Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 1
The Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program
Catalyst Funding Round 3
City of Riverside, Economic Development
Charles Michael Futrell
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92522
[email protected]
O: 951-990-3315
Desiree Massei
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92522
[email protected]
O: 951-990-3315
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 2
Application Form
Proposal Information
Catalyst Funding Guidelines Overview
This application is for Thrive Inland SoCal’s Catalyst Funding Round 3, a regional grant opportunity under California Jobs First. A total of $3 million is available to support pre-development proposals that advance job quality, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Submission Deadline: All applications must be submitted by June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Catalyst prioritizes projects in the following target sectors:
•Cybersecurity
•Advanced Manufacturing
•Clean Technology
Click here to view the full Catalyst Funding Round 3 Guidelines Need help preparing your application?
Visit www.thriveinlandsocal.org for templates, FAQs, and guidance.
For direct support, contact:
•Daisy Lopez (IELI): [email protected]
Project Title*
Name of Proposal.
The Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program
Funding Request Lane*
Funding Lanes:
Lane A:
Exploratory (early phase ideas)
Maximum award amount of: $25K
Lane B:
Planning (reading for investment, job creation started) Maximum award amount of: $250K
Lane C:
Last-mile (needs final funding to begin development)
Maximum award amount of: $1Million
Lane B (up to $250K)
Funding Request Amount*
$250,000.00
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 3
Subregion(s) Served*
What subregion(s) will your proposal serve? You can select more than one. (Cities listed per subregion) Check all that apply.
Inland Valley: Fontana, Rialto, Colton, San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Loma Linda, Yucaipa, Chino Hills, Chino, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, and Unincorporated Areas Western and Southwestern Riverside County: Riverside, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Canyon Lake, Menifee, Wildomar, Murrieta, Temecula, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Hemet, San Jacinto, Beaumont, Banning, and Unincorporated and Extended Areas
Desert & Mountain Region: Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Coachella, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Idyllwild, Blythe, Big Bear, Wrightwood, Unincorporated and Extended Areas
High Desert Region: Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Barstow, Unincorporated and Extended Areas Western and Southwestern Riverside County
Additional Funding Sources*
Have you applied for additional funding sources for this proposal? No
Focus Area*
Which priority area for California Jobs First does your proposal address? You can select more than one.
Job Quality and Access
Equity
Sustainability
Organization Type*
(Please be advised that there may be tax implications related to this funding depending on your organization type.) Government Entity
Industry Alignment:*
Select all that apply
Clean Technology
Other
Proposal Narrative
The questions below form the core of your Catalyst application. Use them to describe your proposal’s purpose, impact, partnerships, and how it will contribute to economic opportunity in Inland SoCal.
Please respond using clear, direct language. All responses should connect your proposal to the goals of California Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 4
Jobs First and Thrive Inland SoCal.
Each narrative response has a 250-word (1,500 character) maximum.
Proposal Overview
Proposal Overview*
In 500 words (3,000 characters) or less, summarize your proposal.
Briefly describe what the project is, who’s leading it, where it will take place, and its current stage (concept, planning, or implementation-ready). Highlight the core idea, intended beneficiaries, and how it connects to the goals of California Jobs First and Thrive Inland SoCal. This section should provide a clear snapshot before diving into the detailed narrative.
The City of Riverside’s Economic & Community Development Department is launching the Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program to catalyze clean technology investment, generate quality job creation, and build long-term environmental and economic resilience in the Inland Empire. This initiative seeks to attract and support clean tech firms through flexible financial tools, wraparound services, and strong public-private partnerships—positioning Riverside as Inland Southern California’s leading hub for climate-smart innovation.
At the heart of the program is a two-part strategy: a Green Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and a targeted business attraction and incentive program. Together, these components will offer low-interest, flexible capital and matching grants to early-stage and expanding clean tech businesses. The program targets companies in high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, energy storage, water conservation, electrification, and circular economy innovation. To support inclusive growth, the city will focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs and businesses locating in underserved communities.
Riverside is uniquely positioned to lead in green industry growth. The region faces severe environmental challenges—San Bernardino and Riverside counties consistently rank among the most polluted in the nation.
