Looking for meaningful work that fits your lifestyle and aligns with your core values?
Do you want to transform yourself and your career? If the answer is yes…
… Let the magic begin!
What are you called to do?
What is the Business Ignitor Course?
Since 2010 we’ve been helping hundreds of creative folk find their mojo and re-energize their livelihoods through the popular Business Ignitor Course. This isn’t some dry business course. This is a profound game-changer, and you hold the keys.
The curriculum covers core topics and provides one-to-one advising, industry contacts, accountability meetups, and peer mentoring.
How does it work?
What if we told you that the secret comes down to believing in yourself? Crazy, right? It's true!
We create a safe, supportive environment so you can explore your dreams and face your fears head-on. You’ll end the course feeling inspired and equipped with the business backbone needed to take on the world.
Consider our team of skilled instructors your allies in ushering in your next great achievement. This is no small feat; it’s even a little bit scary. We hear you!
Fall Business Ignitor Starts Sept 8th - Oct 15th, 2026
Each option below offers the same course with pricing options to accommodate your needs.
Business Ignitor - Standard Enrollment
With over twenty-five hours of curriculum and tons of other perks, it would be difficult to find anything comparable for this price.
Please register at a higher level if you are able to.
$500
Business Ignitor - Pay It Forward
The long-term value of this course is immense. Ignitor graduates gain lifelong skills that increase their happiness and well-being.
This level of support helps Sierra Commons continue providing superior business education to aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the Sierra.
$650
Business Ignitor - 2x Payments of $250
This option is the first half of the $500 total. An additional payment of $250 is due by the end of the second week of class.
The initial payment is non-refundable.
$250 x 2
JEDI Scholarships Available to Students in Need. (See FAQ Below)
Taking a Food Accelerator Course? Inquire about bundle pricing.
Don’t worry… We believe in you!
The dedicated team from Sierra Commons will be with you every step of the way.
Your guides to unlimited potential.
Our team is here to cheer you on step-by-step and share heart-forward guidance and foundational resources along your epic journey to the stars! Relax.
We’re here to inspire and ignite you. We’ll catch you if you fall.
Live In-Person & Online
We believe human connection and collaboration are the key 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 six-week course, we’ll dive into the foundations you’ll need to become an entrepreneurial rock star - business philosophy and strategy, creating viable products, learning to efficiently manage your time, bookkeeping, taxes, law, insurance, outreach & marketing and technology. Our classrooms are always lively and interactive, a place 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, networking opportunities, 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
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Sierra College
250 Sierra College Dr
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Building N7, Room 101 (Campus Map)
One-to-One Advising
Free advising is made possible through our partnership with the following organizations.
Meet the Faculty
Lisa Chacón
SBDC BUSINESS ADVISOR
Lisa brings a broad suite of tools and experience to support entrepreneurs from business model definition through funding and launch, gained from her role as co-founder and co-director of a co-working space for social entrepreneurs – Impact Hub Oakland (now Evolve Oakland). Her career includes nearly two decades of leadership as a consultant in corporate strategy and sustainability, along with technology R&D.
Ken Krugler
FOUNDER - AI FOR COMMUNITY
Director/President Ken Krugler is a professional software developer, startup founder, open source enthusiast, and a software trainer with over 15 years of experience teaching technical classes. He has a Bachelor of Science in EECS from MIT, and previously worked at Apple on the original Macintosh, started TransPac Software/Scale Unlimited, founded a code search startup, and was on the board of the Bear Yuba Land Trust.
Machen MacDonald
PROBRIALLIANCE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Machen MacDonald is a seasoned leadership and business coach based in Northern California and founder of the ProBrilliance Leadership Institute, where he helps entrepreneurs, CEOs, and professionals strengthen their leadership mindset and strategic decision-making. For more than two decades he has worked with business owners and executives to foster clarity, purpose, and measurable growth in both their ventures and personal development.
Michael Mapes
PRINCIPAL AT MICHAEL C. MAPES
Michael C. Mapes, Esq. is a California attorney and principal of his own practice in Grass Valley, where he advises small businesses on legal strategy and risk management. His work focuses on business formation, contracts, real estate and construction matters, estate planning, and practical legal guidance designed to help entrepreneurs build on solid footing.
Mike Mooers
OWNER, WICKED GOOD COPYWRITING
He is a seasoned copywriter and marketing strategist known for translating complex, technical products into clear, human stories that resonate with customers. With deep experience supporting leading outdoor brands including Arc'teryx, Hydro Flask, Yakima, and KEEN, he brings a sharp understanding of brand voice, product positioning, and storytelling that drives connection and sales.
Panda Morgan
SBDC ADVISOR
Panda Morgan served as Director of the Sacramento Small Business Development Center, leading regional advising and training efforts to help entrepreneurs start, stabilize, and grow their businesses. With more than 20 years as an SBDC consultant and as a serial entrepreneur herself, she specializes in business planning, loan preparation and applications, operations, leadership development, HR, and strategic expansion.
Robert X Trent
Founder and Executive Director - Sierra Commons
Robert is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build meaningful, sustainable businesses and has spent more than 25 years advising rural small businesses in planning, marketing, and public relations. As a longtime advisor with the Sierra SBDC, he has supported hundreds of entrepreneurs across food systems, forest and natural resource sectors, and community-based enterprises—helping them launch, grow, access capital, and strengthen local economies. In 2024, he was recognized as Nevada City Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year and received the Sierra SBDC Center Star Award for his regional impact.
Chris Therrien
Sierra College Business Department Faculty
Chris has more than 37 years of experience working in accounting, taxation and finance with a variety of businesses. These ranged in size from small start-ups to large, public, multinational corporations. He is also a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer where he taught entrepreneurship and financial management to high school students in Paraguay. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from the University of Texas in Austin.
Tim Yamauchi
PRINCIPAL - 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information? Look here for answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
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Nope. When students from different stages in their businesses get in a room together, we all learn a little better.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Please contact info@sierracommons.org to discuss payment plan options.
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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.
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Of course. But we no longer accept chicken or duck eggs.
