Innovation Incubator
Boost your local business

CSUDH Innovation Incubator
Small Business Growth Academy (SBGA)

In Collaboration with your city and

The CSUDH Innovation Incubator is helping businesses in southern California grow.

The CSUDH Innovation Incubator has pioneered a special program designed to help small businesses achieve the growth they all are seeking. Through innovative partnerships with cities, counties, and local community organizations, the CSUDH Innovation Incubator provides a once-a-week program over 3 months to help small businesses learn to thrive in their local communities. 

 

Who:

Selected small businesses in the city with up to 100 employees and/or revenue up to $20 million per year.

What:

There will be 10 weekly workshops with homework and/or group work outside of the learning environment, culminating in a showcase on Week 11.

When:

11 consecutive Fridays. 

7:30-8:00 am Light continental breakfast

8:00-10:00 am Workshop sessions to grow your business

Where:

Sessions will be held in your city at a local venue

Small business owners high five in their shop.

Small Business

I'm ready to grow my business

Looking to grow your business? We’re here to help.

Our ten week growth academy can help you achieve your small business growth goals by targeting and tailoring a learning series around your specific goals.

Topics include:

Management & Leadership

  • Small Business Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Human Resources & Talent

 2). Sales and Marketing:

  • Advertising & Outreach
  • Digital Presence
  • Physical Presence
  • Growth Strategies
  • Branding
  • Partnerships

 3). Technology Tools:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
  • Customer Relationship (CRM) Tools
  • Small Business Software

  4). Small Business Financing:

  • Profit First Approach
  • Loans & Debt Financing
  • Equity Financing
  • Alternative Financing
  • Grants & Special Programs
Karyn Poe

"Loved the class. Very insightful! All the instructors are very helpful. Loved interreacting with all the businesses and being able to help each other and get different perspectives."

Jayei Athletics

City of Carson Small Business

Ready to take your business to the next level? You’re only a click away. Apply now!

Apply Now!

Municipalities

We're ready to support our local businesses grow

Does your municipality want to support local businesses in new and innovative ways? Are you trying to help your local small businesses compete in a crowded marketplace? 

Join the movement by bringing the CSUDH Innovation Incubator Small Business Growth Academy to your area!

Here are the key benefits for your municipality:

  • Spur collaboration between local business
  • Training can be located in your city/region
  • The ending Showcase gathers the businesses, local leaders, and the community for a high-profile celebration 
  • High-profile publicity that benefits the city, the local businesses, and the community. 

Interested in the program in your community? Just click the button below to and we’ll be in touch soon! 

Huge Success!

"As the Mayor of our great City of Carson, supporting our local small businesses is a top priority for me. Launching the City of Carson Small Growth Academy was one of my first Mayoral initiatives and I am very proud of the program’s success and our Town & Gown partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills, which helped make this vision a reality."

Lula Davis-Holmes

Mayor, City of Carson

Chennae D. James

"I am grateful that the City [of Carson] is investing in small business owners and providing us this full circle opportunity to learn skills and access resources to grow and succeed in business as well as collaborate with the University to provide real world experience for students whi will help further and grow our businesses."

CD James & Associates

City of Carson Small Business

Is your municipality ready to take help your businesses get to the next level? Schedule a meeting to find out how the CSUDH Small Business Growth Academy can elevate your local businesses and economy!

Get Started Now!

Additional Information

PERKS AND CONTACT

Continuing Education Units: Two (2) CEUs for participants who request it and complete the program.

Cost of the Academy: The $995 fee per participant is frequently subsidized by the local city or community organization .

Are you ready to grow your business? Space is limited! Get on the waitlist for the next cohort.

Got questions? Contact incubator@csudh.edu or call 310-243-3444.

Get More Info!

Sample Business Owner Stories

Business growth is what it's all about.
Melvin Johnson

"This program opened my mind to so many new ideas. All of our instructors were top notch!"

Zosmooth Productions

City of Carson Small Business

Karen Dixon-Nelms

"All of the speakers assisted me in zeroing in on my specific product to market fit and helped me with marketing my product. "

KK Sweets N' Things

City of Carson Small Business

Michael Jones

"Definitely dynamic and rewarding, absolutely fantastic and well thought-out."

J1S & Associates Security Services

City of Carson Small Business

Miya Rousseau

"This program has been one of the most impactful changes to my business. With the help of the incubator, I have been able to upgrade my branding, and secure three additional locations to carry my brand."

The Wild Owl Beauty

City of Carson Small Business

Teresa Romero

"Through all aspects of this program were able to obtain help for our business to improve every aspect of our business. We are truly grateful!"

Gems and Jades

City of Carson Small Business

Alma Pineda

"The program is about connection and community. We had the opportunity to network , learn from each other, and form bonds that can last a lifetime. I have learned about the tools that I need to succeed, grow, and thrive. I have learned so much about marketing my business."

A1 Books2Balance

City of Carson Small Business

Gregory Morse

“The program was the best way I can think of to step outside of your business in order to work on your business.”

17FIVE TIRES

City of Carson Small Business

Denise Willoughby

“My experience at the Academy has helped me to step out with confidence and to not give up; make adjustments when things do not go as planned.”

Plants of Hope

City of Carson Small Business

Alcides Rodriguez

“My experience with the Academy was so important, the materials very helpful, and motivated me to improve my marketing plan.”

Batres Construction

City of Carson Small Business

Ready to take your business to the next level? Get started now!

Apply Now!

Is your municipality ready to take help your businesses get to the next level? Schedule a meeting to find out how the CSUDH Small Business Growth Academy can elevate your local businesses and economy!

Get Started Now!