Who We Are
Sierra Business Council is a Sierra-based nonprofit organization with a mission to catalyze and demonstrate innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada.
We work to support strong local economies and small businesses, increase regional resilience to the consequences of climate change, and elevate rural issues in the Sierra. Our on-the-ground programs and projects are designed to bring proactive change to the Sierra.
Mission
Sierra Business Council catalyzes and demonstrates innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada.
Vision
In the Sierra Nevada, change and challenge create opportunities. Through innovation, integrity, and respect, Sierra Business Council harnesses these opportunities by implementing projects that model proactive change. Our goal is a diverse, inventive, and sustainable region where the economy is vibrant, the land is thriving, and the communities offer opportunity for all.
We act as steward leaders of the region, taking responsibility for the care and responsible management of our place, guided by the triple bottom line that considers the economy, environment, and community simultaneously.
Our Region
The region we serve is large, ecologically diverse, and predominantly rural. In the 21st century, the Sierra faces both challenges and opportunities, proving its resilience in the face of both environmental and economic challenges.

Our Story
Founded in 1994 to elevate the communities, economy, and environment of the Sierra Nevada simultaneously, Sierra Business Council is a 501(c)3 organization based in Truckee and registered in both California and Nevada.
The region we serve encompasses the entire Sierra Nevada, encompassing the foothills to the mountains, historic downtowns, national parks and forests, recreation gateway communities, awe-inspiring peaks, and endless opportunities for innovation, regeneration, and resilience.
Our work has always encompassed elevating the triple bottom line. In 1994, our focus was largely centered on creating regional unity among the business community, conservation initiatives, and ensuring the economic and environmental health of the region. In 2004, we helped found the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and shortly thereafter began our work in climate planning and energy efficiency. We also prioritized issues of land use in the early 2000s through our work with Rivers and Ranches and sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra, laying the groundwork for what would one day become the Sierra Nevada Geotourism project.
In 2015, SBC took on the Sierra Small Business Development Center, kicking off five years of increased economic empowerment across the region to help local entrepreneurs’ businesses start, grow, and thrive. Our Economic Empowerment portfolio grew as we incorporated the Gold Country Broadband Consortium and began managing revolving loan funds, small business grants, and other service and resource opportunities that have helped foster a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Sierra.
The triple bottom line is where we started and it remains at the heart of all of our efforts. Looking ahead to the future of the region, we envision a Sierra with diverse and regenerative economies, restorative ecosystems, and resilient communities. At Sierra Business Council, we work to make this vision a reality
Join Us In Creating A More Resilient Sierra.
To learn more about Sierra Business Council, please reach out to us at:
info@sierrabusiness.org
530.582.4800