The California Chamber of Commerce presented grants recognizing two innovative small businesses last week at the California Business Outlook Dinner.
The $5,000 grants were presented on June 10 to EcoPress Sacramento and Zavikon.
Helping select the grant recipients from 57 applicants was the Sacramento Host Committee, CalChamber’s longtime Business Outlook partner. The Host Committee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The businesses also received a CalChamber online membership ($499 value).
The grant recipients demonstrated leadership in creating jobs and growing their businesses; creativity in workforce solutions and employee relations; community impact, including partnerships with community groups; and innovation in business solutions and design.
EcoPress Sacramento
Sam Mejia, founder and CEO of EcoPress Sacramento, is a first-generation Filipino and Salvadoran. EcoPress is a startup that diverts plastic waste from landfills by upcycling it, transforming the post-consumer No. 2 plastics into usable goods, such as furniture, and art. The business hosts community cleanups, has partnered with seven small businesses to collect plastic, and collaborates with schools to provide students hands-on education in sustainability and creative reuse.
Mejia plans to use the grant to help EcoPress make the transition from a grassroots, community-driven project into a stable, scalable small business. The grand opening for the business in Old Sacramento is planned for the end of June.
EcoPress will invest in equipment that increases production efficiency and safety, and expands its ability to transform plastic waste into high-quality products. Grant funds will support existing educational programs and paid residency programs for local artists.
Zavikon
At Zavikon, says Founder and CEO Rebecca Beam, “we believe there is a job for everyone to apply their talents and skills in a meaningful way. Our mission is to match qualified candidates with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent with employers who believe inclusion is the future. Zavikon is the bridge to inclusion.”
Currently, the Calabasas-based firm recruits talent using its large network of community partners, matching candidates with a client’s hiring needs. After a candidate is placed with a business, Zavikon follows up with activities such as educating managers and coworkers about the employee career coaching services.
Zavikon aims to use the grant to expand its reach and increase the number of individuals and employers it can support. With the help of the grant, Zavikon will be building a job search platform to connect neurodivergent talent and employers. This Employment Matching Engine will use custom-built automation technology, including AI and machine learning, to augment Zavikon’s process and integrate with its human-centered practices. Zavikon estimates the enhanced technology will enable it to increase its job placement capacity from hundreds to thousands after three years.
