The final session of the Forest Entrepreneurship Series wrapped up in Auburn on July 18–19, marking the completion of a program designed to help entrepreneurs build businesses that strengthen both the Sierra’s economy and its forests.

Over the course of the series, 137 participants explored how to launch and grow enterprises in forest thinning and management, defensible space, prescribed fire, wood products, bioenergy, home hardening, restoration, and other sectors essential to reducing wildfire risk and supporting resilient rural communities.

Managed by SBC and led by Robert Trent of Sierra Commons, the series was created in response to a growing need for skilled local businesses that can help meet the increasing demand for forest restoration and wildfire resilience work. Through hands-on instruction, one-on-one advising, peer accountability, and practical business training, participants gained the tools to navigate financing, marketing, government contracting, and sustainable business growth—connecting entrepreneurial opportunity with one of the Sierra’s most pressing climate and economic challenges. The program was made possible through a Good Jobs Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, administered by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, to expand forest and fire mitigation workforce development across the Sierra Nevada.

A special thank you and congratulations to participants who took this bootcamp and launched and/or grew their forest-focused work. We look forward to seeing the impact their businesses will have across the Sierra.