This context underscores the need for clean energy solutions and makes Riverside a logical launchpad for clean tech development. Energy-related occupations are projected to grow over 20% by 2030, and Riverside offers lower business costs, a strategic location, and a robust talent pipeline. Institutions like UC Riverside provide technical training, research collaboration, and direct access to skilled local workers.
As clean tech firms face growing barriers—from limited capital to labor shortages—Riverside’s program fills a critical gap. The city will offer support beyond financing, including streamlined permitting, site selection, and technical assistance. A $250,000 request will fund core infrastructure for the Green RLF, such as legal structuring, underwriting policy development, a digital application portal, and outreach materials tailored to equity-priority communities.
The program is led by the City’s Economic Development Division in partnership with local universities. These collaborators will provide technical assistance, mentorship, and industry-specific guidance to help companies grow and hire locally.
This initiative addresses a core challenge: the lack of quality, local jobs in the innovation economy. Many Inland Empire residents commute long distances for work. This program will reverse that trend by attracting companies offering competitive wages & committing to local hiring. Training and upskilling programs will connect youth, transitioning workers, and entrepreneurs to careers in clean energy, electrification, efficiency, energy storage, grid modernization, and environmental stewardship.
A. Economic & Sustainability Impact
A.1 Good Jobs, Fairness & Environmental Health*
Describe how the proposal will support the creation of good-paying, family-sustaining, or mortgage-sustaining jobs, promote fairness, and strengthen long-term environmental health.
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 5
The City of Riverside’s Green Business Attraction & Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) initiatives support the creation of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs in high-growth sectors like clean tech & advanced manufacturing. By offering accessible, low-interest capital & matching grants, these programs help early- stage & expanding businesses grow locally, create quality jobs, & provide wages between $25–$40/hour with benefits in fields such as renewable energy, water conservation, energy storage, & sustainable transportation.
These efforts target long-standing regional disparities where many skilled residents commute long distances for work. By attracting firms committed to local hiring & fair labor practices, Riverside creates career pathways close to home. The RLF treats small business owners as long-term wealth builders, not just loan recipients—requiring job data reporting & offering coaching on equitable hiring, scaling, & workforce development.
Partners like RCCD, UCR, & UCR Extension would provide tailored training & certification programs aligned with clean industry needs, preparing residents—especially those without four-year degrees—for upward mobility. This integrated approach ensures that clean economy growth advances equity, supports working families, & strengthens long-term environmental health by building a resilient, sustainable, & inclusive innovation ecosystem in Riverside.
A.2 Projected Economic Benefits & Metrics*
Outline the economic benefits expected from the proposal. Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate impact.
The Green Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) & Business Attraction Program drives inclusive economic growth & environmental sustainability in Riverside by supporting early-stage & expanding clean tech businesses.
Target sectors-renewable energy, sustainable transportation, water conservation, energy efficiency, energy storage, & circular manufacturing offer strong job growth & upward mobility in the region’s transitioning economy. Through low-interest loans of $25,000–$100,000, the City will reduce capital barriers & incentivize hiring, equipment purchases, & facility expansion. The RLF is projected to assist 40+ clean tech businesses in year one, helping create or retain 150+ jobs by 2027. Additional job growth will occur through increased demand in local supply chains & the broader innovation ecosystem.
Equity is central to the program’s structure. It prioritizes underrepresented entrepreneurs & businesses in disadvantaged communities. Participating firms must commit to offering living wages, benefits, & safe working environments. Outreach will be bilingual, & partners like UC Riverside, & OCIE SBDC would offer no- cost coaching & support.
A performance dashboard will track key metrics—emissions reductions, private capital leveraged, jobs created, & businesses supported in high-need areas. This program offers a scalable model for green economic development—one that strengthens the economy, supports families, & advances sustainability across Inland Southern California.
A.3 Advancing Climate Resilience & Sustainability*
Explain how the proposal supports a cleaner, more climate-resilient future.
