Here’s a quick snapshot of universities investing millions of dollars in their entrepreneurship programs and centers within the Inland Empire.
Cal State San Bernardino
The California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) launched its entrepreneurship program two years ago and named it the School of Entrepreneurship.
“Our entrepreneurship program has evolved to the point where it makes sense for it to control its own destiny as a distinct academic discipline. Faculty recruitment will become easier, and employers will better understand what hiring a graduate from the School of Entrepreneurship can contribute to their organizations.”
Lawrence Rose, dean of the Jack H. Brown College, CSUSB
The program had humble beginnings, from less than 20 students in the fall of 2002 to 265 in the fall of 2020, to expand to 500 students by 2025. Startempire Wire reported on the school’s launch of its degree program called ‘Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship and its announcement about a $5k scholarship for those applying for the first time.
UC Riverside
The University of California, Riverside, or UCR, took its entrepreneurship program a step ahead of other universities and made a dedicated unit called “Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center, or EPIC which delivers experiential entrepreneurial education, individualized mentorship and access to capital to promising students, startup founders, and startups.
For instance, through the university’s Office of Technology Partnerships (OTP), startups like ‘ Edge Sound Research qualifying for the famous Consumer Electronics Show (CES) within months from idea to launch.

Cal Poly Pomona
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona banked $1 million in federal funding for developing an entrepreneurial and social hub for startups in the Inland Empire.
Bronco STEA2M Innovation Hub of Cal Poly Pomona will run the entrepreneurship hub helping entrepreneurs and small and family-owned businesses to launch new ventures.
“Not only will local students have access to exciting new professional development, but Inland Empire businesses and entrepreneurs will benefit from new supports and a highly-trained workforce”.
Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona
Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact in Ontario
The University of La Verne initiated this new entrepreneurship program and center, which received a gift of $2 million from real estate executive and philanthropist Randall Lewis.
The center aims to provide entrepreneurial training for several learning cohorts to promote job creation and long-term career support. Like UC Riverside, it aims to support underserved communities in the Inland Empire region.
“I am delighted to partner once again with the University of La Verne on a project that will generate real and positive change in the communities of Inland Southern California,”
Randall Lewis
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