Dear Sierra Jobs First Collaborators,
Welcome to your June updates from Sierra Jobs First.
We kicked off the summer with a productive meeting of the Governing Council June 13, following several months of contract finalization with the 40 projects awarded Catalyst funding at the quarterly meeting in March, and are excited to begin sharing impacts of the projects funded through the Collaborative’s efforts.
Read below for news, updates, and opportunities for involvement, and thank you for your continued contributions toward realizing the community-led vision of Sierra Jobs First.
Thank you,
The Sierra Jobs First Team
Recap: Sierra Jobs First Governing Council Meeting, June 13 in Sonora
Members of the Governing Council, our Industry Sector Coordinators, and several local government representatives met with the Sierra Jobs First team Friday, June 13, in Sonora for the quarterly Governing Council meeting.
This working meeting was held primarily in-person with some representatives attending the updates portion via Zoom. It focused on mapping a productive path forward for Sierra Jobs First as we inch closer to the September 2026 end date of Sierra Business Council’s tenure as fiscal and regional convener and move the work done to date into the hands of the Collaborative.
The meeting also included updates from the Industry Sector Coordinators on workgroups and other collaboration done to date, which is included in the following materials:
July 13 Governing Council Agenda + Meeting Notes
Governing Council Slide Deck Presentation
Statewide Childcare Cohort Phone Call: Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m.
During the strategy and planning phases of Sierra Jobs First, we repeatedly heard from across our 7-county region that the topic of childcare is a consistent concern, especially as it pertains to workforce development and equity.
You’re invited to join a statewide call on the topic of childcare, being led by members of the Capitol Region We Prosper Together team.
Details to join:
Zoom link
Meeting ID: 545 988 7084
Passcode: 3400
Catalyst Project Contracting Phase Nears Completion
Nearly 30 of the 40 Catalyst projects awarded funding in the March Governing Council vote have completed contracting and are now in various stages of onboarding. We know the Collaborative and regional media are eager to hear more details about each project and how it will support continued economic resilience, equitable access, and a climate-forward future for the Sierra region.
We expect to have more to share on all 40 projects by our July newsletter, and look forward to working to amplify visibility for the great work being done by all these worthwhile projects!
Project Update: Sierra Sourced Label Debuts on Store Shelves
Congratulations to Sierra Jobs First Industry Sector Coordinator, Mat Galvan, and the team at Sierra Sourced (a Sierra Jobs First catalyst award recipient) for the first retail appearances of the Sierra Sourced brand.
Sierra Sourced is a regional economic development initiative aimed at uniting local makers, producers, and trade-based businesses across our region. By creating a cohesive brand and fostering collaboration, the project seeks to elevate the visibility and market reach of locally made products.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Sierra Sourced label when you shop, and join us in celebrating an exciting milestone for the Sierra Jobs First initiative.
Recap: Eastern Sierra Capital Summit Held at the Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center June 12
Entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the Eastern Sierra came out June 12 for a jam-packed day of valuable learning about funding opportunities at the Eastern Sierra Capital Summit, held at the Eastern Sierra BRC in downtown Bishop.
Event host and Bakersfield SBDC director, Kelly Bearden was joined by presenters in a “reverse shark tank” format where lenders and assistance providers detailed loans, investment capital and grants. Topics included SBA loan programs up to $10 million or more, small micro business loans from $5,000 to $50,000, investment and capital-based programs such as venture capital, crowdfunding, and more.
The event was co-sponsored by AltaOne Credit Union and the Small Business Development Center at CSU Bakersfield.
Visit the Eastern Sierra BRC website to stay up-to-date on all the events and workshops happening at the BRC.