*Correct link to register for Coryon Redd’s free “Secret of Search” Webinar.

A growing desire to succeed alone, means an estimated 1 billion** people, 37.2%** of the world’s workforce are mobile working, either self-employed, working as freelancers, or part of a small business start-up. As a result, the demand for shared workspace has risen sharply.

The Global Coworking Census, reveals a more than a 300% increase since 2010 when there were just 600 coworking spaces – and this number looks set to grow as more people discover the benefits of working alongside others.

For more on coworking, and why the “boom”, this is an excellent article by Amanda Schneider in the Huffington Post:

Making Co-Working Spaces Work for Your Business

Co-working spaces often become communities. Some of the best co-working spaces I’ve ever seen inspire an altruistic hive mentality amongst their members. People from all walks of life have different knowledge and life experiences that can help others be successful in those areas, too.

Co-working spaces can be a genuine boon to the often lonely pursuit of one’s entrepreneurial dreams. These offices provide everything a fledgling company needs: technology to help feed its roots and the sunshine of spirited supporters and colleagues.

If you’re working alone at home – you’re missing opportunities that could grow your mind, and your business. Call or sign up here to schedule a tour and receive a complimentary coworking day at Sierra Commons.

Join us for our first members presentation night!

Hosted by Rob Sheldon, No Problem

Steve’s scan converter card after debugging.

Steve Knapp has been working on a remote "call home" electronics project that works over the plain ol' telephone service. There's some more information about it at http://www.steveknapp.org/Pages/CallHome.html

Steve has a solid amount of electronics experience, including prototyping his own boards and surface-mounting ICs. He also came up with a creative solution for squeezing an 8-bit bidirectional IO bus out of a board with only 10 data pins. (Steve, is that right? I'm guessing you did some bitmasking magic?)

A good event to attend for those getting started in component electronics, and a chance to hear about a really neat home-brewed home automation setup. Social time from 6:30 to 7, then Steve's the boss from there on out.

RSVP and meetup contact info here.

May 14, 6-8pm

Presented by Susan Meagher, Nana's Artisan Bakery & Jerri Glover, Nevada County Makes

Your friends, family and co-workers have told you that you make the best home-made candy they have ever tasted. You're certain the general public would agree and you want to start making, packaging and selling your yummy candy at the local markets. Where do you start?

You can rent space in a commercial kitchen, but that can be expensive. Can you do it in the comfort and convenience of your own home? Thanks to legislation passed in September 2012, yes you can. However, the application process is complicated and requires a time and financial investment.

No one knows this better than Susan Meagher of Nana's Artisan Bakery. Meagher has been working from rented commercial kitchens for the last several years to offer a wide variety of baked goods for sale to the public at events such as the Grower's Market, Farmers Markets and Cornish Christmas. Commercial kitchen rental definitely cuts into the profit for someone like Meagher

When Governor Brown signed AB1616 into law in September 2012, Meagher decided to pursue a permit to allow her to produce her baked goods in her own home kitchen. She successfully navigated the process and learned many valuable lessons along the way.  While sharing her experiences with friend and owner of Nevada County Does, Jerri Glover, the pair decided that others in Nevada County interested in pursuing a cottage industry permit could benefit from the lessons Meagher learned while submitting her own application.

This class will cover such topics as the different types of permits, environmental health issues, planning department requirements and where you can sell.

Representatives from the Nevada County Environmental Health office will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional materials. Meagher will also have information from the Planning Department as well as information, free water testing kits and discounts from Cranmer Engineering for water testing.

Cost: $50 ($45 special rate for Sierra Commons Members). Register soon, class size is limited.

Those interested in attending should contact Jerri Glover at 530-205-3104 or nevadacountymakes@gmail.com. Registration must be paid for in advance and can be arranged via check or Paypal.

Thursday, May 2, 5-8pm

Knock out Background Projects and Meet other Devs

For all of you who are interested in tinkering, we'll have a few Arduino Learning Kits on hand to play with.

Sponsored by SCORE Sacramento and the Nevada County ERC, Co-Sponsored by Sierra Commons

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 5:30-7:30pm

WHERE: Nevada County Association of Realtors Esterly Hall, 336 Crown Point Circle, Grass Valley, CA

This class is a great place to begin if you want to start a business. Many people who are thinking about starting a business, mistakenly concentrate on the wrong issues up front, and end up wasting too much time and money.

SCORE will help you evaluate all of the elements involved, allowing you to take the right steps in the right order.

We will also introduce you to a formula that all successful companies follow. Be sure to take this class before you make any long-term commitments e.g. leases or loans.

Who should attend?

Anyone who is thinking of starting a business or is busy writing a business plan.

What will you learn?

What to do first if you want to start a business. If you don’t get the foundation right, you know the like result. Doing this correctly, however, will enable your business to survive the twists and turns of an unforgiving market place.

Register HERE to reserve your free space.

The community is invited to celebrate entrepreneurship with us as we launch our newest Business Ignitor Course graduates

Freelancers, Startups and Entrepreneurs, get plugged into Sierra Commons with a Nomadic Membership for only $125/month.

What you get: blazing fast internet, the amenities of a full office including printer/scanner/fax, two hours per month conference or classroom use, kitchen stocked with coffee & tea, access to business mentors at no charge, option to join a peer accountability team, mail hold (plus a Nevada City business address), and a discount on all Sierra Commons-produced classes or workshops.

Month-to-month, and no lease to sign, nomadic members are welcome to any available open desk during regular business hours (or when a keyholder is present).  If you decide you want 24/7 access and prefer a dedicated desk, you can upgrade to a Resident Membership at any time.

It’s time to get out of the house (and free up your dining room again). Come work with other entrepreneurs and freelancers in a productive, professional and social environment. You’ll get more done. Better.