Nevada City, CA — December 19, 2025 — Sierra Commons is launching Food Accelerator 102 on January 20, 2026, a next-stage course designed to support food entrepreneurs as they continue to build and strengthen their businesses.
Food Accelerator 102 builds on the foundation established in Food Accelerator 101 by addressing the real-world challenges food businesses often face after launch. Through interactive online classes, one-on-one advising, and insights from experienced industry leaders, participants receive practical guidance for navigating growth, finances, branding, and compliance in a competitive marketplace.
Course topics include food costing and financial metrics, cash flow and growth planning, non-traditional lending, branding and marketing, certifications and compliance, and strategies for sustainably increasing production. The program concludes with a graduation celebration and showcase, bringing together current and past accelerator participants to share their food, businesses, and progress with the community.
To reduce barriers to participation, Sierra Commons offers scholarships and childcare stipends, helping ensure entrepreneurs with financial or family responsibilities can fully engage in the program.
“Food entrepreneurship isn’t a single leap—it’s a series of steps,” said Robert Trent, Founder and Executive Director of Sierra Commons. “The Food Accelerator helps entrepreneurs build those steps with practical guidance, shared learning, and a network that understands the realities of food production.”
Food Accelerator 102 is part of Sierra Commons’ Cultivating Resilient Rural Food Ecosystems initiative, supported through the California Jobs First program and the We Prosper Together regional collaborative. The initiative focuses on strengthening local food businesses, supporting job creation, and building a more resilient regional food economy.
“The Accelerator gave me the environment and support to develop my new bakery business and helped me down the path of culinary entrepreneurship. I know that the staff and community are there to see me succeed and grow my business. It wouldn’t have happened without Sierra Commons.” Jason Wiskerchen, Owner – Black Rooster Kitchen
While Food Accelerator 102 builds on the themes introduced in Food Accelerator 101, participation in the earlier course is not required. The January program is open to anyone interested in starting or growing a food business.
Bia Navarro is a recent graduate of the Food Accelerator 101 Program, which she leveraged to further develop her business, Bia’s Brazilian Bites—a one-woman operation bringing Brazilian culture and cuisine to Nevada County. “I feel like I grew so much this month, all the knowledge I’ve been sharing with other people … when we learn things and share things, everybody’s getting that knowledge as well,” she says, highlighting the program’s cohesive, step-by-step curriculum designed to build skills and confidence over time.
Course Details
- Dates: January 20 – February 17, 2026
- Format: Five weeks of online classes with select in-person activities
- Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, 6:00–7:30 PM
- Opportunities: Guest lecturers, one-on-one advising, graduation showcase
- Support: Scholarships and childcare stipends available
Register at www.sierracommons.org/food-accelerator.