The Green Business Attraction Program & Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) are designed to accelerate Riverside’s transition to a cleaner, more climate-resilient future by directly investing in businesses that reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency, & create sustainable jobs. By targeting high-impact sectors such as renewable energy, energy storage, sustainable transportation, water conservation, & circular manufacturing, the proposal supports technologies that actively address climate change.
Through low-interest financing & business incentives, the City will enable clean tech firms to scale locally, leading to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improved air & water quality, & less reliance on fossil fuels. These businesses will be required to implement sustainability practices & report on environmental outcomes, ensuring accountability.
The program also promotes climate equity by prioritizing underrepresented entrepreneurs & projects in pollution-burdened communities, which often bear the greatest climate risk. Partners such as UC Riverside & Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 6
RCCD will provide training aligned with the green economy, building a local workforce equipped to respond to climate challenges.
By combining clean energy growth, equitable job creation, & environmental accountability, this proposal strengthens Riverside’s capacity to adapt to climate change & lead in regional resilience. It lays the foundation for a just, inclusive clean economy that benefits both people & the planet.
B. Workforce & Economic Development
B.1 Addressing Local Workforce Needs & Industry Shifts* Describe how your proposal addresses local workforce needs and responds to changes in the labor market and environment, especially within cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, or clean technology.
The City of Riverside’s Green Business Attraction & Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) directly addresses evolving labor market demands by supporting job creation in clean technology & advanced manufacturing—two of the Inland Empire’s fastest-growing sectors. These industries are key to California’s energy transition, which is expected to generate millions of new jobs, particularly in electrification, energy storage, & green infrastructure.
The program provides low-interest capital & matching grants to early-stage & expanding clean tech businesses, helping them scale locally & create jobs paying $25–$40 an hour. These family-sustaining wages support upward mobility & reduce the need for long commutes, a persistent regional challenge. To meet workforce needs, the City is partnering with UC Riverside, UCR Extension, & RCCD to deliver training programs aligned with industry trends, many of which require no four-year degree, instead apprenticeship opportunities / certificates to align with industry goals & flexible learning for the workforce.
As automation, climate policy, & global supply chain shifts reshape labor needs, Riverside’s initiative prepares residents for future-ready careers while building a clean innovation ecosystem. Businesses will report on job types, wages, & hiring outcomes, ensuring workforce accountability.The program prioritizes underserved communities & fosters inclusive economic growth—ensuring local workers are equipped for a more resilient, sustainable future.
B.2 Advancing Job Pathways, Entrepreneurship, and Wealth-Building* Explain how the proposal will create job pathways, support entrepreneurship, or help people build wealth in the community.
The City of Riverside’s Green Business Attraction & Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) advances job pathways, entrepreneurship, & wealth-building by aligning clean tech business growth with workforce reskilling & education. As industries shift toward sustainability, the program will connect local residents—especially youth, transitioning workers, & those without four-year degrees—to high-demand clean economy careers in renewable energy, energy storage, water conservation, & sustainable manufacturing.
In partnership with local universities and educational partners, the City will expand access to training, certifications, & industry-aligned credentials that equip residents with in-demand skills. These programs will focus on practical, career-ready education that leads directly into jobs paying $25–$40 an hour, enough to support rent, mortgage payments, & long-term financial stability.
By supporting companies that commit to hiring locally & offering benefits, the program reduces the need for long commutes, helping residents stay close to home, invest in their communities, & contribute to neighborhood vitality. Entrepreneurs will also receive capital, coaching, & workforce development support— creating opportunities for business ownership & long-term wealth creation.
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 7
This integrated approach ensures that clean technology growth creates lasting economic benefits for residents—reskilling the workforce, launching career pathways, & driving community-centered prosperity across Riverside.
B.3 Promoting Job Quality & Worker Protections*
Provide details on job quality elements such as wages, benefits, or worker protections included in the proposal.
The Green Business Attraction & RLF program elevates job quality by pairing financial incentives with strong worker protections, continuous education, & skill building support. All participating employers must commit to offering living wages ($25–$40/hour), core benefits like healthcare & paid leave, & maintaining safe, inclusive workplaces. But the program goes further—recognizing that job quality is also about long-term career growth.
