The Cathedral City Council recognized graduates of the city’s first Ignite entrepreneurship cohort on Monday and heard from a participant who said the program helped her launch a bookkeeping business.

Victor (Economic Development staff) described Ignite as a city economic initiative delivered in partnership with the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center and the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and noted the program used the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) content for a four‑week startup series. He said the quarter’s curriculum covered business planning, financial projections, marketing and access to capital and that the city and Riverside County presented certificates to the graduates.

Janet David, a recent participant, told the council she became a bookkeeper after being laid off and said Ignite provided a mentor and guidance to ensure compliance with city requirements. She encouraged others thinking of starting a business to join the next program.

Victor said Ignite’s next four‑week program begins Thursday, Oct. 9, with sessions designed to help entrepreneurs develop metrics, financials and strategies for growth. Interested participants were directed to sign up through the city economic-development webpage or by contacting the economic-development staff.

There was no formal council action on the presentation; the council offered congratulatory remarks.