Do you have your PDC? Are you ready to take the next step?
Permaculture
Business and Right Livelihood
Course
When:
October ‘25 - Feb ‘26 (days and times in FAQ below)
Full Cost:
$850 until August 15th @ 12:59pm, $980 October 3rd @ 12:59pm (Registration open until course fills)
Deposit Option:
$350 - If you’re unable to pay the full amount now, reserve your spot. Pay remaining no later than Sept. 1st.
Work Trade:
Please submit an interest form here by 8/15/25. You will be notified by no later than 9/1/25 if you’ve been chosen for a work trade position.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I BE EXPOSED TO?
This course is the next step from a PDC by focusing specifically on business strategies and livelihood development – specifically tailored for those launching or growing a permaculture design business.
Rooted in permaculture's heart-centered philosophy, our training covers essential topics:
Business foundations / Modern design practices - We'll teach you how to attract and win over your ideal clients through various marketing strategies.
Marketing and client acquisition - Manage projects efficiently and run your business smoothly from start to finish.
Project management and operations - Discover how to build strong relationships with your community and communicate your vision effectively.
Community building and communications - Fostering meaningful connections and conveying your vision clearly to build a loyal community through clear and heartfelt communications.
Mutual aid and non-profit collaboration - Open partnerships with non-profits to amplify your social and environmental impact.
Career launch strategies / designs - Get a personalized plan to launch your sustainable business or career and set it up for long-term success.
Throughout the course, you'll develop your personalized "Growth Blueprint" – a roadmap for turning your permaculture passion into a thriving professional path.
THE CURRICULUM
Join us on a transformative journey into resilient entrepreneurship, where interactive learning meets hands-on experience. Move beyond conceptual study and engage with sustianable, high-performance business models, CAD design principles, and real-world client projects from start to finish. Explore community resource systems thriving amidst economic uncertainty, communication skills, climate disruption, and environmental challenges. Through expert guidance (some of the best bio-regional leaders) and real-world examples, gain essential skills, strategies, and mindsets to build, launch, and grow a profitable business that regenerates the environment and uplifts the community.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Immerse your learning in three inspiring locations throughout Portland, Oregon. Elevate your permaculture business skills led by industry professionals Julian Dominic, Matt Bibeau, Marisha Auerbach, Mark Lakeman, Hannah Althea, Jackson Lowe and others. Gain valuable insights and strategies to grow a thriving, sustainable business – join us for this transformative learning experience. The Permaculture Business and Right Livelihood Course is an immersive experience in sustainable entrepreneurship that helps build a “Growth Blueprint” for your new business. Building on the foundations of permaculture design, this course offers unparalleled insights into applying ecological principles to business – with site visits to Kailash Eco-village, Jean’s Farm, and our Witch Hazel/Communitecture’s office.
October ‘25 - January ‘26
One weekend/month!
Learn the fundamentals of creating a thriving permaculture business that benefits you and your community - perfect for beginners and those with experience alike.
Marketing logistics // Modern design // Sustainable Profit // Mutual aid // Communication // Guest speakers // Worktrade Available
Empower Your purpose
Want to wake up knowing your work heals people and the planet? Imagine starting each day with purpose and fulfillment,
Office and Home
Imagine unlocking your full potential in an environment where ideas flow freely and solutions emerge naturally.
Empower Your Future
Learn how to create a thriving LLC and unlock the freedom to monetize your skills and ideas while focusing on a mutual respect and aid for your community.
Your Design Vision
Turn your creative ideas into impactful, resilient realities - learn how to transform your design concepts into thriving projects that balance beauty, function, and social responsibility.
Rooted in Community!
Nourish both people and the planet - Establish your permaculture business that connects you deeply with your community; cultivating meaningful relationships with customers, partners, and neighbors - sharing knowledge, resources, and profits - and watching your local ecosystem flourish economically, socially, and environmentally.
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October: 18th and 19th
November: 15th and 16th
December: 13th and 14th
January - 17th and 18th
February - 15th (One day) - Presentations, celebrations and talent show!
All days are 9:30am-2:30/3pm and locations will be sent out closer to Workshop dates.
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It will be held at three locations:
Kailash EcoVillage
Offices of Witch Hazel Design/Communitecture
Jeans Farm
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Anyone who has taken their PDC / equivalent (or actively in a workshop - online or IRL) and ready to take it to the next level. Great for:
Architects
Non-profits
Sustainable companies
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All classes are designed to be indoors for this Winter workshop. For our last weekend (day), we anticipate a small hands-on project.
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Yes! We will provide a hearty lunch staple and encourage students to bring a side dish for potluck.
Restrictions/allergies can be discussed on a need-basis
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Yes! There will be two available:
Chef for class
More details offered when you register
Cost Exchanges:
$850 until August 15th @ 12:59pm, $980 October 3rd @ 12:59pm
Your Instructors
Marisha Ausebach - Guest Permaculture Rising - Farmer, designer, nursery owner and teacher
Hannah Althea - Guest/Apprentice
Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
Urban & Environmental Planner
Jackson Toole - Guest
Communitecture - Architectural Designer , Builder
FOOD:
Each weekend features delicious, nourishing gluten free staple meals (GF and vegan at our Kailash Ecovillage sessions). We encourage students to bring a small contribution to share, like homemade preserves, fresh baked goods, or garden salad – but please know that no contribution is expected, just a warm welcome for all participants. Lunch breaks are 1 hour, inviting you to rest, connect with fellow participants, share stories, and recharge for next module. Hot tea and coffee will be available throughout the day to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
LODGING:
Should you need support with laying your head, we’re happy to help - multiple options are available, including a local yurt, tiny home, cob homes, small apartments, and camping sites on local farms and at Kailash Ecovillage. Just let us know your preferences and we'll work with you to make it happen!
The Learning Sites
Kailash Eco Village: A thriving, vibrant community living experiment nestled in the heart of Portland – featuring lush food forests, innovative rainwater catchment systems, epic humanure composting, bike and car sharing programs, and so much more.
Witch Hazel/Communitecture's office (affectionately known as 'HQ') is a vibrant hub of activity, creativity, and community collaboration. Nestled among fruit trees and thriving pollinator gardens in SE Portland, this co-working space buzzes with energy – hosting not only our permaculture business but also a diverse array of small businesses, including beauty services, holistic therapy, and environmental activism initiatives. It's truly a humming hive of creativity and connection.
Jean’s Farm is a thriving hub of permaculture – a vibrant educational program, homestead, and goat sanctuary, offering a humble CSA program, and hosting premier bio-regional permaculture projects and gatherings. This dynamic space is alive with learning, resilient living, and community connection – a true permaculture powerhouse.
Jean’s Farm
“HQ”
Kailash Ecovillage