It’s time to experience the livelihood you’ve always dreamed of. We are here to help.

Do you dream of seeing your food products on shelves at local stores or growing your brand regionally? Then the Sierra Commons Food Entrepreneur Accelerator course is for you.  Take a deep dive with a cohort of like-minded founders and learn the fundamentals of starting and scaling your artisan food business.  Classes start February 11, 2025

Food Entrepreneurship Case Study Session

Live @ Petra Modern Mediterranean

January 14, 2025 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM

115 S Pine St, Nevada City, CA 95959

Explore the inspiring journey of the founder of "The Pig and The Plow," as they tackled key growth challenges: transitioning from labor-for-rent arrangements to affordable commercial kitchen access, managing limited production capacity, and adapting to business disruptions. This USDA case study highlights the creative strategies and innovative partnerships used to overcome the challenges of running a food business in a rural setting. Tim Yamauchi will guide the discussion, sharing actionable strategy for scaling your own food business—whether you're a cottage food producer, restaurateur, or caterer.

At the end of the discussion, an open Q&A session will answer your questions about the upcoming Food Entrepreneur Accelerator Program and how it can help you achieve your business goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore how to take your food business to the next level!

Tim Yamauchi, a principal of the management consulting practice Inside the Mountain, LLC., will lead the free session. A Harvard Business School graduate with more than 30 years of experience in high-growth business, strategy development and innovation, Yamauchi has successfully led startups and early-stage companies in a variety of industries from founding to exit.

Sign Up to Attend the Free Info Session

COURSE REGISTRATION

Early Bird Registration
$579.00

The market rate for this course is $2,400. If you secure your early bird ticket now, you will save $100 from the general admission price. Reduced rates are made possible through Sierra Commons sponsors and donors. They want you to succeed. And we do too.

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Standard Registration
$679.00

The value of this course is immense. Food Entrepreneur Accelerator graduates not only gain a solid understanding of how to own and operate a successful business, they also bring abundance to our community and help strengthen our local food ecosystem. If you would like to split the course registration payment into two installments, please let us know by emailing info@sierracommons.org

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What’s Included?

Built on the successful formula of the Business Ignitor Course, the Food Entrepreneur Accelerator focuses specifically on starting or growing food businesses.

The curriculum covers core topics and provides one-to-one advising, industry contacts, accountability meetups, and peer mentoring.

  • 9 class sessions

  • Expert instructors

  • Roundtable discussion with established local food entrepreneurs

  • Present to a panel of funding and food professionals

  • Graduation celebration and food showcase

KEY  2025 DATES

Free Info Session and Case Study

January 14

Early Bird Registration Closes

January 22

JEDI Scholarships Awarded

January 29

First day of class

February 11

Graduation party

March 13

Live and In-Person

We believe human connection and collaboration are the keys to success; that’s why sessions are focused on the in-person experience. For those who cannot make it to the classroom, we can arrange for remote participation.

During the five-week course, we’ll dive into the foundations you’ll need to become a food entrepreneur rock star - permits and registrations, creating viable products, learning to efficiently manage your time, funding opportunities, scalable manufacturing, insurance, getting on the shelf, sourcing, and so much more. Our classrooms are always lively and interactive, 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 and online

Tuesday and Thursday Nights

5:30 - 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.

Meet the Team

  • Chelsea  Bialla

    Chelsea Bialla

    CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, BOBABAM

    Having spent her career creating, building and investing in the emerging CPG (consumer packaged goods) space, Chelsea brings a unique perspective that connects brand to business strategy. Her expertise in early-stage food and beverage companies is rooted in her hands-on experience as an operator: KRAVE Jerky, SmashMallow, Peckish, and BOBABAM. Chelsea is a creative at heart with an obsession for food, packaging and consumer behavior. She's passionate about helping entrepreneurs translate their vision into something tangible that resonates with consumers the way they intend.

