palm springs california
The City of Palm Springs has announced plans to invest in the Small Business Entrepreneurship Pilot Program with Caravanserai Project, a new small business development (SBDC) center in Palm Springs that leverages the Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC network.
The name Caravanserai is a metaphor for the project's mission of providing a safe place for entrepreneurs to get the support they need and keep moving forward. Caravanserais were famous gathering places along trade routes from Asia to North Africa and Southeastern Europe.
The new pilot program targets historically underserved populations, including women, LGBTQ people, veterans, African Americans, Spanish-speaking people, including immigrants regardless of legal status, and people with disabilities. Provide business training and access to capital to early-stage entrepreneurs in the developed community. They traditionally face ongoing discrimination and barriers when starting new businesses. The goal is to provide financial security, economic liquidity, and systemic change.
“One of the key insights that the Caravanserai Project has gained through working with diverse entrepreneurs is that access to capital is paramount for small business owners in historically underserved communities. Technical assistance, workshops, coaching and access to networks are definitely valuable, but their impact is limited,” said Caravanserai Secretary General Mihai Patl. “The synergy of financial and business support is the catalyst that enables these entrepreneurs to succeed. The City of Palm Springs is committed to investing in local small, minority, and diverse businesses, and the We are poised to create a lasting positive impact on the system and lay a solid foundation for sustained growth. We are proud to work together to accelerate and innovate the local small business ecosystem. I think so.”
Program applicants must participate in a four-month business program and meet specific eligibility requirements. Once completed, entrepreneurs will receive funding for early-stage business planning and development and can take the next step in establishing a business presence within the community.
The new center, which officially opened today, is located at 2150 E. Tahqutiz Canyon Way in Palm Springs. For more information about the program, visit caravanseraiproject.org.
“The City of Palm Springs is committed to doing everything we can to support small business entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities that have long faced obstacles,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. ” he said.
“This new pilot program is a step in the right direction in ensuring Palm Springs is a place for everyone who wants to start a new business,” Bernstein City Hall added.
Recently expanded our economic development efforts by hiring a new economic director
Became development director, business administrator, established business maintenance and economic department
Creation of new commercial districts and active development subcommittee
Promote the city's small, locally owned and unique businesses.
For more information about the city's economic development programs, visit palmspringsca.gov.