Start a Food Business That’s Built to Last

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 Justice, Equity, Diversity, 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 “JEDI Scholarship” as the subject of the email.

Empowering Diversity in Entrepreneurship: Apply for Our JEDI 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 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Scholarships, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life to join us.

Why Apply for Our JEDI 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 JEDI 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 approximately three weeks before the beginning of class.

How to Apply:

Send an email to info@sierracommons.org with “JEDI scholarship” in the subject line at least two weeks before class begins. Share 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.

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.

Yes. however, there are specific topics that address the needs of food product businesses. We hope that caterers and restaurants consider exploring adding retail products to their offerings. And if there are particular topics you’d like covered, please let us know. We adjust content once registration is closed to best meet the needs of our students.

Nope. When students from different stages in their businesses get in a room together, we all learn a little better.

We are working on integrating a hybrid option where students can participate in-person or online. We will keep you updated about this as we get closer to the start of the first course. For now, if you miss a class we will record the sessions and you can listen at a later date.

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.

Of course. But we no longer accept chicken or duck eggs.