    Website LinkedIn

  • Dana Frasz

    Dana Frasz

    FOUNDER OF FOOD SHIFT.NET

    As Founder and Executive Director, I built Food Shift from the ground up - leveraging limited resources, hustling to gain exposure, taking on early projects, building a team, and proving ourselves as a key player in the food-to-people industry. I set the strategy for the organization and oversaw all program operations, marketing, fundraising, partnerships, and development. Under my leadership Food Shift helped spark and influence the national food waste movement, launched a successful social enterprise, and now plays a critical role in the Bay Area food recovery and distribution ecosystem.

    Website LinkedIn

  • Amy Irani

    Amy Irani

    DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, NEVADA COUNTY

    Oversees permits, licensing, and certifications for food facilities, platform kitchen operations (PKOs), temporary food facilities (TFFs), mobile food facilities, cottage food , agricultural-related food activities, caterers, community events, food safety, and B&B / ag homestay

    Website LinkedIn

  • Susan Leaverton

    Susan Leaverton

    CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC

    HEALTH - FOOD AND DRUG BRANCH

    The Food and Drug Branch (FDB) regulates the manufacture, processing, storage and distribution of food products in California.

    Processors of general food commodities must obtain a Processed Food Registration (PFR) from FDB. A PFR certificate is a firm’s basic health permit.

    Susan will share her knowledge about the requirements for your business and how to streamline the process.

    Website

  • Chris Maher

    Chris Maher

    GENERAL MANAGER, BRIARPATCH FOOD CO-OP

    Chris Maher is general manager of BriarPatch, a consumer-owned retail food co-op in California and Nevada County’s first commercial building certified by the US Green Building Council’s LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. In addition, he is the former Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National Co+op Grocers, which is a business service co-operative for 148 food co-ops with combined annual sales of nearly $2.1 billion.

    Website LinkedIn

  • Michelle Peregoy-McHugh

    Michelle Peregoy-McHugh

    MERCHANDISING MANAGER, BRIARPATCH FOOD CO-OP

    Michelle has been working in the natural foods industry for over 20 years. Her range of experience is wide, from managing operations to working with vendors and distributors, planning promotions, and vetting products and brands. She enjoys camping with husband and dog and cooking and gardening.

    Website

  • Ean Price Murphy

    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.

    LinkedIn

  • Mani Niall

    Mani Niall

    FOUNDER, MANI'S TEST KITCHEN

    Chef, Baker, Curious culinary tinkerer, Omnivore, Cookbook author, Honey ambassador, Focus on vegan gluten-free innovation space.

    Website LinkedIn

  • Robert X Trent

    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.

    robert@sierracommons.org (530) 265 -8443 LinkedIn Website

  • Tim Yamauchi

    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.

    LinkedIn

  • Kristine ZuaZua

    Kristine ZuaZua

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALLIANCE FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, INC.

    With a mission to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, Kristine and AFWD orchestrates a range of programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

    Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information? Look here for answers to some of our commonly asked questions.

  • 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.

  • 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, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarships to ensure our classes include people from our community of different financial backgrounds, 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 Food Entrepreneurship: Apply for Our JEDI Scholarships!

    Are you passionate about food entrepreneurship and eager to contribute your unique offerings to the local food ecosystem? Sierra Commons believes that economic justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion are key ingredients to fostering innovation and driving positive change in the food industry and in our community.

    Embark on a transformative journey with our Food Entrepreneurship Accelerator Course, where creativity and flavor 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 food-related business, from concept development to marketing strategies.

    How to Apply:

    Send an email to info@sierracommons.org with “JEDI scholarship” in the subject line. 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 accelerator 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. The Sierra Commons’ board will be reviewing applications.

    Important: Students awarded the scholarship should be prepared to pay a portion of the standard tuition.

    Don't miss this opportunity to turn your culinary dreams into reality. Apply now and be part of a community that believes in the power of diversity to shape the future of food entrepreneurship in our abundant and creative region.

  • Not at this time, but if you miss a class we will record the sessions and you can listen at a later date.

  • We are using Eventbrite for registration. The platform allows for PayPal payments where you can set up four interest-free payments.

  • We can only refund a cancellation if the course has 18 paid and registered students. 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.

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