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Resilient Entrepreneur Program
Build Your Business • Build Your Community
Empowering Entrepreneurs to Build Businesses that Strengthen Communities
Build the Skills • Gain the Confidence • Grow Your Business
The Resilient Entrepreneur Program (REP) empowers aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, meaningful connections, and practical experience so they can build sustainable businesses that strengthen families, communities, and the regional economy.
REP is built on a simple belief: entrepreneurship is a learnable process. Whether you're developing a new business idea, preparing to launch, or growing an
existing business, REP provides the guidance, tools, and support to help you move
forward with confidence.
The REP program is committed to expanding access to entrepreneurial education, mentorship,
and resources for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in underinvested communities.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE- Entrepreneurial education
- Individual mentorship and coaching
- Practical business tools
- Peer learning opportunities
- Community and industry connections
- Access to university and community resources
- Hands-on learning and real-world business experience
WHAT YOU'LL LEAVE WITH
- Greater confidence as entrepreneurs
- Practical knowledge for launching and growing a business
- Stronger networks of mentors and peers
- Increased readiness to start or expand a business
- A personalized roadmap for continued entrepreneurial growth
OUR PHILOSOPHY
- Entrepreneurship is a learnable process.
- Every entrepreneur has potential.
- Every business can create positive impact.
- Strong networks accelerate success.
- Resilient entrepreneurs build resilient communities
Who Should Apply?
REP is designed for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to develop the skills, confidence, and network needed to build a successful business. We are committed to expanding access to entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in underinvested communities.
Ready to get started?
Take the first step toward building your business and strengthening your community.
APPLY NOW!Apply for the next cohort starting Feb 2027!
Program Outline
PHASE 1: 2027 BOOTCAMP SCHEDULE
In-person at the Innovation Hub • Class Hours: 8:30 AM - 2 PM
February 2027 - March 2027
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- Saturday, Feb 6
- Saturday, Feb 13
- Saturday, Feb 20
- Saturday, Feb 27
- Saturday, Mar 13
- Saturday, Mar 20
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Community members participate in a six-week boot-camp that introduces the basic tools, concepts, and principles relevant to launching and growing a successful venture.
PHASE 2: MENTORSHIP
April 2027 - August 2027
Flexible 1:1 hybrid meetings with San Diego Business Development Center Mentors (as
needed)
PHASE 3: BUSINESS SOLUTIONS STUDENT LAB
September 2027 - November 2027
Flexible 1:1 hybrid meetings with CSUSM College of Business Students (as needed)
Additional Resources that can be unlocked during the program:
- Resource Connect: Entrepreneurs can be connected to valuable resources in the community through community forums, an internet platform, and other communication vehicles.
- Micro-Credit: Access to local organizations and financial institutions create a micro-credit fund
that provides low-interest and no-interest loans and grants to individuals as they
attempt to launch ventures.
Research and Tracking: The program will conduct research documenting the challenges facing entrepreneurs, tracking their progress, and identifying elements that are successful in helping them move forward.
Eligibility & Cost
We focus on supporting community members who have a dream of starting and growing a venture (and this includes those who have already started a venture but are struggling).
The price of the Resilient Entrepreneur Program is $500. All applicants may be considered for scholarship.
- Applications may submitted at any time. Program interviews for the 2027 Cohort will take place in Jan 2027.
Have questions? Please email innovation@csusm.edu
Interested in Volunteering for the Program?
Lend your expertise and make a meaningful impact by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As a volunteer with the Resilient Entrepreneur Program you’ll play a vital role in helping our entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses through hands-on mentorship, practical education, and community-based support.
Ways to Get Involved:
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In-Person Guest Speaker
Speak at our Saturday bootcamps (Feb–Mar 2026) at the CSUSM Innovation Hub. Present for 20-30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Topics can include marketing, finance, time management, AI, crowdfunding, and more. -
Virtual Mentor or Guest Speaker
Join a remote mentoring session and share your knowledge during our online Thursday noon sessions. Flexible commitment—just 1 hour online. -
Community Partner
Participate in evening community events once per semester to connect entrepreneurs with local resources and mentorship. -
One-on-One Mentor
Meet with an entrepreneur one-on-one (in-person or virtually) between April and October to offer targeted guidance based on your expertise.
Help break down barriers to entrepreneurship—your experience can make a lasting impact.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our INTEREST FORM.