BizUp Palm Springs

BizUp Palm Springs is designed to empower local entrepreneurs, microbusinesses, and small business owners. Funded by the City of Palm Springs, this dynamic program provides hands-on, culturally responsive business training, personalized coaching, and access to critical resources. Whether you're in the startup phase of your venture, leveling up a side hustle, or expanding a neighborhood business, BizUp meets you where you are—offering the tools, mentorship, and financial support you need to thrive.

More than just a business accelerator, BizUp Palm Springs is a catalyst for inclusive economic development, business resilience, and long-term impact. Now entering its second edition following a successful 2024 cohort, the program continues to invest in the city’s vibrant and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem.

BizUp Palm Springs 2.0 builds on the successful partnership between Caravanserai Project and the City of Palm Springs, first established in 2024 with the launch of the inaugural cohort.

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Program Journey

Application

Business Location

Your business must be physically located within the City of Palm Springs.

Business Stage

We welcome entrepreneurs at various early stages of their journey, including:

Side hustles or informal ventures that have already generated revenue
New businesses launched within the past three years
Existing micro or small businesses ready to grow, pivot, or formalize

Business Type

All industries and sectors are encouraged to apply! This includes, but is not limited to:

Retail
Service-based businesses
Food and beverage
Creative industries
Wellness and health services

Note: Only for-profit businesses are eligible, and that have not previously received funding from Caravanserai.

Business Size

You must be operating a micro or small business, typically:

Fewer than 3 employees, and/or
Annual revenue under $150,000

Language Access

The program is open to English-speaking and bilingual entrepreneurs
Spanish-language support is available upon request

Community Focus

While all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, priority consideration may be given to those who:

Identify as women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, veterans, or persons with disabilities
Come from under-resourced communities or industries
Demonstrate a strong commitment to community impact, inclusive economic growth, or local job creation

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Business Training

45 days

Mandatory
Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Virtual 10-session course
Covers compliance, finance, marketing and more
One-on-one business consulting offered by Caravan SBDC - 10 sessions
No-cost

Access to Capital

$4,000 grants available to support your business
Up to 10 participants selected

Getting in is about access. Advancing is about commitment.

We believe in creating access and opportunity. That’s why admission into the program is not competitive — if you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you’re in. Our goal is to provide as many qualified entrepreneurs as possible with the tools, training, and support they need to move their ideas forward. However, progressing through the program — and qualifying for funding opportunities at the end — is competitive and based on performance, participation, and meeting additional benchmarks. This ensures that resources are allocated to those who are most prepared to launch or grow their ventures and demonstrate readiness for next-stage support. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Participants must be able to:

Attend all scheduled program sessions and one-on-one coaching meetings
Complete all required assignments and activities

What past participants say

“I started my Organic Wine Exchange with a desire to educate and bring organic wines to the masses. It was a decision that I knew was the right fit for passion and experience. However, my business knowledge was not as developed as my other skill sets. Joining the BizIUp Palm Springs program offered by Caravanserai helped me develop the core of my business, work through new ideas, and stay accountable. The team of mentors became the business advisors I never had, and I am so grateful to carry on the knowledge I gained from this experience.”
Ann Arnold, Organic Wine Exchange CEO, 2024 BizUp Palm Springs participant