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The application for the 2024 Vendor Impact Grant, sponsored by Bank of America, is now closed.
WHAT IS THE VENDOR IMPACT GRANT?
This grant funds the application fee for minority-owned businesses to be a vendor at the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival September 21 on Capitol Mall. The grant also includes dedicated promotion on Visit Sacramento’s social channels plus podcast for each of the grant recipient businesses.
WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA?
- Food and/or agricultural-related businesses that are majority-owned by anyone who self identifies as minority/person(s) of color and/or LGBTQ
- Utilizes at least one ingredient or material that is locally sourced within 150 miles of Sacramento
- Has not previously participated as a Farm-to-Fork Festival vendor
- Is not a previous recipient of the grant
- Demonstrates a financial need
- Not affiliated with a political campaign or provide information relative to any political cause, initiative, or issue.
- Any vendor with business practices or affiliations that may be considered controversial or inconsistent with values outlined above will not be approved
- Demonstration of adherence to one or more of the Farm-to-Fork Values:
- Health: Grow and utilize nutritious ingredients and cooking practices in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital
- Economy: Support and patronize local businesses and growers, driving local investment and employment opportunities in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital
- Environment: Utilize available tools to reduce waste and create resource preservation of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital
- Community: Engage, educate and support local consumers and organizations to exemplify the values of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
WHY IS THIS GRANT LIMITED TO MINORITY-OWNED/OPERATED BUSINESSES?
The Vendor Impact Grant was created as part of Visit Sacramento’s diversity, equity, and inclusion Neighborhood Farm-to-Fork program. It was designed to provide more opportunity for participation from businesses or individuals who have been historically underrepresented at Sacramento’s annual Farm-to-Fork Festival and to provide a more inclusive experience for all festivalgoers.
HOW ARE RECIPIENTS SELECTED?
First and foremost, the applications are reviewed to ensure the criteria is met. Second, a judges panel that includes representatives from Bank of America, Visit Sacramento, Farm-to-Fork, and a selected community member reviews all eligible applications, then scores and ranks them. The final step is that the judges gather to review scores and rankings, and select the final 10, including one or two alternates. In the event of tied scores and/or rankings, various factors (e.g., type of business, variety) are included in the selection process.
Once selected, each applicant is sent an email notifying them of their selection. You will then be connected to the vendor coordinator and be required to complete an application document that includes vending instructions, liability information, and additional information. If these are not completed within the defined timeframe, your grant could potentially be revoked.
If you are a recipient of a grant, you are required to participate the entire day during the festival and agree to abide by the Vendor Guidelines.
WHAT TYPE OF VENDORS ARE SELECTED? ARE THERE PREFERRED TYPES OF VENDORS?
The vendors selected make up a variety of different types of businesses. In the past, the types of vendors have included small farms, savory makers (i.e., BBQ, paella, specialty food items), dessert creators (i.e., cupcakes, ice cream, candy), sauce and spice makers, and specialty non-alcoholic drinks.
There is no preferred type of vendor. However, if the scores and/or rankings are tied during the selection process, judges will select vendors that provide a variety of food or items to ensure a cross section of different types of businesses for festival goers.
DO YOU FAVOR PRE-PACKAGED ITEMS OVER ON-SITE/HOT FOODS?
No, we don’t favor one over the other. However, if your application includes cooking on site/hot foods, please review the information below to ensure you will be eligible.
IMPORTANT: Cooking Onsite/Hot Food Vendor: Before you apply for the Vendor Impact Grant, please review these documents to ensure your booth will meet Sacramento Fire Marshal Standards. With your application, please provide photos of your set up, if photos are not provided, we are unable to review your application. By applying for the Vendor Impact Grant, you confirm that your booth meets the Fire Marshal Standards. If you are selected for a Grant and the Fire Marshal does NOT pass your booth inspection, Visit Sacramento does not take responsibility for any business loss.
Review Sacramento Fire Marshal Standards for Hot Food Vendors.
HOW MANY GRANTS WILL BE REWARDED?
Ten (10) grants will be rewarded.
IF I DON’T RECEIVE THE GRANT, CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL?
Yes, there is still an opportunity to be a vendor at the festival. When you are notified that you did not receive the grant, reply immediately that you’d like to still participate. Your application will be forwarded to our vendor coordinator for consideration.
IMPORTANT DATES
FESTIVAL: September 21, 2024
MOVE IN: September 21, 8 am
FESTIVAL HOURS: 11 AM – 9 PM
VENDOR IMPACT GRANT APPLICATION AVAILABLE: May 15
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: July 19
GRANT RECIPIENTS NOTIFIED: August 2 – 5
Review Eligibility Criteria Checklist
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
On-Site/Hot Foods Fire Marshal Requirements
Deadline Dates
Should you have any questions, please email [email protected].
