SEA Entrepreneurial Boot Camp: Your Fast Track from Idea to Investable (Jan–May 2026)

If you’ve been noodling on a startup idea—or you’ve already launched and want to level up—Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA) is the region’s longest-running, most impactful training ground. For 40+ years, SEA has helped founders build real companies (collectively topping $10B in revenue). This winter/spring cohort is a hands-on, in-person, team-based boot camp built for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Greater Sacramento area.

Why SEA stands out

  • In-person, intimate cohort for maximum interaction, skill-building, and real mentorship.

  • Team-based learning: you’ll refine your own venture and learn by critiquing and supporting teammates’ ideas.

  • Deep bench of mentors + SMEs: dedicated mentors stay with your team from day one through final pitch; subject-matter experts guide each phase of the business plan.

  • Serious network effects: 800+ alumni (CEOs, investors, operators) and direct access to SEA’s broader ecosystem. Doors open when people know your name.

  • Evergreen support: alumni community and resources long after graduation.

  • Integrated AI training: practical use of AI tools throughout planning and validation to sharpen your edge.

  • Low-risk on-ramp: develop the skills, connections, and confidence to launch smart.

What you’ll do (and ship)

From market analysis to go-to-market, financial modeling, and funding strategy, you’ll build a polished business & financial plan—and a crisp investor-ready pitch. The emphasis is practical: small-group workshops, peer feedback, and mentor checkpoints that keep you moving, accountable, and improving.

Timeline at a glance

  • Dec 11 - Deadline to Apply

  • Jan 10 – Cohort Social: meet the SEA Board, swap ideas, form teams.

  • Jan 17 – May 2 – Saturday morning sessions at Sacramento State: structured training + team work time with mentor guidance.

  • May 12Annual Showcase @ Elks Tower: public pitch and premier networking with Sacramento’s business, investment, and innovation community. Awards for best plan, pitch, and teamwork.

Who should apply?

  • Aspiring founders with a solid problem and a rough concept.

  • Early-stage teams ready to validate, plan, and pitch.

  • Operators and domain experts exploring entrepreneurship with mentorship and a strong network.
    If you can bring curiosity, grit, and a willingness to take feedback like a champ, you’ll fit right in.

What you’ll gain

  • A validated business plan and defensible financial model.

  • A sharpened pitch you can deliver to investors and partners.

  • A mentor-backed network that lasts beyond graduation.

  • Hands-on experience with AI-enabled workflows for research, testing, and planning.

  • The confidence to move from “someday” to launch day.

How SEA complements the Startup Folsom community

Startup Folsom’s mission is to help founders go from spark to scale. SEA plugs in perfectly: it’s structured, local, and face-to-face—ideal for founders who want accountability, mentors who’ve been there, and a showcase that puts you in front of Sacramento’s decision-makers. Translation: less “building in a vacuum,” more traction.

Apply & contact

  • Apply: Sealink.org (Deadline is December 11)

  • Questions: ProgramDirector@Sealink.org

Pro tip: seats are limited, mentors are real, and Saturdays come whether you’re ready or not. If 2026 is your year to build, SEA is your runway. Strap in.

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