Business Startup & Acceleration Services
Access a comprehensive suite of services designed to propel your startup's journey from inception to acceleration. Our tailored support and collaborative environment encompass strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to funding to successfully navigate the intricacies of launching and growing your business.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC)
Our Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program, part of the Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center (EPIC), provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive, in-depth mentoring support. Our EPIC SBDC mentors, recognized for their "extreme and personalized handholding," are experts in business formation and development. Offering personalized one-on-one counseling, group "Deep Dives," and topic-focused workshops, we ensure your startup's success without any cost to you. All EPIC SBDC mentoring is delivered pro bono and mentors may not receive compensation or maintain an equity stake in their clients.
Incubation Services
UC Riverside manages tech-focused incubators both on campus and downtown Riverside. ExCITE, Riverside's technology-based startup incubator, provides co-working space, networking, workshops, and mentor access. The Life Sciences Incubator, centrally located on campus, supports startups in agriculture tech, biomedical technologies, bioengineering, and medicinal chemistry. These incubators offer vital technology, equipment, and access to UCR's core facilities, faculty, and entrepreneurial development services and are available for use by companies who join the Build 2 Scale program.
Application for Grants & VC funding
Navigate the complex landscape of funding with our SBIR/STTR (Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Research) Resource Center and EPIC SBDC. We guide founders seeking non-dilutive research and development seed grant) funding, connecting them with federal agencies, university resources, and investors. EPIC clients benefit from ongoing relationships with angel investors and venture capitalists, with opportunities like the Riverside Angel Summit and the Citrus Seeds Fund dedicated to EPIC SBDC clients.
Initial Technical Verification Assistance
Our goal is to build a hub for sustainability and clean technologies with a global impact. EPIC SBDC advisors work closely with UCR innovators and the community, delivering programs that support technology-based innovation and economic development in the Inland Empire. Prospective clients are vetted for their fit with the Opportunity to Advance Sustainability Innovation and Social Inclusion (OASIS) Accelerator.
Interested applicants can apply here for consideration by the EPIC SBDC director.
C-Suite Advice, Business and Marketing Assistance
UCR EPIC provides innovation & entrepreneurship programs, along with personalized one-on-one mentoring for venture founders. Our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) are experienced startup founders, corporate executives, and investors. They offer expert advice and personalized mentorship on vital matters such as business and market development, capitalization, regulatory affairs, partnerships, staff development, and financial management.
For more information:
Please fill out the form below and the Office of Technology Partnerships will reach out to schedule a call with you.