation, San Bernardino Community College District, and Alchemist Community Development Corporation to create new jobs, expand workforce development opportunities, and help equip entrepreneurs and businesses with the tools they need to succeed.”
Senator Alex Padilla:
“Continued investment in California projects and programs like the Alchemist Public Market that provide employment training, workforce development, and community gathering opportunities to our most underserved communities is the key to building a strong economy and food marketplace that works for everyone. I’m glad to see this funding headed to Alchemist CDC to help entrepreneurs kick-start successful food businesses and promote nutrition and equity in Sacramento neighborhoods.”
Congresswoman Doris Matsui:
“Bold federal investments in workforce development programs are crucial to remove barriers to entry for our most underserved communities. That’s why I was proud to advocate for this funding and support the work of innovators like Alchemist CDC that are implementing comprehensive strategies for long-term economic empowerment. Here in Sacramento, we have long realized the importance of accessible, healthy, local food. By giving local entrepreneurs the support and resources to scale up their businesses within the Public Market, we are creating a model for the rest of the nation to follow.”
Mayor Darrell Steinberg:
“The Alchemist Public Market is an important and innovative project for the River District. The team at Alchemist has worked incredibly hard over these last years to secure funds to complete this project as a place that supports local entrepreneurs, gives families a place to get great food, and further cements our reputation as the Farm-to-Fork Capital.”
Sam Greenlee, Executive Director of Alchemist CDC:
“We are thrilled and honored to receive this funding from the US Economic Development Administration. This investment from the Department of Commerce will strengthen the local economy in Sacramento for everyone. There are many potential entrepreneurs in the region who have great concepts, delicious recipes, and impressive work ethic, but simply lack the resources needed to start and scale up a successful food business. The tools and opportunities provided by Alchemist Public Market will bridge that gap.”
About Alchemist CDC
Alchemist CDC is a 501(c)(3) Sacramento-based organization that connects underserved communities to land, food, and economic opportunities, toward a vision in which all neighborhoods are vibrant, equitable, healthy and diverse. The Alchemist team has extensive experience assisting under-resourced food entrepreneurs, making farmers’ markets accessible to low-income households, and empowering neighborhoods to build community assets through the transformation of un-utilized spaces.
Media Contact
Sam Greenlee, Executive Director
sam@alchemistcdc.org | @alchemistcdc | alchemistcdc.org