I-HUB Entrepreneurial Programs
The Inland SoCal Accelerate Hub offers dynamic entrepreneurial programs, including accelerator initiatives and startup bootcamps, designed to fast-track your venture’s growth.
These programs provide targeted guidance and support to help startups refine their business models, scale their operations, and access new markets. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, our programs deliver the expertise and resources needed to accelerate your path to success.
Explore the Hub's Entrepreneurial Programs
Crucible Ignitor
Crucible Ignitor is designed for problem solvers and innovative thinkers based in California, the Pacific Northwest (PNW), and Hawaii. Dedicated to launching a new venture, the ultimate goal is for participants to create a new venture/startup around West Coast-based federal and university lab-sourced technology with Department of Defense (DoD) and industry use cases and transition to the warfighter or defense needs, in addition to commercial use cases. For more information, visit the website.
SIGN UP FOR THE CRUCIBLE IGNITOR
Cost: Free
Most Suitable For: Idea Stage, Concept Stage
Program Dates:
- Application Deadline: Friday, November 1, 2024
- Virtual Program Start Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Virtual Weekly Workshops: Tuesdays from December 10, 2024 - April 1, 2025 (breaks will be honored to account for holidays and throughout the program)
- In-person Innovation Summit: April 2025
Format: Virtual
Service Areas:
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Imperial Valley
- Coachella Valley
- Online/Virtual
Requirements & Criteria:
Applicants must be based in California, Oregon, Washington state, or Hawaii to participate. Individuals who have always wanted to create a technology-based startup to those who have launched multiple businesses and are ready for their next venture and anyone in the in-between are encouraged to apply.
Organization: FedTech
Contact: Daniel Delgado (daniel.delgado@fedtech.io)
Crucible Accelerator
The Crucible Accelerator, in partnership with NavalX Inland Empire Tech Bridge, is a no-cost, no-equity program designed to accelerate the growth of startups across the Pacific Northwest, focusing on California, Oregon, Washington state, and Hawaii. Drawing inspiration from the determination and resilience demonstrated in the U.S. Marines' Crucible challenge, this 11-week program offers entrepreneurs mentorship, resources, and the chance to cultivate strategic partnerships. Crucible Accelerator aims to propel businesses to the next level and enable them to tackle real-world challenges. For more information, visit the website.
SIGN UP FOR THE CRUCIBLE ACCELERATOR
Cost: Free
Most Suitable For: Seed Stage, Early Stage
Format: Virtual
Program Dates:
- Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
- Virtual Weekly Workshops from: January 13, 2025 - March 28, 2025
- In-person Innovation Summit: April 2025
Service Areas:
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
- Imperial Valley
- Coachella Valley
- Online/Virtual
Requirements & Criteria:
Startups must be based in California, Oregon, Washington state, or Hawaii to participate. The ideal candidate are startups interested in exploring the Naval/DoD/regional West Coast region as a market and for business expansion.
Organization: FedTech
Contact: Daniel Delgado (daniel.delgado@fedtech.io)
APEX Accelerator
The Inland Empire APEX Accelerator offers specialized support to help businesses navigate and succeed in government contracting. They provide expert assistance with certifications, such as Small Business, Women-Owned, 8(a), HubZone, and Veteran-Owned certifications. Beyond these basics, APEX helps businesses find contracting opportunities across federal, state, and local platforms, including Beta.Sam.Gov, Cal eProcure, and regional portals. Additionally, they support businesses in pursuing innovation grants through SBIR/STTR programs, assisting with identifying topics, understanding announcements, and preparing proposals. For more information, visit the website.
SIGN UP FOR tHE APEX ACCELERATOR
Cost: Free
Most Suitable For: Mature Stage
Program Dates: Ongoing
Format: Virtual
Service Areas:
- Riverside County
- San Bernardino County
Organization: Inland Empire APEX Accelerator
Contact: Valorie Piper (valorie.piper@rccd.edu)