RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A cohort of women entrepreneurs celebrated the completion of a 10-week small business training program Wednesday evening at City Hall, marking a milestone aimed at strengthening the local economy and expanding opportunities for minority-owned businesses.

The ninth cohort of the Minority Business Assistance and Recovery Kickstart program, known as MBARK, graduated April 8 in Rancho Cordova. The program is a partnership between the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, the city and regional business leaders, offering free training, mentorship and financial support to small business owners within city limits.

“MBARK was designed to be a lifeline and resource for our small business community,” said Cassandra Marcum, director of operations for the chamber. “You are now part of a growing community of alumni who continue to lead, uplift and inspire.”

The weekly cohort sessions focus on business planning, financial literacy, marketing strategy and navigating local regulations. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching and, upon completion, a $1,500 stipend to implement what they learned.

Mayor Garrett Gatewood said the program reflects the city’s investment in its small business sector.

“Tonight’s about celebrating entrepreneurs, showing up, putting in the work and building something right here in Rancho Cordova,” Gatewood said. “Seventy percent of all people employed are employed by small business owners, and it’s you who are the future of Rancho Cordova.”

This year’s cohort marked the program’s first all-women class.

Alumni speaker Jessica Fields, founder of Anatolia Mom Walk, encouraged graduates to continue building connections beyond the program.

“Community is everything,” Fields said. “When you lean on each other, you don’t just grow, you grow faster, stronger and with purpose.”

Alumni speaker Jessica Fields, founder of Anatolia Mom Walk, encouraged graduates to continue building connections beyond the program. Photo courtesy of Lisa Nottingham

The cohort featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs; each developing ventures rooted in community needs and personal experience.

Sheila Sells of A Place I Call Home Inc., a nonprofit focused on homelessness prevention, said the program helped her break down a complex vision into achievable steps, including plans for a thrift store and transitional housing.

“Taking it one step at a time has allowed me to stay focused and removed that feeling of overwhelm,” Sells said. “It is my goal and passion to make Rancho Cordova proud to say, “She's one of ours.’”

Lana Marsland, founder of LVM Branding, said she gained critical insight into financial management and measurable goal-setting.

“My passion turned into a strategic system, into mental clarity and execution,” Marsland said.

Mirella Maruza (left) and Monique Torres (right), co-founders of Mimo Bake Studio, share their Brazilian-inspired food business with Mayor Garrett Gatewood. Photo courtesy of Lisa Nottingham

Mirella Maruza and Monique Torres, co-founders of Mimo Bake Studio, shared how their Brazilian-inspired food business grew from farmers markets into a storefront rooted in cultural tradition and community connection.

“Mimo is about great food and experience,” said Marauza and Torres. “We are this partnership of women and moms, that wanted to bring this idea that you can have fresh natural food in a very easy way, simple way. They way we do in Brazil.”

Ashley Rastad of Pixie Tribe Entertainment highlighted the role of persistence in building a niche entertainment company that produces events such as a local mermaid convention.

“There’s a strong, vibrant, magical community right here in Rancho Cordova,” Rastad said. “I’m excited to continue to bring play and whimsy through Pixie Tribe. Together, we can create a wonderful moment of joy for the child that is in each one of us.”

Roxanne Perry, owner of Roxy Lane Design, described her transition from corporate design work to entrepreneurship following personal loss, crediting the program with strengthening her marketing approach.

“As an artist, it is essential that people know I’m here,” Perry said.

Roxanne Perry, owner of Roxy Lane Design, receives recognition during the MBARK graduation ceremony, presented by city and Chamber of Commerce staff. Photo courtesy of Lisa Nottingham

Mariam Armenyan of The Brewing Bean, a mobile coffee cart business, said she plans to apply daily marketing strategies learned through the program to expand her reach.

“Those small actions done consistently can truly impact the growth and success of a business,” Armenyan said.

Beth Williams, founder of Walk Your Plans Sacramento, uses full-scale projections of construction plans to help clients visualize spaces before they are built, reducing costly mistakes.

“Being a business owner is more than just having a great idea, or even the guts to invest in it. This program pushed me to look at my business more intentionally,” Williams said. “There’s truly a level of support, accessibility and collaboration here. People show up, they make introductions, they open doors and create opportunities.”

Mariam Armenyan of The Brewing Bean, a mobile coffee cart business, said she plans to apply daily marketing strategies learned through the program to expand her reach. Photo courtesy of Lisa Nottingham

Zayne Reyes, owner of Zen Warriors Chakra Boxing, said the program helped build confidence in both business and personal growth, combining fitness and mental health support.

“The program showed me there are tools available and a supportive community,” Reyes said.

Residents interested in learning more about MBARK or applying for a future cohort can visit the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce website https://www.ranchocordova.org/mbark/.