Riverside, California, has cultivated a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The city offers a variety of resources designed to support business growth and innovation.
UC Riverside’s EPIC SBDC
The Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UC Riverside provides no-cost support to early-stage tech entrepreneurs and companies in the Inland Empire. Services include specialized consulting, training programs, workshops, access to capital, and assistance with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. A team of experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence offers personalized guidance to help businesses launch and grow.
City of Riverside’s Economic Development Initiatives
The City of Riverside is committed to fostering a thriving local economy through inclusive partnerships and sustainable development strategies. The city’s Economic Development Division offers data, resources, and initiatives aimed at stimulating investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting job creation. Programs such as the Streamline Riverside program and the award-winning One Stop Shop have attracted significant private investments, contributing to the city’s economic growth.
Riverside Coworking’s Entrepreneurship Programs
Riverside Coworking provides free programs to support entrepreneurs in building long-term wealth for their families. Their offerings include:
- Entrepreneurship 101: An eight-week program that helps new entrepreneurs turn their ideas into tested, realistic business concepts and prepare for official launch.
- Level Up: A seven-week program designed to support established or launch-ready entrepreneurs in taking their businesses to the next level.
- Small Business Clinics: Bi-monthly sessions focusing on essential topics such as marketing, financial management, and business planning, held in small-group settings for personalized guidance.
SoCal OASIS®
Opportunities to Advance Sustainability, Innovation, and Social Inclusion (OASIS) is a public-private partnership led by UC Riverside. This initiative aims to drive regional economic development through applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in sustainability, clean technology, and social inclusion. The SoCal OASIS™ Accelerator provides expertise in tech commercialization, patent/licensing, pre-seed and seed capital, and technical support services to startups in various sectors.
By leveraging these resources, Riverside’s entrepreneurs can access the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, contributing to the city’s vibrant and diverse economic landscape.