Your Business Begins Here –
With Real People Behind You
Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow, our hands-on courses are built for everyday rural entrepreneurs with big intentions and local roots.
What Sets Us Apart
Built for early-stage founders – no jargon, no judgment
Designed to serve people, not just profits
Taught by experienced, compassionate professionals
Focused on what actually works in your community
Ongoing support after the class ends (through advising, peer groups, and events)
Anne Han
Winnie Superette in Nevada City
Business Ignitor
A step-by-step course for turning your idea into a working business model.
6-week cohort program
In-person and virtual classes
Gain focus and develop an action-based plan
Ideal for: early-stage entrepreneurs in any industry
Food Accelerator
Designed for food creators – from packaged goods to pop-ups.
Covers pricing, permitting, sourcing, food safety, and funding
Seasoned industry instructors
Connections with resources to streamline your growth
Final showcase with food professionals
Forest Entrepreneurship
Support for businesses rooted in natural resources and land stewardship.
Tailored for those in forestry, fire recovery, native plants, and rural innovation
Built with local experts and community insight
Government contracting and technical support available through partners
In Their Own Words
It all begins with an idea.
During the Business Ignitor Course, Jesse Prim made his first order of 80 skateboard decks. It was a big deal for Prim, who is starting a new brand called Time Travel Skateboards.
“Sierra Commons teachers and guest speakers are affording me the luxury of an education that will help me from making mistakes while getting this brand off the ground,” said Prim.
Foodies Unite!
Built on the successful formula of the Business Ignitor Course, the Food Entrepreneur Accelerator focuses specifically on starting or growing food businesses.
“I was really grateful for the class because of the community and that it allowed me to connect with other food entrepreneurs in the area and also the resources in providing me a strategic vision to open my new project”
- Jade Benetatos, Petra Modern Mediterranean
Building Resilience
Sierra Commons is expanding our partnership with Sierra Business Council (SBC) to add an Advanced Forest Entrepreneur Training to its existing program series targeting climate change resilience and wildfire preparedness in rural communities throughout the Sierra Nevada.
"Sierra Commons has been a catalytic partner for helping expand training programs in Nevada County. The Forest Entrepreneurship program is just one example of the power of collaboration between Sierra Business Council and Sierra Commons. It is essential to build trust and partner in our rural communities to ensure we can deliver these impactful opportunities" - Kristin York, VP of SBC