What are you called to do?
Looking for meaningful work that fits your lifestyle and aligns with your core values?
Do you want to transform yourself and your career? If the answer is yes…
… Let the magic begin!
What is the Business Ignitor Course?
Since 2010 we’ve been helping hundreds of creative folk find their mojo and re-energize their livelihoods through the popular Business Ignitor Course. This isn’t some dry business course. This is a profound game changer and you hold the keys.
The curriculum covers core topics and provides one-to-one advising, industry contacts, accountability meetups, and peer mentoring.
How does it work?
What if we told you that the secret comes down to believing in yourself? Crazy, right? It's true!
We create a safe, supportive environment so you can explore your dreams and face your fears head-on. You’ll end the course feeling inspired and equipped with the business backbone needed to take on the world.
Consider our team of skilled local instructors as your allies helping you usher in your next great achievement. This is no small feat; it’s even a little bit scary. We hear you!
KEY DATES
Early bird registration ends
Feb 2
DEI Scholarships Awarded
Feb 14
First day of class
Mar 5
Graduation Party
Apr 11
DEI Scholarship applications due
Feb 5
Don’t worry… We believe in you! The dedicated team from Sierra Commons will be with you every step of the way.
Your guide to unlimited potential. Our team is here to cheer you on step-by-step and share heart-forward guidance and foundational resources along your epic journey to the stars! Relax. We’re here to inspire and ignite you. We’ll catch you if you fall.
Meet the Team
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Machen MacDonald
PROBRIALLIANCE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Vistage Chair | Strategic Business Growth Coach | #1 Best Selling Author | Professional Speaker | Guiding Business Leaders to Optimize Work-Life Integration
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Michael Mapes
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Mike Mooers
OWNER, WICKED GOOD COPYWRITING
Copywriter. Humanizes the technical. Deep experience with leading outdoor brands. Arc'teryx, Hydro Flask, Yakima, KEEN, and more.
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Panda Morgan
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Ean Price Murphy
BUSINESS GROWTH SPECIALIST
After living in Brooklyn, NY for 30 years, Ean Price Murphy returned home to Grass Valley where she attended high school. Ean brings decades of experience with small business and non-profit finances. She has served on several non-profit boards and is honored to be the Treasurer of Sierra Commons.
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Robert X Trent
FOUNDER SIERRA COMMONS
As the founder and Executive Director of Sierra Commons, Robert has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs - helping them plan, launch, grow, and sell their businesses. With a broad understanding of what it takes for companies to survive and thrive, Robert brings his facilitation skills to this course to inspire students to take their businesses to the next level.
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Tim Yamauchi
PRINCIPAL AT INSIDE THE MOUNTAIN
Tim has 30+ years of experience in Strategy Development, Business Innovation Initiatives and Capital sourcing. He has taken a leading role in several successful high growth start-ups and early stage companies. Tim also has been involved in a number of notable Social Enterprises include PRIDE Industries, one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the USA and the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, a leader in diversity economic development for CA. Tim is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and holds an MBA from Harvard University.
Live and In-Person
We believe human connection and collaboration is the key to success, that’s why all sessions are in-person in our classroom, “The Studio” at Sierra Commons.
During the six-week course, we’ll dive into the foundations you’ll need to become an entrepreneurial rock star - business philosophy and strategy, creating viable products, learning to efficiently manage your time, bookkeeping, taxes, law, insurance, outreach & marketing and technology. Our classrooms are always lively and interactive, a place where students and instructors learn from each other.
Be prepared to come away completely rejuvenated, motivated and focused on what you want to do. Soon you’ll be defining your goals and putting a plan into action.
But that’s not all!
As a student, you’ll have access to free one-to-one mentoring and weekly accountability meetups, plus you’ll make priceless bonds and peer support from classmates.
Did we mention the graduation party?
We like to have fun around here! That’s why we always end the course with a big celebration featuring food and drink, new friends, family and the entire Sierra Commons business community.
KEY ACTIVITIES
Core Classes
In-person at The Studio at Sierra Commons
Tuesday and Thursday Nights
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Accountability Group
Online only
Every Wednesday
12:00 - 1:00 PM
One-to-One Advising
By Appointment
Free advising is made possible through our partnership with the following organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information? Look here for answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
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Nope. When students from different stages in their businesses get in a room together, we all learn a little better.
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APPLICATION EXTENEDE TO JAN 12.
Part of providing a great place to learn and work is attracting diverse talents and ideas. We are happy to provide a limited number of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Scholarships to ensure our classes include people from our community of different races, ethnicities, abilities, genders and sexual orientations. Email us at info@sierracommons.org for more information. Please use “DEI Scholarship” as the subject of the email.
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APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB 5.
Empowering Diversity in Entrepreneurship: Apply for Our DEI Scholarships!
Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to contribute your unique offerings to the local economic ecosystem? Sierra Commons believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are key ingredients to fostering innovation and driving positive change in our community.
Embark on a transformative journey with our Business Ignitor Course, where creativity and core values meet business acumen. To ensure a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, we are thrilled to announce our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarships, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life to join us.
Why Apply for Our DEI Scholarships?
Inclusive Learning Environment: Experience a supportive and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, enabling you to thrive and contribute authentically.
Mentorship from Industry Leaders: Connect with seasoned mentors and industry leaders committed to guiding you on your entrepreneurial path, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
Financial Support: Break down barriers by accessing our DEI Scholarships, designed to make this transformative course financially accessible to a diverse range of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with a diverse cohort of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and community-building.
Skill Enhancement: Acquire practical skills and knowledge essential for launching and scaling your business, from concept development to marketing strategies.
Three scholarships will be awarded and announced by Feb 14th.
How to Apply:
Send an email to info@sierracommons.org with “DEI scholarship” in the subject line by February 5, 2024. Share about your business idea, and your unique story - highlighting how your background and life experiences contribute to the rich tapestry of products, perspectives, and offerings we aim to nurture in our Ignitor program. If possible; send at least one reference from teachers, mentors, or professionals who can speak to your suitability for the scholarship; and any supporting documents that represent your need.
Important: Students awarded the scholarship should be prepared to pay $250 of the standard tuition of $465.
Don't miss this opportunity to turn your dreams into reality. Apply now and be part of a community that believes in the power of diversity to shape the future of entrepreneurship in our abundant and creative region.
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Not at this time, but if you miss a class we will record the sessions and you can listen at a later date.
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Please contact info@sierracommons to discuss payment plan options.
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We can only refund a cancellation if the course remains full. If you know of someone who would like to purchase your seat in the class, great! We can refund you within two weeks of cancellation
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Of course. But we no longer accept chicken or duck eggs.
Sponsors
