TEMECULA – Launched in early November, a Business Access Hub between U.S. Bank and the Entrepreneurial Resource Center (ERC), an extension of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University San Bernardino, was established.
Located inside the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange, the hub is designed to cater to the needs of both startups and existing businesses, and offers comprehensive business and workforce development support. Through a diverse array of programs and services, the ERC brings together various entrepreneurial support organizations to provide training, technical assistance and access to resources.
Through this effort, U.S. Bank will have an office at the ERC with Business Access Advisors (BAAs) regularly onsite to serve local business owners and to help them grow and develop their businesses. The BAA services are offered for free, and entrepreneurs don’t have to be a U.S. Bank customer to work with them.
The ERC BAAs are fluent in English, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin, and it is anticipated that they will be able to help up to 300 small businesses at the ERC in the first year alone. The Temecula location is also accompanied by a San Bernardino location.
The launch event featured a fast pitch contest entitled Finish Line Finance, in partnership with the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC). IEWBC director Jacqueline Scott was on hand to introduce the final three contestants, including first place winner Sonia Tapia of Sonia Tapia Photography, second place winner Nikishia Garrat of Samson 7Arts and Xiamoro Palma of Solvit HR, who took third.
U.S. Bank is also running a national contest that small businesses can enter until the end of March 2025 called “Small Business, Big Ambition.” By entering the contest, business owners will have a chance to win:
- A $2000 gift card to invest in their business and community,
- A marketing package consisting of video and photography for their business.
- Business consultation.
- A point-of-sale makeover.
To enter the contest visit mybigambition.com.
Submitted by U.S. Bank.
