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Council approves rebrand of Palm Desert 'iHub to Entrepreneurial Resource Center
Summary
Palm Desert unanimously approved renaming the Palm Desert iHub to the Entrepreneurial Resource Center, citing branding limits with the state iHub program and $300,000 in Riverside County programming support.
The Palm Desert City Council unanimously approved rebranding the city's iHub as the "Entrepreneurial Resource Center powered by the City of Palm Desert." Economic Development Director Eric Seja said the iHub brand is controlled at the state level and Palm Desert was not designated among the state's recognized iHubs, prompting the name change to better reflect programming and regional partnerships.
Seja told the council the iHub opened in February 2021 and the School of Entrepreneurship now operates the center; Riverside County's Office of Economic Development has contributed more than $300,000 to expand programming. The rebrand is intended to broaden services for entrepreneurs across stages and industries and to align the center with regional efforts. Dr. Zico Bonillas and staff said additional programming is planned, including outreach to veteran-, female- and minority-owned businesses.
During discussion, a councilmember suggested exploring an AI partnership or steering committee to support expanded programming. Staff said meetings were already scheduled to look at programming expansion. The rebranding motion passed 4 to 0.
