Unlocking Opportunities: The Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in South Lake Tahoe
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Sierra Business Council, in collaboration with Sierra Commons and the Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is excited to announce a free two-day workshop dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs in the forest-based business sector. Scheduled for June 7-8 at the South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation Center, this workshop aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools to thrive in an expanding industry that is vital for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
A Focus on Forest-Based Businesses
The Intro to Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp is tailored for individuals interested in launching or expanding businesses in various sectors, including:
Forest Thinning and Management
Defensible Space Creation
Prescribed Fire Application
Small Mass Timber Product Manufacturing
Small Diameter Timber Utilization
Biofuel and Bioenergy Production
Home Hardening Techniques
Plant Restoration
Non-Timber-Related Businesses and Forestry Logistics
This diverse curriculum reflects the multifaceted nature of the forest industry, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities available.
Expert Guidance and Networking Opportunities
Participants will benefit from the insights of industry experts in forestry, business, marketing, and finance. The workshop will kick off with a Friday night social event, offering a unique opportunity for networking with like-minded entrepreneurs. This informal setting is designed to foster connections that can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
Success Stories from Previous Sessions
Last year’s Forest Entrepreneur Training sessions, held in various locations including Nevada City and Mammoth Lakes, left a significant impact on participants. One notable graduate, Stephanie Williams, is actively applying her training to develop a 5-megawatt biomass-to-energy power plant in Camptonville, Northern California. “Now that the plant is moving forward, I can focus on using the tools and resources I gained through the training to develop our business campus,” Williams shared. Such success stories highlight the program’s effectiveness in fostering real-world applications and collaborations among graduates.
Meet the Facilitators
The workshop will be co-facilitated by Robert X Trent, founder of Sierra Commons and an experienced business consultant, alongside Ruby Beauchamp, a Forestry Fellow at Sierra Nevada Alliance and the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership Coordinator for American Forests. Beauchamp, a successful forest entrepreneur herself, brings invaluable experience in cone collection and reforestation across California.
“This is an exciting time for forest entrepreneurship,” Trent remarked. “The industry is growing rapidly, with opportunities that support both economic and environmental resilience. This training provides everything an entrepreneur needs to know to start or expand a forest business.”
Beauchamp echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sustainable natural resource management and community preparedness for wildfires. “This is a really exciting time to be a part of forestry,” she stated. “There’s a lot of momentum building around habitat restoration and the reuse of forest by-products for energy. This work is not going away any time soon.”
Comprehensive Curriculum
The bootcamp offers a robust curriculum designed to provide participants with:
Technical Training: Essential skills to launch a variety of forest and wood-based businesses.
Business Development Strategies: Insights into pricing, cash flow management, insurance, marketing, and navigating government contracts and permits.
Cooperative Business Guidance: Strategies for transforming individual ownership into cooperative models that promote economic justice.
Emerging Business Opportunities: Showcasing wood product development and outdoor recreation that contribute to wildfire reduction and economic development.
Market Connections: A nexus to existing markets and identified needs in forest management and biofuel production.
Additionally, participants will have access to an accountability group and one-on-one advising at no cost through the SBDC, ensuring ongoing support as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Funding and Registration
This program is administered by the Sierra Business Council and is funded by a Good Jobs Challenge EDA grant through the Foundation for California Community Colleges. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spots early.
To learn more and register for this transformative workshop, visit Sierra Business Council.
The Forest Entrepreneurship Bootcamp represents a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to engage with industry leaders, gain practical skills, and contribute to a sustainable future. Whether you’re looking to start a new venture or expand an existing one, this workshop is a stepping stone toward success in the thriving forest-based business landscape.