In partnership with RCCD, UCR Extension, & local incubators, the City will offer ongoing training, certification pathways, & upskilling programs aligned with clean tech industry needs. These educational supports ensure workers don’t just get jobs—they gain careers with advancement potential, often without requiring a four- year degree. From energy systems & electric vehicle maintenance to water efficiency & green building, curriculum is designed for real-world impact.
Employers will receive guidance on equitable hiring, retention strategies, & professional development planning—building a culture of lifelong learning. Workers will have access to stackable credentials that allow them to grow from entry-level into leadership roles, increasing their income & stability over time.
By integrating education, equity, & job protections, Riverside is not just creating clean tech jobs—it’s setting a new standard for how communities build prosperity from the ground up.
C. Partnerships, Community Engagement & Implementation
C.1 Key Partners and Roles*
Identify your key partners and describe their roles.
The Green Business Attraction & RLF program will be supported by a strong coalition of regional partners committed to advancing clean technology, workforce, & inclusive economic growth. Current educational partners like UCR would serve as innovation partners, offering research collaboration, faculty expertise, & support for early-stage companies through the ExCITE & OASIS incubators, creating a launchpad for scalable clean tech ventures.
UCR Extension can provide courses and programs for workforce training, developing & delivering industry- aligned programs that provide residents, especially underemployed workers, with the skills needed to access clean economy careers. Programs will focus on stackable credentials, continuous learning, & career advancement.
The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) could provide small business coaching, technical assistance, & support for navigating capital access, compliance, & growth planning.
City of Riverside Business Liaisons will promote the program, assist with outreach, & connect local entrepreneurs to available resources including partners at AJCCs.
In addition, the City will engage philanthropic & mission-aligned organizations to support equity-focused marketing, multilingual outreach, & community-based education efforts ensuring the program reaches underrepresented entrepreneurs & high-need neighborhoods. Together, partners will help Riverside grow a resilient, inclusive, clean tech economy.
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 8
C.2 Sustaining Collaboration Throughout Implementation* Describe how you will maintain strong collaboration throughout the proposal’s life.
The City of Riverside will maintain strong collaboration throughout the life of the proposal by implementing a structured, inclusive, and adaptive coordination model. A City-led steering committee will meet quarterly to guide the implementation of the Green Business Attraction & RLF program. This committee will be responsible for tracking progress, reviewing metrics, addressing challenges, and ensuring alignment with program goals and equity outcomes.
As the initiative grows, the City will expand the steering committee regionally to include voices from neighboring jurisdictions, workforce boards, philanthropic partners, and clean tech industry leaders. This regional collaboration will help align efforts, reduce duplication, and amplify the impact of green job creation and business support across the Inland Empire.
The City will also facilitate monthly internal team check-ins, produce shared dashboards, and host biannual stakeholder forums to evaluate progress, share lessons learned, and strengthen program responsiveness.
Community feedback will be gathered through multilingual outreach events, small business roundtables, and surveys to ensure the program evolves with local needs.
By fostering transparency, consistent communication, and broad regional input, Riverside will build a resilient, cross-sector network that supports long-term clean tech growth and inclusive economic development.
C.3 Metrics and Outcomes for Success*
Share the specific goals or outcomes you will track to measure success. Use metrics where possible.
To measure success, the City of Riverside will implement a performance tracking framework that combines internal data collection, benchmarking, and community-informed evaluation. Core goals include business growth, job creation, workforce development, and equity-centered impact.
Key metrics will include:
• Number of clean tech businesses funded
• Jobs created or retained
• % of businesses located in underserved areas
• Wages offered
• % of loans/grants awarded to underrepresented entrepreneurs • Number of businesses attracted to the City of Riverside The City will build an internal dashboard to collect and monitor real-time program data, including business performance, workforce outcomes, and environmental indicators. This will allow for ongoing benchmarking against local and statewide targets and inform timely course correction.
To ensure community relevance, the City will conduct regular multilingual outreach, including quarterly surveys, focus groups, and feedback sessions with business owners, jobseekers, and workforce partners.
Insights gathered will inform program refinements, equity strategies, and communication efforts.
