Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center

CSUSB launches new Entrepreneurial Resource Center in Palm Desert to support regional innovation and opportunity

In the heart of the Coachella Valley, a transformative new initiative is turning big ideas into real-world impact. The Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC) offers an inviting space for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators looking to start or grow a small business.

"The ERC allows us to bring the full strength of our university programs right into the community - directly to the people who can benefit the most.

Mike Stull

professor of entrepreneurship and director of the IECE and the CSUSB School of Entrepreneurship

The new Palm Desert ERC is a strategic collaboration between the CSUSB School of Entrepreneurship, the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at CSUSB, the City of Palm Desert and the Riverside County Office of Economic Development.

It occupies the former Palm Desert iHub, located across the street from the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus on Cook St., and brings together a wide range of entrepreneurial support organizations to provide a complete set of training, technical assistance and access to resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Coachella Valley. In addition, the ERC offers co-working space, offices, conference and meeting areas for innovative startups, home-based businesses, remote workers and businesses relocating to Palm Desert that have not yet moved into a commercial space.

“The expansion, and renaming, of the Palm Desert iHub into the Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center demonstrates the collective commitment of the City of Palm Desert, County of Riverside and CSUSB to unveil new resources and support services aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Mike Stull, professor of entrepreneurship and director of the IECE and the CSUSB School of Entrepreneurship. “This is a regional hub where all aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in the Coachella Valley can find the support they need to launch and grow a diverse range of businesses. This is about creating opportunity. The ERC allows us to bring the full strength of our university programs right into the community—directly to the people who can benefit the most.”

Empowering Through Education and Access

At the core of the ERC’s mission is accessibility. Whether you’re a recent graduate with a tech startup dream, a working mother building a home-based business, or a veteran transitioning into civilian life with entrepreneurial ambitions, the center offers tailored support to meet a wide range of needs.

"The Mini MBA was incredibly helpful in giving me a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurs think and approach challenges.

Vanessa Mager

Management Analyst, City of Palm Desert

One of the ERC’s flagship offerings is the Mini MBA program, a six-course series that involves an exclusive focus on entrepreneurship and innovation covering the “greatest hits” of an MBA with an entrepreneurial concentration. Participants gain valuable insights from globally recognized entrepreneurship faculty, as well as industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, who share their wisdom, strategies and real-world experiences. In addition to acquiring essential business skills in areas such as marketing, finance, strategy and leadership, participants connect with a diverse community of aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals, fostering collaboration and future growth opportunities.

“The Mini MBA was incredibly helpful in giving me a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurs think and approach challenges. It helped me see things from their perspective, which in turn allows me to better tailor how I support and serve small businesses through my role with the city. It’s been a game-changer for how I approach economic development work.” — Vanessa Mager, Management Analyst, City of Palm Desert

“The Mini MBA program was just what I needed to find an intelligent focus for my business. As an entrepreneur you instinctively want to do it all, tackle it all, and of course that's impossible. In just eight sessions, the faculty helped me let go of all the extras and focus on my core business. And its breadth of material is one of its biggest assets. Because everyone's non-core extras may be different, being able to look at your company from all angles of a business is crucial." — Eric Cunningham, Emmy-nominated comedian and writer

A Safe Space to Dream: Coachella Valley Women's Business Center

Also housed within the ERC is the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC), a program dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through workshops, mentorship and one-on-one coaching, the center has already helped hundreds of women in the Coachella Valley start and scale their businesses.

"CVWBC is instrumental and necessary for anyone that wants to seriously pursue their dream of entrepreneurship. In this program, I received the perspective of people who have done the work to achieve their dreams.

Allegra Jones

Small Business Owner, Stewardship Services

“Working with CVWBC has been a transformative experience for us. The most valuable aspect of their support has been their exceptional guidance and mentorship, particularly from our mentor, Lilianna Davalos. Lilianna has been with us every step of the way, offering unwavering support and invaluable advice. Her involvement has been a true blessing, helping us clearly define our goals, connect with the right customers, and grow with confidence. This support has been essential to our success, and we are deeply grateful for the positive impact CVWBC has had on our business.” — Elena Wilkie, small business owner, Wilkie Studios

“CVWBC is instrumental and necessary for anyone that wants to seriously pursue their dream of entrepreneurship. In this program, I received the perspective of people who have done the work to achieve their dreams. The mental and emotional load of owning and operating your business cannot be understated. We all must be trailblazers to be entrepreneurs, but sometimes the trail has already been made ready for us, and we just can’t see it! CVWBC will point the way. Narrowly focusing on small problems that feel big can distract us from the work we need to be doing. CVWBC lifted my head to be able to see the path forward. I interacted and received wisdom from MANY counselors. From owning my image to creating my business plan, CVWBC had a hand in all of it. Hiring my own business consultant wouldn’t have amounted to the value and wisdom found in the team at CVWBC.” — Allegra Jones, small business owner, Stewardship Services

Serving Those Who Served: The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program

The ERC is also home to the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP), which aims to equip veterans, active duty members and their spouses (if applicable) with the skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully. Spanning over five months, the curriculum is divided into two phases, with the initial month focusing on foundational workshops and the subsequent four months dedicated to deeper exploration and individualized consulting. The top entrepreneur from the cohort wins a $7,000 prize to start their business.

The Local Impact

For many in the community, the ERC represents more than just opportunity—it’s a sign of long-term investment.

Since its opening, the Palm Desert ERC has already made a significant impact. Local business development is accelerating, with startups launching at record pace and existing businesses receiving vital support to adapt and grow post-pandemic. With its inclusive programs, community-first approach, and direct connection to one of the top entrepreneurship schools in the nation, the Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center is not just a facility—it’s a movement.

And for the dreamers of the Coachella Valley, the future just got a whole lot brighter.

Learn More About the Palm Desert Entrepreneurial Resource Center

Cal State San Bernardino, set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, is a vibrant hub of education and culture in Inland Southern California. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctoral program, all housed within five academic colleges and the Palm Desert Campus.

Not only is a degree from CSUSB affordable and attainable, it is also a pathway to a brighter future. Ranked No. 3 nationally for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, CSUSB helps students rise to great opportunities, securing high-paying jobs while keeping costs low.

The university is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, affordability and commitment to empowering students and communities to achieve their fullest potential.