• Be a for profit business, 501(c)6 nonprofit, or community-based organization that conduct eligible sponsorship activities and meet Program criteria.
• Ensure proposed event date is not in conflict with competing regional events that have similar audiences.
• Submit a formal sponsorship package outlining the benefits and recognition opportunities for the City.
• Be located in Rancho Cordova (for business applicant), and/or hosting an event within city limits (for organizers).
• Clearly demonstrate how the event or initiative will serve Rancho Cordova’s business community and advance the program’s objectives.
• Events must be designed to engage and provide value to the local business community. Strong applications will anticipate event or activity attendance of over 50 individuals to ensure greater community benefit.
• Strong applications will offer direct cost savings or resource access to Rancho Cordova businesses, entrepreneurs, or startups.
• Preference given to events where the city is not the sole sponsor.
• Events must be scheduled at least 60 days after the application is submitted to allow for adequate planning, review, and promotional support.

• Business-Focused Events: Receptions, luncheons, or mixers tied to larger conferences or community engagements that provide networking and exposure for Rancho Cordova businesses.
• Trade Shows and Exhibitor Opportunities: Events where Rancho Cordova businesses or the City itself can be promoted to a broader audience, either through a booth, sponsorship package, or hosted reception.
• Educational Workshops or Seminars: Events that deliver valuable information, resources, or tools to support Rancho Cordova businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Business Attraction & Retention Initiatives: Programs or campaigns that help attract new businesses to the city or strengthen the presence of existing ones, especially those aligned with target industry sectors as outlined in the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
• Partnership Events: Activities that bring together local businesses, industry experts, or strategic partners to foster collaboration, innovation, and economic opportunity.

• Events that do not meet the above criteria
• Events where the sponsorship replaces funding for preexisting community events or programs
• Events that are currently receiving funding from the City
• Events that require ongoing funding
• Events or programs with a political affiliation or advocacy nature.
• Religious activities
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap or disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Recreational/competitive sports teams, individual sports teams and/or individual sporting events/tournaments

1. Review Program Objectives and Criteria to ensure your event aligns with the program.
2. Apply via Submittable.
3. You will hear from the Economic Development team within 7-10 business days (depending on proximity of event date) regarding approval or declination of your application.

If approved, you will:

1. Receive a sponsorship approval letter and agreement via email.
   • Please note: Final approval amounts may differ from the amount requested and are subject to alignment with program objectives, fulfillment of eligibility criteria, and availability of funding.
2. Be asked to provide an invoice with the post event report.
3. Be asked to provide a post-event report with details outlined below.
   • Please note: Invoice will be processed post-event activity within 15 business days when the post-event report has been submitted and approved.

Due within 30 days following the sponsored event:

All recipients of the Economic Development Community Sponsorship must submit a Post-Event Report to ensure proper documentation and to evaluate the impact of the sponsorship.

Required Components:

1. Total Number of Attendees
   • Provide a final count or estimated attendance with a brief description of the audience (e.g., business owners, entrepreneurs, general public).
2. Marketing and Visibility Outcomes
   • Describe how the City of Rancho Cordova was promoted through the event. Examples include:
     • Mentions from stage or during program
     • City logo placement (flyers, banners, screens, etc.)
     • Social media mentions or tags
     • Website listings or media coverage
3. Event Photos
   • Submit event photos that can be used for reporting and promotional purposes.
4. At Least One Testimonial
   • Include a quote from an attendee, speaker, or participating Rancho Cordova business that highlights the event’s value or impact.

The program supports events and initiatives that benefit Rancho Cordova-based businesses by offering financial sponsorships. These initiatives should enhance visibility, promote economic activity, or provide educational and growth opportunities to the local business community.

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit businesses
• 501(c)(6) nonprofits
• Community-based organizations

Applicants must be based in Rancho Cordova or hosting their event within the city.

Each applicant may request:

• Up to $5,000 for two separate events, or
• A single sponsorship of up to $10,000 in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

Examples of eligible events include:

• Business networking receptions or mixers
• Trade shows or exhibitor booths
• Educational workshops or seminars
• Business attraction and retention campaigns
• Collaborative events with strategic partners

These events must align with the program's objectives and serve the Rancho Cordova business community.

Ineligible events include:

• Preexisting community events using sponsorship as substitute funding
• Events already receiving City funding
• Religious or political events
• Events requiring ongoing funding
• Recreational or competitive sports activities
• Events from discriminatory organizations

Applications must be submitted via Submittable. Applicants should include:

• A detailed sponsorship package
• W9 form
• Event specifics and alignment with program goals

Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the event date to allow for review and planning.

Applicants must submit a Post-Event Report within 30 days, including:

• Attendance count and audience description
• Marketing outcomes (e.g., City logo usage, mentions)
• Event photos
• At least one testimonial
• Any other materials used for promotion

Funding is reimbursed within 15 business days after submission and approval of the Post-Event Report and invoice.

Recognition may include:

• Stage acknowledgments
• Logo placement on flyers, banners, or screens
• Social media mentions and tags
• Inclusion in media coverage and websites

Yes, but changes must be communicated in writing. Approval remains valid for 30 days from the original event date. Changes beyond this period may require reapplication.

For any inquiries or support, contact:

Laura Fickle
Economic Development Manager
Email: lfickle@cityofranchocordova.org
Phone: (916) 851-8794