Makerspace and Entrepreneurship Center
Empowering Students to Move Their Ideas into Action Through Grant Program
With the help of grant funding, Sierra College has created a structured mentorship program with the goal of empowering students to move their ideas into action, build a network of business connections, attend events and solve problems that matter to them.
What to Expect
Students will work with peers, faculty and mentors within the Makerspace and Entrepreneurship Center (Building N) on the Rocklin campus. The program includes:
- Leanstack Platform Learning: Students will use content and tools from the online Leanstack innovation platform to guide them through a 90-day sprint to test their product or idea for desirability, feasibility and viability
- Mentorship: Students will be matched with a mentor from the business community to provide feedback, guidance, and networking connections where appropriate
- Showcase Event: Students will have the opportunity to share the learning that took place during the microgrant process to an audience of mentors, faculty, other students, and the community
- Support: Students will be provided help integrating their experience into their resumes and/or portfolios, as well as ongoing support throughout the program
- Microgrant: Students will receive a small grant to support their entrepreneurial idea
Is This Program Right for You?
Do you have ideas that could solve real-world problems?
Do you want to learn how to turn your idea into a reality?
Do you have an interest in partnering with a mentor who will provide constructive feedback and encouragement?
How to Get Started
Application Process
The application period for the Spring 2024 term is now closed.
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.
- Applicants will receive feedback or next steps within 2 weeks of submitting application
- Once an applicant is selected, they will be onboarded into the program
- The initial sprint is 3 months (90 days) with the potential for an extension of mentor engagement
- An end-of-year showcase will be scheduled for students to present their learnings
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must be a registered Sierra College student in good standing for the duration of the grant program from application through end-of-year showcase
- Students from across different majors and disciplines are encouraged to submit creative or innovative ideas that could be developed into products, services, solutions, businesses and nonprofits
- No minimum credit requirements
We are excited to see ideas that are attempting to solve meaningful problems, improve lives or offer ‘a better way to…’”.
Amy Schulz, Dean, Division of Business and Technology
Mentorship Opportunities
We’re looking for mentors to team up with our students to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial efforts. Submit a Mentor Interest Form.
Events and Resources
Attend Community GEW Events
Sierra College students, staff and faculty are invited to attend activities, pitch competitions and networking events thanks to our partnership with the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.
NorCal Entrepreneur Hub
The hub enables innovators, start-up founders, small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to find and connect with the right resources for their business, including investors, universities, mentoring programs, networking groups, training programs and more.
The NorCal Entrepreneur Hub is sponsored by Sierra College, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and the Tahoe Prosperity Center.