Dear Community,

In the Sierra Nevada, change and challenge create opportunities. Over the course of the last year, the impact of COVID-19 has snowballed into a deep recession and shifted the course of life as we know it. And yet, the Sierra demonstrated resilience time and time again. At Sierra Business Council, we’ve served the economic, social, and environmental interests of the region throughout this crisis, providing resources and support for small businesses, advocating for policies to help our communities recover and strengthen our natural resources, and implementing climate and energy projects that support our local governments and workforce while reducing the impacts of climate change.

Sierra Business Council has been all hands on deck to ensure that the Sierra will be able to withstand the impacts of the pandemic and come back stronger. Our team has been providing critical economic emergency support and resources to severely impacted small businesses.

We’ve administered over $13 million in grant funds, supported 3,488 jobs, provided direct support to 1,346 business clients between March 15th and October 1st, partnered with grassroots community supporters to launch the Resilience Fund and provide immediate economic relief, and helped local governments and businesses navigate CARES Act funding, closures, and other regulations.

Our work on behalf of the Sierra in economic empowerment, climate action, and regional advocacy has never been more important, which is why we’re asking for your support this giving season.

With your help, we will continue to identify and address issues that impact the Sierra. We will redouble our efforts to pass comprehensive climate action, wildfire prevention, and forest management through the legislature. We will elevate issues of energy independence, emissions reduction, rural broadband access, and affordable housing. And we will continue to double down on our economic empowerment initiatives, restoring vitality and balance to a thriving region.

We need your support to maintain and accelerate this momentum. Your monetary donation will help us help the Sierra overcome recent challenges and harness the opportunities that will grow our region’s economic backbone, restore our natural resources, build a resilient climate, elevate rural issues, establish equitable systems, and build strong communities.

Thank you for your continued support. With gratitude and hope for a safe holiday season and a happy new year,

Steven Frisch, President, and Allan Pietrasanta, Board Chair

Click here to download our 2020 Impact Statement.