Start a Food Business That’s Built to Last
This course gives you structure, mentorship, and local connections to turn your food business idea into a sustainable, real-world venture.
Food Accelerator
Food Accelerator - Online Course - Part One
Starting October 6th, 2025
Online classes and In-Person activities designed for food entrepreneurs to develop and grow their business – from packaged goods to pop-ups - we’ve got you covered.
4 Weeks of Classes (Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday - 6:00 - 7:30 pm)
Covers business models, pricing, permitting, sourcing, food safety, and funding
Mix of expert instruction and real-world guidance
Weekly accountability groups and 1:1 advising
In-Person Graduation Party and Student Showcase
Only $199
Scholarships & Childcare Stipends Available (See FAQ Below)
Taking the Business Ignitor Course? Inquire about bundle pricing.
Food Accelerator - Part Two
Starting January 20, 2026
Who It's For
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 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.
What You’ll Gain
Clear steps for permitting, production, and pricing
Guidance on budgeting, sourcing, and food safety
Ongoing 1:1 advising through Small Business Development Center
Roundtables with established local food entrepreneurs
Final pitch and graduation showcase
Our efforts are supported by California Jobs First, a state fund created to enable inclusive planning and action across 13 regions in the state towards a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Schedule - Part One
Week 1
Monday - 10/6/2025 - Kickoff Class
Tuesday - 10/7/2025 - Manufacturing for Scalability
Wednesday - 10/8/2025 - Speaker Series: Creative Cost Controls
Online
Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Week 2
Monday - 10/13/2025 - Food Permits & Processed Food Registration
Tuesday - 10/14/2025 - Business Models and Case Studies
Wednesday - 10/15/2025 - One to One advising by appointment only
Online
Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Week 3
Online and In-Person*
Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Monday - 10/20/2025 - Fundamentals of Expenses and Product Pricing
Tuesday - 10/21/2025 - Getting on Shelf - Pricing and Retail Sales, BriarPatch Food Co-op*
Wednesday - 10/22/2025 - Getting Your Business Online and Sales Ready
Week 4
Online and In-Person*
Class Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Monday - 10/27/2025 - Tour: Commissary, Home-Based, Restaurant off-hours*
Tuesday - 10/28/2025 - Student Presentations and Feedback
Wednesday - 10/29/2025 - Graduation Party and Student Showcase*
Meet the Team
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.
Amy Irani
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, NEVADA COUNTY
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.
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.
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.
Mani Niall
Mani Niall is a chef, baker, entrepreneur, and author of four cookbooks. He founded two successful bakery-cafés, served as Executive Chef for Just Desserts, and now works as a hands-on food R&D chef, helping startups and national brands develop new products. As Lead Instructor and Advisor for Sierra Commons’ Food Entrepreneur Accelerator, Mani brings decades of culinary and business experience to support the next generation of food entrepreneurs.
FOUNDER, MANI'S TEST KITCHEN
Robert X Trent
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
FOUNDER, SIERRA COMMONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Need more information? Look here for answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
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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.
Empowering Diversity in Entrepreneurship
Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to contribute your unique food 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 Food Accelerator 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.
See the next FAQ question for application information and contacts.
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How Do I Apply for the JEDI Scholarship?
Send an email to info@sierracommons.org with “JEDI Scholarship” in the subject line at least one week 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 Accelerator Course. 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 $99 of the standard tuition. We are here to support you and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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 food entrepreneurship in our abundant and creative region.
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We know that life can be busy and some folks with families could use extra support to make their Food Entrepreneurial dreams come true. Sierra Commons now has Childcare Stipends available to support class attendance and help make the most of your classes. Email at info@sierracommons.org for details on how to apply for a childcare stipend.
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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.
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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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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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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.