Venture Forward – Sierra Commons invites the community to 15th anniversary celebration on Sept. 20

The community is invited to celebrate 15 years of commitment to business education, entrepreneurial innovation and community resilience during a fundraiser, Venture Forward – Sierra Commons 15-Year Anniversary Celebration and Auction.

Money raised during the in-person auction will provide important funding for Sierra Commons and the organization’s growing educational programs for entrepreneurs. This milestone event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at the nonprofits’ headquarters located at 792 Searls Ave. in Nevada City.

“Venture Forward is more than just a theme, it’s a call to action. It’s about expanding the role of entrepreneurship in creating resilience throughout the Sierra, growing the boundaries of our impact and pushing the limits of what’s possible for Sierra Commons and the people we serve,” said Executive Director Robert X Trent.

Founded in 2009, Sierra Commons is a nonprofit based in Nevada City committed to creating a more sustainable and resilient local economy by helping people turn their passions into jobs with a purpose. They do this by empowering rural entrepreneurs through heart-forward business education and providing resources like one-to-one advising in a welcoming environment. In a nutshell, Sierra Commons helps guide people along the path of their business journey. 

Doubling Community Impact 

In 2024, Sierra Commons more than doubled its impact by adding opportunities for learning. This year, Sierra Commons grew its educational programming, adding a Forest Entrepreneur series and a Food Accelerator program to its popular existing lineup of Spring and Fall Business Ignitor Courses. With the addition of new programming, the number of graduating students grew from 28 people in 2023, to 64  by August 2024, and more classes scheduled for fall. 

“Our education program is growing by leaps and bounds and we’re only three-quarters of the way there. We have the Fall Business Ignitor course starting September 10 and two additional Forest Entrepreneur courses. That means up to 100 students have the potential of graduating from our programs in 2024.  

We are increasing our impact but can’t do it alone. Financial support from the community is critical to growing our capacity and advancing our mission. We want to continue offering students the highest quality curriculum they’ve come to expect with experienced instructors who know the winning formula to help entrepreneurs succeed,” said Trent. 

Bid High, Bid Often 

A big way the community can support this important work is by bidding during the fundraising auction, loaded with goods and services, unique experiences and behind-the-scenes tours of innovative businesses. The auction showcases local business talent – from entrepreneurs who have benefited from one-to-one advising or graduated from the Business Ignitor Course and other educational programming.

Participants can bid on more than 40 items such as a camping stay at Inn Town Campground, two-night Airbnb in Nevada City or a more rustic tiny house, Coffee Roasting and Tasting with Outer Heaven Espresso, Color Consultation with Anna Mudd Painting, Party Starter Gift Box from the Olive Groove, Gift Certificates for Center for the Arts or the National Exchange Hotel, a beautiful hand knotted Kazak rug from The Magic Carpet and more!

Participants will hear from local innovators and food entrepreneurs who will share their unique stories with interactive booths and presentations. The event is an opportunity to learn how these business owners are thriving because of Sierra Commons’ support.

Just for foodies, locally-owned food truck, Chelo’s Street Tacos will be serving tasty plates to pair with other goodies from the region. 

Sierra Commons has grown up a lot since first launching as a business education and coworking facility 15 years ago. Since then, many entrepreneurs have forged new businesses with Sierra Commons’ support and hundreds of people have benefited from the popular six-week Business Ignitor Course. 

“Our commitment to our local roots has never been stronger and the forward momentum is growing. Every groundbreaking business begins with a single step and Sierra Commons can help them every step of the way,” said Trent. 

Learn more, register for the event and peruse the auction at sierracommons.org/auction