Together, this data-driven approach will ensure transparency, impact, and continuous improvement— positioning Riverside as a national model for inclusive, clean economy growth.
C.4 Community Engagement and Resident Involvement Strategy* Outline your strategy to engage the community and keep residents informed and involved.
The City of Riverside will implement a comprehensive, community engagement strategy to keep residents informed and ensure clean economy opportunities are accessible to all. A public outreach campaign will Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 9
include digital marketing, printed materials, promotion at Citywide events, and Ward-level updates to maximize visibility and reach.
To engage local businesses, the City will conduct targeted marketing for business attraction, expansion, and retention, highlighting available economic development incentives, site selection support, & workforce partnerships. Program details will be shared through the City’s business liaison network, economic development channels, and digital platforms.
Dedicated marketing materials will provide clear, accessible information about funding opportunities, clean tech job pathways, training programs, & program impact. Quarterly partner meetings will be held to coordinate implementation efforts and align outreach with evolving community and business needs.
Community input will be gathered through feedback surveys & opportunities, ensuring transparency & inclusive participation. Outreach will prioritize underserved neighborhoods & underrepresented entrepreneurs and utilize CBO’s and Non-Profits to expand reach.
By leveraging digital tools, local partnerships, & real-time community feedback, Riverside will ensure the Green Business Attraction & RLF program remains visible, accessible, & responsive to the needs of both residents & local businesses.
C.5 Fund Utilization and Timely Expenditure Plan*
Explain how you will ensure that all awarded funds are fully used by August 2026, and share your plans for sustaining the work beyond the grant period.
The City of Riverside has developed a clear, actionable spending plan to ensure full use of awarded funds by August 2026. The $250,000 budget is strategically allocated across implementation categories, with timelines aligned to maximize early activation, outreach, & business support. $100,000 (40%) is dedicated to a Matching Capital Grant Pool, which will be deployed in the first year to support clean tech businesses.
$50,000 (20%) will fund Marketing & Outreach, including printed materials, exhibit booths, & digital campaigns—mobilized in the first 6–12 months to recruit businesses & promote the program. $37,500 (15%) supports program management, covering oversight, reporting, & coordination. These funds will be fully expended through consistent operations over the life of the grant. $37,500 (15%) is allocated to Infrastructure, including fund structuring, underwriting, & a digital application portal—all foundational tasks scheduled for early completion. $25,000 (10%) will support Technical Assistance Partnerships, with contracts & scopes finalized by mid- 2025.
To sustain impact beyond the grant, the City’s Green Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is designed as a self- replenishing model—loan repayments will be reinvested into future borrowers. The City will also pursue philanthropic support, leverage regional partnerships, & build internal capacity to continue marketing, technical assistance, & business development efforts through its Economic Development Department.
Proposal Budget
Project Budget Upload*
Please upload your project budget here using this template.
Riverside_Green_Tech_Grant_Program_Budget_.xlsx
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 10
Additional/Supplemental Materials
Additional/Supplemental Materials
Submit additional supplemental materials to support your project submission. All documents must be combined into a single file for upload.
City+of+Riverside_Catalyst+Funding+Round+3_Support+Attachments-compressed.pdf Attached is a combined file highlighting the City of Riverside’s ongoing commitment to clean technology and sustainable innovation. The file includes photos from key partner events such as the launch of the University of California’s CE-CERT initiative and Clean Air Share vehicles, the VOLTU Motors ribbon cutting celebrating the creation of over 400 clean air jobs, and the OHMIO ribbon cutting in partnership with the Riverside Transit Agency, showcasing the region’s first self-driving, zero-emission bus. Also featured are groundbreaking ceremonies for the Northside Agriculture Innovation Center and VOLTU’s formal resolution of commitment to the City. Two letters of support are included from Mayor Patricia Lock-Dawson and the University of California, Riverside Office of Technology Partnerships.
Electronic Signature
Electronic Signature*
My name typed below serves as my electronic signature.
Desiree Massei
Before You Submit
Please ensure all required sections are complete. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Applications will be reviewed from July through September 2025. All applicants will be notified of their status in Fall 2025 using the email provided in this application.
