From finding funding to finding customers, local entrepreneurs got a full day of ideas, resources and connections at the Inland Prosperity Conference 2026.

Hosted by Cal State San Bernardino’s Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC) and Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (CVWBC), the conference brought together entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, public agencies, business advisers and community partners — all with one goal: helping local businesses grow.

Jackie Scott, director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, welcomed attendees to the Inland Prosperity Conference and spoke about the “Impact of the IE and the California WBC Network.”
Jackie Scott, director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, welcomed attendees to the Inland Prosperity Conference and spoke about the “Impact of the IE and the California WBC Network.”

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, kicked off the program with a keynote focused on helping women-owned businesses become ready, resilient and bankable. From there, attendees jumped into panels, breakout sessions, networking and hands-on learning covering everything from capital, credit and cash flow to government contracts, AI, storytelling, succession planning and business growth.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, kicked off the program with a keynote focused on helping women-owned businesses become ready, resilient and bankable.

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, gave a keynote address focused on helping women-owned businesses become ready, resilient and bankable.
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, gave a keynote address focused on helping women-owned businesses become ready, resilient and bankable.

The range of topics reflected the realities of entrepreneurship: There’s no single formula for building a successful business.

Some attendees explored how to land bigger customers. Others learned how to take a pop-up business to the next level, plan for their company’s future or use communications and AI to expand their reach. Women entrepreneurs also had access to specialized programming focused on leadership, visibility, financial readiness, wealth-building and long-term business value. 

Mike Stull, director of CSUSB’s Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, talked to attendees about the opportunities in the Inland Empire for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Mike Stull, director of CSUSB’s Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, talked to attendees about the opportunities in the Inland Empire for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Just as important as what happened in the sessions was what happened between them. The conference was designed to connect business owners with funders, lenders, public agencies, procurement partners and community organizations — relationships that can continue supporting entrepreneurs long after the event ends. 

Held Aug. 21 at the Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center, the day wrapped up with a 90-day growth planning session, sending attendees home with a challenge to turn what they learned into action.

The conference’s theme, “United in Business,” captured the idea behind the day: When entrepreneurs have access to the right people, resources and opportunities, individual businesses grow — and the entire region benefits. As conference organizers noted, small businesses create jobs, strengthen communities and build wealth that stays local. 

The conference brought together entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, public agencies, business advisers and community partners — all with one goal: helping local businesses grow.
The conference brought together entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, public agencies, business advisers and community partners — all with one goal: helping local businesses grow.