Resilient Entrepreneur Program
Empowering Community Members to Create and Grow Successful Businesses
We believe that entrepreneurship can be a viable pathway out of poverty. By leveraging
campus and community resources, we can assist aspiring entrepreneurs from low-income
communities as they navigate the entrepreneurial journey. These entrepreneurs face
a unique set of obstacles beyond those confronted by all entrepreneurs. Our underlying
philosophy is that anyone is capable of being an entrepreneur and that all start-ups
matter. We view entrepreneurship as a learnable process, but also as a journey that
involves a definable set of steps. Our approach centers on activity-based metrics
and the belief that, for every step we can help aspiring entrepreneurs take, she or
he will take two or three more on their own.
The Resilient Entrepreneur Program provides a unique approach and toolkit to help support these entrepreneurs as they
build sustainable enterprises. This program is an initiative under the from Notre Dame, and is a collaboration among universities and non-profit organizations
working together to help individuals in underserved communities start and grow successful
businesses.
Program Overview
The Resilient Entrepreneur Program will be offered in the spring semester at CSU San
Marcos at the Innovation Hub. Please complete the interest form above for the Spring 2026 Session, Cohort 3 once
the form opens, Nov 2025. This can be up to a 10-month program starting with a seven-week
bootcamp in February.
Bootcamp Schedule
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- Week 1 - February 14, 2026
- Week 2 - February 21, 2026
- Week 3 - February 28, 2026
- Week 4 - March 7, 2026
- Week 5 - March 14, 2026
- Week 6 - March 21, 2026*
Class Hours: 8:30 AM - 2 PM
*Week 6 will be a 8:30am-3pm
Program Outline
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Training Programs: Community members participate in a six-week boot-camp, that introduces the basic
tools, concepts, and principles relevant to launching and growing a successful venture.
The boot-camp is designed for people with little to no resources or background.​
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Mentoring: Participants receive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs with related experiences
in their field, or industry, or with experience resolving the types of issues facing
the entrepreneur.
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One-on-One Consulting: Following the training, a consulting initiative pairs faculty, graduate students,
and other community partners with the entrepreneurs to work one-on-one solving particular
problems.
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Resource Connect: Entrepreneurs are connected to valuable resources in the community through community
forums, an internet platform, and other communication vehicles.
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Micro-credit: Local organizations and financial institutions create a micro-credit fund that provides
low-interest and no-interest loans and grants to individuals as they attempt to launch
ventures.
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Research and Tracking: The program will conduct research documenting the challenges facing entrepreneurs,
tracking their progress, and identifying elements that are successful in helping them
move forward.
Eligibility & Cost
​We focus on supporting community members who have a dream of starting and growing
a venture (and this includes those who have already started a venture but are struggling).
The price of the Resilient Entrepreneur Program is $500. However, scholarships of
$400 are available for anyone with financial need. All applicants may be considered
for scholarship.
- Application window expected to open November 2025.
- Have questions? Please email innovation@csusm.edu
- Download the program flyer
Interested in Volunteering for the Program?
Lend your expertise and make a meaningful impact by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs
from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. As a volunteer with the
Resilient Entrepreneur Program you’ll play a vital role in helping our entrepreneurs
launch and grow sustainable businesses through hands-on mentorship, practical education,
and community-based support.
Ways to Get Involved:
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In-Person Guest Speaker
Speak at our Saturday bootcamps (Feb–Mar 2026) at the ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Innovation Hub. Present
for 20-30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Topics can include marketing, finance, time management,
AI, crowdfunding, and more.
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Virtual Mentor or Guest Speaker
Join a remote mentoring session and share your knowledge during our online Thursday
noon sessions. Flexible commitment—just 1 hour online.
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Community Partner
Participate in evening community events once per semester to connect entrepreneurs
with local resources and mentorship.
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One-on-One Mentor
Meet with an entrepreneur one-on-one (in-person or virtually) between April and October
to offer targeted guidance based on your expertise.
Help break down barriers to entrepreneurship—your experience can make a lasting impact.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our .
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