Our network of for-profit and nonprofit entrepreneurs is constantly expanding. Whether we’re welcoming them to our office in Palm Springs, meeting them where they are, or supporting them virtually, these interactions are some of the best motivators for our team! In May alone, through our 10-workshop programs and Caravan SBDC one-on-one coaching sessions, we supported over 175 entrepreneurs. And July is shaping up to be even busier!
Here are some of our highlights as we head into the summer:
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We haven’t slowed down since the SEED Lab Graduation and the Palm Springs Pitch Competition! Over the past month, our Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair have visited our small farmer entrepreneurs. We’ve completed several business support and funding access programs and celebrated the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of some of these entrepreneurs!
3 Quotes That Inspired Us
“Don’t look at small business as a means to an end…look at it as a chance to create something of immeasurable value and beauty in a world that desperately needs it.”
– Michael E. Gerber
“Small business people are people with goals and values that can’t be calculated on a profit and loss statement.”
– Linda McMahon
“Small business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the patient and the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.”
– Unknown
2 Facts About Entrepreneurship
- Women-owned businesses are a significant and growing segment of the US economy, with over 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the US that generate $1.8 trillion in revenue and employ nearly 10 million people. The number of women-owned businesses has been steadily increasing, growing at a rate of 21% over the past five years, compared to 9% for all businesses.
- The Inland Empire runs on the back of entrepreneurship, with small businesses Riverside and San Bernardino counties employing over 1.3 million people and generating billions of dollars in revenue annually.
1 Story From a Caravanserai Project Entrepreneur
Ahead of this Mother’s Day, we heard from Jenny Lopez-Lowe, one of our fantastic entrepreneurs and the founder of Women Add Value:
“The journey of entrepreneurship is not a solitary one but a collective endeavor, rooted in the principle of teamwork. Just as the widow enlisted the help of her neighbors to gather empty jars, modern-day female entrepreneurs rely on the support of their families, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business ownership. Together, they form a tapestry of resilience, each thread contributing to the strength and of the whole.
In the midst of economic uncertainty and societal upheaval, the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the Coachella Valley shines bright as a beacon of hope and inspiration. From launching small businesses out of their homes to scaling ambitious ventures that address pressing social issues, these women embody the timeless virtues of love, compassion, and perseverance. They are not just entrepreneurs; they are mothers, daughters, sisters, and pillars of their communities, leading by example and paving the way for future generations.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us honor the remarkable women who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, whose unwavering faith and resilience illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow. May their stories inspire us to embrace the power of faith, the strength of community. Happy Mother’s day from Women Add Value and Caravanserai Project.”
Support entrepreneurs like Jenny!
For All Entrepreneurs – Check Out Caravan SBDC!
Caravanserai Project has been building on its services through Caravan SBDC, a part of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network offering bilingual consulting and development workshops. Our mission is to connect underserved small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills they need to thrive, fostering economic growth and systemic change in our communities. Check out our programs below to get the support you need!
