Entrepreneurs, small business owners, lenders, investors, public agencies and community partners from across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley will gather at the Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center on Aug. 21 for Inland Prosperity Conference 2026, a daylong conference designed to help small businesses start, grow and thrive. Tickets are available now.

Hosted by CSUSB’s Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (WBC) and Coachella Valley WBC, the conference reflects the university’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses and strengthening the regional economy.

The conference will feature a keynote address by Fiona Ma, CPA, California state treasurer, who will share insights on California’s economic landscape, small business development and expanding access to opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Centered on this year’s theme, “United in Business,” the conference is designed to help business owners build meaningful connections, discover new resources and gain practical strategies they can put to work immediately.

“The Inland Prosperity Conference is about more than business — it is about building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem where ideas become opportunities, businesses create jobs, and partnerships drive lasting economic growth,” said Jackie Scott, director, Inland Empire WBC. “As a program of Cal State San Bernardino’s Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, we are proud to bring together entrepreneurs, resource partners, lenders, and community leaders because when we are united in business, we create stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a more prosperous Inland Empire.”

Whether attendees are launching a new venture or expanding an established business, the conference will offer practical workshops, expert-led panel discussions, one-on-one business advising, networking opportunities and access to organizations that provide capital, contracting assistance and business development resources. Sessions will focus on customer growth, digital tools, financial readiness and developing actionable strategies that participants can apply to their businesses.

The conference will also feature a dedicated Women-Owned Business Growth Program Track, offering specialized programming on leadership, visibility, financial readiness, wealth-building and increasing long-term business value. The track is designed for women-owned businesses, as well as professionals and organizations that support women entrepreneurs.

The conference is open to entrepreneurs, startups, microbusinesses, Main Street businesses, contractors, service providers, makers, employers, growth-stage companies, lenders, funders and economic development partners from throughout the region.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the conference may contact Jackie Scott at jscott@iewbc.org.