Sprout Community Updates: Stories, Wins & What's Been Happening

By The Sprout Team

In the past few weeks, the Sprout Community has experienced a season of growth and connection, guided by its founder, Summer Camper, whose vision for authenticity and shared learning continues to shape the journey of its members. From heartfelt conversations to the launch of new platforms, each initiative reflects her commitment to creating spaces where entrepreneurs can be honest about the struggles of building, while celebrating the quiet victories along the way.

?? Founding Out Loud: Evolving Through Risk & Resilience

When Summer introduced guest speaker Vince Lanni for Founding Out Loud: Evolving Through Risk & Resilience, she described the conversation as one that would "hold up a mirror" to the realities of entrepreneurship. True to her words, the session did just that.

Vince shared stories of fear, failure, and resilience, weaving together moments that many founders recognized in their own paths. For Summer, the event was a chance to remind the community that struggle is not a sign of weakness but of growth. "Every stumble is a step toward strength," she reflected afterward, echoing the theme of the night.

The dialogue captured exactly what Summer envisioned when she began Sprout: honest conversations that encourage founders to see themselves not as isolated strugglers, but as part of a larger story of resilience.

?? A New Chapter: The First Sprout Podcast

Another milestone close to Summer's heart was the release of the first Sprout podcast episode, Authenticity in Entrepreneurship: The Journey to Being Your True Self.

Summer had long dreamed of using a podcast to reach members beyond live events, and the debut episode captured her core philosophy: that entrepreneurship is as much about self-discovery as it is about strategy. Listeners described the recording as deeply personal, echoing the late-night, heart-to-heart conversations Summer often has with community members.

Her guiding belief—that authenticity is the key to sustainable success—was woven throughout the episode. In many ways, it marked not just a podcast launch but a declaration of Sprout's ethos.

?? Coming Up: Talking Trade Tactics

Looking ahead, Summer has made it clear that Sprout will not shy away from tough, technical topics either. Responding to the confusion many founders face around tariffs, she invited global trade compliance expert Warren Ragland for an upcoming session.

"Clarity is a gift," Summer explained in her announcement, noting that knowledge empowers small businesses to face global challenges with confidence. By introducing experts like Ragland, she hopes to fill gaps in understanding that often leave entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed and powerless.

?? Back Around the Table: The Founder's Table Returns

One of Summer's most cherished upcoming projects is The Founder's Table, which is set to happen with an intimate brunch in Chicago. To her, this gathering represents the heart of Sprout: people connecting not through polished pitches, but through stories, laughter, and shared humanity.

Rather than a networking checklist, Summer envisions a table where vulnerability feels safe, and support comes naturally. "Some of the most transformative moments happen over coffee and honest conversation," she shared, emphasizing her belief that real growth begins in real connection.

?? Something New: The Community Pass

Finally, Summer introduced the Community Pass—a simple way for newcomers to experience Sprout events without long-term commitments. For her, it's about lowering the barriers to entry and extending a genuine invitation: "Come sit with us. See what it feels like to belong."

The pass reflects Summer's leadership style: inclusive, welcoming, and always mindful that sometimes the first step toward transformation is simply showing up.

At the Heart of It All

Through each of these updates, one thread is clear: Summer's vision for the Sprout Community is alive and thriving. She has built more than a calendar of events—she has cultivated a culture where risk is shared, authenticity is honored, and no one walks the journey alone.

As she often reminds the community, "We're not just building businesses. We're building people." And in every story—from the founder who rises after a fall to the newcomer who finds belonging—the truth of that statement shines through.