Sierra Founders Academy
Build your idea. Pitch your vision. Shape the future of the Sierras.
Sierra Founders Academy is a regional youth entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower the next generation of innovators, creators, and community leaders across the Sierra region.
Through hands-on bootcamps, mentorship from local entrepreneurs, and a regional startup pitch competition, participants gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to turn ideas into real-world opportunities.
Whether you already have a business idea or just curiosity and ambition, Sierra Founders Academy is built to help you take the first step. This program is open to youth ages 14–24 across the Sierra region. No business experience required.
What is Sierra Founders Academy?
Program Overview
Sierra Founders Academy (SFA) is a no-cost entrepreneurship program that brings together students and young adults from across the Sierra region to explore innovation, business creation, and leadership. The Sierra region includes Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, and Tuolumne Counties.
Participants work in teams to:
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Develop business ideas
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Learn entrepreneurship fundamentals
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Connect with mentors and local business leaders
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Build real-world pitch and communication skills
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Compete in a regional startup showcase for funding opportunities
The program is designed to strengthen the skills of aspiring entrepreneurs and create opportunity for them to thrive right here in the Sierras.
What can participants expect?
Bootcamp Overview
Friday Evening: Connect & Collaborate
Participants meet fellow students, mentors, and local entrepreneurs while forming teams and exploring ideas in a relaxed social setting.
Saturday: Learn & Build
A full-day entrepreneurship bootcamp focused on:
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Business fundamentals
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Idea development
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Team collaboration
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Marketing and branding
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Financial basics
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Pitch preparation
Sunday: Pitch & Showcase
Teams refine their ideas and present to a panel of local judges for the opportunity to advance to the regional showcase.
Final Showcase Septmeber 8: Pitch for Startup Funding
Who can participate?
Eligibility
Sierra Founders Academy is open to:
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Youth ages 14–24
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Students and young adults living in participating Sierra counties (Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Mono, Tuolumne)
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Individuals interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, or problem-solving
No prior business experience is needed. All appropriate ideas and backgrounds are welcome!
Register Today!
There are limited spots available at each cohort. Register today to secure your spot!
If you are under 18 years of age, the registration form must be completed by a parent or guardian.
Want to support local youth?
Become a Mentor, Sponsor or Judge!
Sierra Founders Academy is powered by collaboration between educators, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, local governments, and community leaders.
We’re seeking:
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Business mentors
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Guest speakers
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Judges
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Sponsors
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Community partners
By participating, you’ll help inspire and support the next generation of Sierra innovators and entrepreneurs. To let us know you're interested, please fill out the interest form below.
Sierra Founders Academy is made possible through funding from the Sierra Jobs First Initiative, administered by the California Employment Development Department and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and administed by Sierra Business Council.
This program is led by the Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD) in partnership with regional organizations committed to advancing entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic opportunity across the Sierra region.
Project Lead: Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD)
Regional Partners: Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG), Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center
Implementation Partner: Sierra Commons
