BUILD/HERE

June 11 | June 18
Two nights. Big ideas.
Real momentum for Sonoma County’s entrepreneur community.

help us kick off a 2-part event series designed to move us from conversation to creation.

We’re bringing together startup leaders, investors, makers, and community champions to explore what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can build a stronger ecosystem—together.

This is a working session for people who want to shape the future of business here.

The spark’s already here. Let’s build on it.

Each evening will include: 

  • Mixer with wine, drinks, & bites
  • Curated panel of local voices
  • Interactive co-creation workshop
  • ~60 cross-sector participants
  • Real input into a local pilot project
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Designing a Place that's Worth Building In

What does it mean to build a thriving economy—one that supports both innovation and locally rooted business? Whether you’re launching a high-growth venture or shaping something new in your community, we’ll explore what it means to build here.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Designing The Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs to Thrive

Dive into the capital, talent, space, and community support that businesses need to succeed. We’ll explore what’s missing, what’s working, and how we can make this a stronger place for growth.

We're proud and grateful to announce our event partner and sponsor, 
redwood credit union.

a true partner to the entrepreneurial community.
They've been supporting local businesses and bold ideas for decades, and their backing is a significant reason we can continue to bring great events to you! 

 Local Voices You’ll Hear From.

Kate Hughes

Founder, The Brand Incubator & SRJC professor

Jim Heid

Founder, Urbangreen, Co-owner, Craftwork Healdsburg, Author of Building Small

Leslie Simmons

VP, Impact & Investments, CTE Foundation

stephen ward

Vice President of Business Services, Redwood credit union

Ed Troxell

Founder, ED Troxell Creative & Sonoma SBDC Mentor

John Mills

Founder & CEO, watchduty

Greg Gorgone

founder & CEO, Rimark
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More panelist announcements to come.

Stay tuned as we announce the voices shaping innovation and entrepreneurship.

Join the conversation!

Why now? 

Sonoma County is full of possibility, but it’s also at a turning point.

Entrepreneurs are building in silos. Local businesses are navigating constant change. Community and startup leaders are searching for new ways to support economic growth. And many of us across sectors are asking the same question:

What do we need to build here, now, to create lasting economic impact?

This series is designed to answer that question—together.