Economic Development Committee
April 23, 2026

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1 Riverside County Data FactsAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Riverside County’sGross Regional Productreached$135 billionin 2024.That makes us:The 41st largest county economy in the United StatesIn the top 1.3% of all U.S. countiesThe 10th largest county economy in CaliforniaRiverside County’s economy is larger than the economies of 13 U.S. statesPopulation & Workforce MomentumAs of January 1, 2025, Riverside County’s population reached nearly2.5 million, making us thefourth-largest county in CaliforniaFrom a workforce perspective:We added more than 75,500 jobsbetween 2021 and 2024We were the fastest-growing large county in California in total employment during that period with a workforce larger than that of 15 states combinedOver 84,000 Business Establishments – 96.7%are Small Businesses 4/10/2026
2 Riverside County Innovation Ecosystem
Riverside County Innovation MonthFive Regional Fast Pitch Competitions:•Southwest Regional Fast Pitch: April 14, 2026 @ 11:30 AM•Northwestern Regional Fast Pitch: April 16, 2026 @ 5 PM•Hemet/San Jacinto Regional Fast Pitch: April 20, 2026 @ 4 PM•Norco/Corona Regional Fast Pitch: April 20, 2026 @ 5:30 PM•Coachella Valley Regional Fast Pitch: April 21, 2026 @ 5 PM

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3 Partnership with Startup World CupRiverside County Office of Economic Development is taking Innovation Month to the global stage through an exciting partnership with Startup World Cup. Entrepreneurs are invited to participate in a regional fast pitch competition, where they’ll present their ideas to investors, business leaders, and elected officials.

Riverside County Innovation Month Fast Pitch Finale Riverside County Convention CenterApril 29, 2026 @ 6:30 PMThe top 2 participants from each of the five regional fast pitch competitions will compete at the County Fast Pitch Finale for a chance to win cash prizes. The Pitch Finale winner will go on to represent Riverside County at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale, competing alongside top startups from around the world for a chance at a $1,000,000 investment prize.

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4 Upcoming Events:•Open House: Pass Area Biz Hub (Beaumont) April 9, 2026•Murrieta Innovation Center Grand Re-Opening April 20, 2026•Select USA Spinoff: Evening Reception at the Pitch Finale April 29, 2026 •Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast April 30, 2026Additional workshops to come!Visit: https://www.rivcoinnovation.org/innovation-monthto learn more.For Additional Info or to Attend, visit: RivCoInnovation.orgRiverside County Innovation Month Workshops & More KIMBERLY WRIGHTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER951.955.7268 | [email protected]@RivCOED