If you have any questions, contact:
Daisy Lopez – [email protected]
Desiree Massei City of Riverside, Economic Development
Printed On: 30 June 2025 Catalyst Funding Round 3 11
File Attachment Summary
Applicant File Uploads
• Riverside_Green_Tech_Grant_Program_Budget_.xlsx
• City+of+Riverside_Catalyst+Funding+Round+3_Support+Attachments-compressed.pdf
Category % of Budget % of Budget Amount ($)
Matching Capital Grant Pool 40% $ 100,000.00 $ 100,000.00 Marketing & Outreach
Outreach Materials 20% $ 50,000.00 $ 10,000.00
Booth/Exhibit Space & Events $ 12,000.00
Digital Content Creation $ 15,000.00
Online Marketing/Ad Campaigns $ 13,000.00
Staff Resources / Admin Support
Staff Time / Program Management 15% $ 37,500.00 $ 25,000.00 In-House Development (tech/tools) $ 7,500.00
Supplies / Admin $ 5,000.00
Workforce Training & Development
Program Development & Curriculum 25% $ 62,500.00 $ 20,000.00 Training Implementation / Instructors $ 22,500.00
Participant Subsidies / Materials $ 10,000.00
Program Evaluation & Reporting $ 10,000.00
Breakdown
Revolving grants to green tech firms tied to job creation and investment benchmarks.
Printed brochures, flyers, banners, and signage.
Conference/expo space rentals, local and regional event fees.
Video production, photography, branded content for website/social.
Paid ads, social media boosts, digital media placements.
City staff managing program operations, reporting, outreach, and support.
CRM tools, application intake form, dashboards, etc.
Office supplies, software, printing, incidentals.
RCCD/UCR Extension development of custom green tech modules.
Partner costs for delivery, stipends, facilitators.
Training materials, student incentives, uniforms/tools.
Tracking workforce outcomes and compiling success metrics.
Research and Economic Development
Office of Technology Partnerships
245 University Office Building
Riverside, CA 92521
26 June 2025
To: Thrive Inland SoCal's Catalyst Funding Review Committee Subject: Letter of Support – Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program (Thrive Inland SoCal's Catalyst Funding Round 3)
On behalf of the University of California, Riverside Office of Technology Partnerships and EPIC SBDC I am writing to express our support for the City of Riverside’s Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program proposal, submitted under Catalyst Fund Round 3 (Lane B).
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, the Office of Technology Partnerships encompasses technology commercialization, corporate & strategic partnerships, and innovation & entrepreneurship. Our mission is to drive economic growth in Inland Southern California by cultivating a vibrant and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem. To that end, we recognize the critical need to foster clean technology development and local job creation in Inland Southern California. The City of Riverside’s initiative is timely and transformative — addressing the persistent challenges of environmental degradation, job flight, and limited capital access in our region.
We are particularly encouraged by the Program’s dual-pronged approach: a Green Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) coupled with a strategic business attraction campaign. This model supports underserved communities and underrepresented entrepreneurs while positioning Riverside as a regional clean tech hub.
The city’s vital initiative aligns with our own efforts to help local entrepreneurs develop, fund, validate, commercialize, and scale life-changing innovations — cr eating meaningful impact for both society and the regional economy. We are proud to collaborate with the City of Riverside and stand ready to contribute to the success of the Green Business Attraction and Incentive Program. Our support will include but will not be limited to delivering business development and technical assistance, outreach and community engagement, referring eligible businesses or entrepreneurs, supporting workforce development and training, plus participating in program design, evaluation, or implementation.
The City of Riverside’s Green Business initiative will help shape a clean, inclusive, and innovation- driven future for Riverside and the greater Inland Empire. We commend the City of Riverside for its leadership and look forward to being a part of this impactful effort.
Sincerely,
Martin Kleckner III, Ph.D. MBA | Director UCR EPIC SBDC University of California, Riverside | Office of Technology Partnerships 245 University Office Building, Riverside, CA 92521
WWW.TECHPARTNERSHIPS.UCR.EDU • TEL: 951-827-7941 • EMAIL: [email protected]