Report shows Entrepreneurship Center has big impact on region

A new report published this week by the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) shows the center has had a big impact on the region’s economy.

Data in 2024 Impact Report shows that over the past two decades the IECE’s economic impact on the region is more than $846 million and the IECE had a net positive contribution of more than $146 million when total loans, contracts and exports are combined in 2024 alone.

“We report only the direct economic impact that has been achieved through our business assistance programs – it doesn’t account for any multiplier effects, which often estimate such impact is increased ten-fold,” said Mike Stull, Director of IECE. “Our dedicated team of business professionals and experts continue to make an impact on entrepreneurship in the region.”

Several new programs and initiatives were introduced in 2024 to address service gaps in the market, such as the Entrepreneurial Resource Center – Temecula, Palm Desert iHub, SBDC – Retail Ready – An ERC Marketplace Series, SBDC – Chef to CEO – An ERC Marketplace Series, SBDC SoCal Contracting Conference and SBDC Emergency and Disaster Contracting Conference, and the SBDC/WBC Childcare Series – Thrive Series.

According to the report, 6,948 jobs were created or retained due to the programs and resources available to business owners and entrepreneurs.

The Center is on track to hit $1 Billon in economic impact for the Inland Empire by 2028.

For the full report, visit csusb.edu/content/ieceimpact.