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What struggles do Sacramento’s small businesses face? We want to hear from you

Dante Williams, owner of Black Coffee Roastery, describes the flavor of his Honduran coffee blend during the groundbreaking of Alchemist Public Market in Sacramento’s River District on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Dante Williams, owner of Black Coffee Roastery, describes the flavor of his Honduran coffee blend during the groundbreaking of Alchemist Public Market in Sacramento’s River District on Thursday, April 9, 2026. hamezcua@sacbee.com

A crisis of dual proportions affects Sacramento’s economy.

Small businesses struggle to establish a foothold and flourish in a brick and mortar. Economic upheaval through tariffs, high costs of insurance and navigating a city’s permitting process all pile atop an owner.

A property owner also grapples with holding onto tenants in storefronts.

The Sacramento Bee is writing a story exploring some of the struggles that small businesses face. Our local economy depends on those willing to launch their idea in the market, according to our local elected leaders.

“Thank you to our small businesses,” said Councilmember Karina Talamantes on Tuesday during a City Council meeting honoring small businesses. “Thank you to our large businesses. You truly are the backbone of our economy, and we need you now more than ever.”

We would love to hear from you about the challenges particular to the city of Sacramento through our survey.

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Ishani Desai
The Sacramento Bee
Ishani Desai is a government watchdog reporter for The Sacramento Bee. She previously covered crime and courts for The Bakersfield Californian.
Annika Merrilees
The Sacramento Bee
Annika Merrilees is a business reporter for The Sacramento Bee. She previously spent five years covering business and health care for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
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