Youth Entrepreneurship Pitch Camp

Central Sierra Region

The Youth Entrepreneurship Pitch Camp brings high school students across the Central Sierra into a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship.

It’s an immersive experience where students develop real ideas, build practical skills, and learn how to stand up and confidently pitch what they’ve created.

Sierra Commons delivers the program in collaboration with the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) and regional schools, counties, and community leaders to strengthen youth opportunity and regional economic vitality.

What Happens at Pitch Camp?

Students move from idea to structured pitch through live instruction and guided workshops. Along the way, they learn how to:

• Identify real problems worth solving
• Develop clear and compelling value propositions
• Think through basic revenue models and feasibility
• Strengthen communication and presentation skills
• Deliver a structured business pitch

Instruction is interactive, fast-moving, and grounded in real-world entrepreneurship experience.

A Regional Experience

Pitch Camps are delivered across multiple counties in the Central Sierra. Each county hosts its own local camp, building community energy and participation close to home.

The program then builds toward a shared regional experience supported by regional economic development partners.

Semifinals & Final Competition

The program culminates in three public events:

County-Level Semifinals
Top student teams from each county present their ideas during two live online semifinal events. Finalists are selected by a panel of local judges and community leaders. Semifinalists compete for cash awards that recognize standout ideas and strong pitch delivery.

Central Sierra Regional Final
Finalists advance to an in-person regional competition where they deliver refined pitches before a panel of business leaders and partners from across the Central Sierra. Additional cash prizes are awarded to top finalists to support next steps and continued development.

These events spotlight youth innovation, reward excellence, and connect students to mentors, networks, and meaningful next-step opportunities.

Let’s Build the Next Generation of Founders

The Youth Entrepreneurship Pitch Camp is designed to expand opportunity and strengthen regional connections across the Central Sierra.

To learn more or discuss collaboration, contact Sierra Commons.

Let’s Build the Next Generation of Founders

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)

Download the Syllabus

One-to-One Advising

Free advising is made possible through our partnership with the following organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information? Look here for answers to some of our commonly asked questions.

  • High school–aged students from across participating Central Sierra counties.

  • The emphasis is on learning entrepreneurial thinking and pitch development. Some ideas may move forward; others serve as practical learning exercises.

  • Lead instructors from Sierra Commons, supported by guest presenters and local mentors.

  • Participants are evaluated using clear pitch criteria focused on clarity, feasibility, and communication.

  • We collaborate with schools, counties, CSEDD, and regional partners. Contact us to explore implementation or partnership opportunities.

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