The Cultivating Resilient Rural Food Ecosystems initiative, led by Nevada City-based Sierra Commons, is about more than just launching food businesses—it’s about creating lasting opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to thrive. By connecting food entrepreneurs with the resources, infrastructure, and markets they need, this initiative helps strengthen local economies, create high-quality jobs, and build a more sustainable regional food system. The Nevada County pilot will refine and test a scalable model that provides hands-on entrepreneurship training, builds community partnerships, and ensures small food businesses can access support like advising, workforce development programs, and financial tools. As the program grows, Sierra Commons will expand its reach across the Sacramento Capital Region, ensuring that rural food entrepreneurs have the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed.