Start Something That Sustains You – and Shapes the Place You Call Home
Sierra Commons helps rural entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into successful businesses that serve both the founder and the local community
Business Courses
We help people launch rural businesses with staying power. Our approach combines practical education, real-world support, and a deep belief in the value of local business.
Business Ignitor
A structured path for turning your idea into a working business.
Food Accelerator
A focused program for food-based ventures built to grow.
Forest Entrepreneurship
Support for rural businesses grounded in natural resources and land stewardship.
Programs built for your first step – and your next.
Upcoming Events
Additional Support
All of our programs are sustained by Community Lender Partnerships, one-to-one advising, networking events and our Learning Hub. The Learning Hub unites students through shared experiences, an online community, and personalized mentoring—ensuring entrepreneurs continue to have guidance and resources long after their course or training ends.
Sierra SBDC – Free One-to-One Business Advising
Sierra Commons is proud to partner with the Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to offer free, confidential one-to-one business advising to entrepreneurs at any stage. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, Sierra SBDC advisors provide expert guidance on business planning, financing, marketing, operations, and more — at no cost to you.
Sign up for free advising at the Sierra SBDC »»»
The Milestone Loan Program - Community Based Underwriting
The Milestone Loan Program supports hardworking and creative entrepreneurs who face barriers in accessing capital. It recognizes the importance of community and strong relationships for sustainable success and empowerment.
The program provides an alternative to traditional startup lenders' rigorous application process, which often leads to discouragement and the risk of predatory lending. Its aim is to help informal cash-based businesses formalize and grow.
Sierra Commons partners with community lenders like TMC Community Capital to support early-stage entrepreneurs through practical business education, advising, and connection to capital.
Schedule a 15 minute Call with Sierra Commons to learn more…
Our programs—including the Business Ignitor Course, which provides core business fundamentals, the Food Entrepreneur Accelerator, and Forest Entrepreneurship trainings help people turn ideas into viable businesses, expand access to financing for those who may not qualify for traditional loans, and contribute to more resilient local economies.
Sierra Commons Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is a vibrant community dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs who are eager to brainstorm and develop innovative business ideas. Here, we cultivate an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration, where members can share their visions, exchange feedback, and inspire one another. Our community serves as a support network, helping each other navigate the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
By connecting like-minded individuals, we aim to ignite passions and turn dreams into reality. Through regular brainstorming sessions, workshops, and networking events, members can harness their diverse skills and experiences to spark new ideas and enhance their entrepreneurial journeys. Visit the Hub »»»
Why Sierra Commons?
We believe rural entrepreneurs can do more than survive.
“Sierra Commons was founded on a simple idea: rural entrepreneurship should be accessible, locally rooted, and supported by community.
For 16 years, we’ve applied our heart-forward approach to help people build businesses that reflect their values, create jobs, and enrich their communities.
This is work worth doing. We’re here to help you do it well.”
Robert Trent - Founder & Executive Director
Big Dreams Come True.
Stephanie took the Forest Entrepreneur Training course in 2024. Recently, the project she’s been working on for almost a decade was awarded $15.3 million to begin construction of a community-scale 5-megawatt biomass-to-energy power plant.
“Now that the plant will be built, I get to focus my time on the tools and resources afforded me through the Forest Entrepreneur Training to build out our business campus," said Williams.
— Stephanie Williams
President, Forest Biomass Business Center