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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 . This can be up to a 10-month program starting with a six-week bootcamp in February.

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.

• Applications may submitted at any time.  Program interviews for the 2026 Cohort will take place in Jan 2026.
• 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:

  • In-Person Guest Speaker
    Speak at our Saturday bootcamps (Feb–Mar 2026) at the ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ® Innovation Hub. Present for 20-30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Topics can include marketing, finance, time management, AI, crowdfunding, and more.

  • 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.

  • Community Partner
    Participate in evening community events once per semester to connect entrepreneurs with local resources and mentorship.

  • 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 .