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Entrepreneur Resource Center reports $1 billion regional economic impact and growing programming
Summary
The Palm Desert Entrepreneur Resource Center told council it assisted nearly 1,200 companies in 2025, supported roughly 1,600 jobs, and announced the program’s cumulative economic impact in the Riverside/San Bernardino region has exceeded $1 billion; staff described partnerships with SBA‑affiliated programs and new AI programming.
A representative for the Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) told Palm Desert leaders on March 12 that the ERC’s programming and partner network helped nearly 1,200 companies in 2025, drew about 2,300 attendees to workshops and events, and supported roughly 1,600 jobs.
"As of this morning, we just released the announcement that we've, collectively hit 1 billion dollars in economic impact in the region that we serve that covers Riverside and San Bernardino County," the presenter said, noting the ERC inherited its city contract in 2024 and has expanded programs including an "AI Coachella Valley" initiative and pro bono legal assistance for startups.
The presenter said the ERC leverages funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration through local Small Business Development Center programs, the Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center, and Riverside County economic development resources to support counseling, co‑working space and training such as a Mini MBA.
Council members thanked the ERC for supporting entrepreneurs and noted visible community engagement at mixers and graduations. The ERC representative credited local partnerships and named several local businesses recognized for leadership.
No council action was requested at the presentation; the update was informational.
