Start a Business

No matter the type of startup—from small business startups to scalable enterprises to nonprofits—Colton and the Inland Empire roll out the right assets to thrive. This is a region that understands the challenges that face fledgling companies, with 85% of region’s businesses classified as “small business.”

Colton’s Inland Empire location, adjacent to Los Angeles and Orange Counties, offers easy lower cost access to a host of urban amenities and opportunities, helping budgets go further and strengthening the bottom line. Transportation advantages also put new business on the fast track with immediate access to I-10, I-215 and Class I rail as well as convenient access to global ports. Nearby international air service includes San Bernardino International Airport just 9 miles away and the Los Angeles International Airport just 18 miles away.

Colton supports every step of your entrepreneurial journey with real-world advice from real-world experts, funding connections and more, through:

• SCORE Inland Empire (https://www.score.org/inlandempire

A non-profit arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration operating nationwide, SCORE has proven to be an invaluable source for mentoring, education and more. SCORE Inland Empire offers free confidential advice from local business people and experts, as well as other critical resources.

• Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (https://www.iece.csusb.edu/content/iece). Providing professional advice, academic programs and even hosting international trade shows, the non-profit Center is a powerful resource for startups and entrepreneurs at every stage. Top programs include:
• Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (https://www.iece.csusb.edu/content/sbdc-team) offering no-cost advising, low-cost training and other services.
• Women’s Business Centers (https://www.iece.csusb.edu/content/wbc-team) supporting women-owned enterprise with mentoring, training and counseling on a variety of key subjects.

Here at the Colton office of Economic Development, our team is here to help you realize your new business venture with advice on location, connections to financial resources, and step-by-step assistance in submitting the necessary licensure.