Deadline looms for Palm Springs business training program offering $4,000 grants

Ann Arnold credits a local business training program with helping her launch Organic Wine Exchange, a Palm Springs-based online retailer specializing in organic and biodynamic wines — and now other entrepreneurs have until Aug. 15 to apply for the same opportunity.

Arnold’s company offers curated wine selections, wine clubs and educational resources about sustainable winemaking practices while connecting consumers with small-scale, eco-conscious producers. As a 2024 BizUp Palm Springs graduate, she said the program provided crucial support for her business development.

Joining the program “helped me develop the core of my business, work through new ideas, and stay accountable,” Arnold said. “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.”

The second edition of BizUp Palm Springs, the free 10-week business training program that helped Arnold, begins the week of Aug. 18 and offers bilingual business training in English and Spanish, along with personalized coaching and mentorship. Up to 10 participants will receive $4,000 business grants funded by the city of Palm Springs upon successful completion of the program.

The program is delivered through a partnership between Caravanserai Project and the city, with support from Caravan SBDC, Caravanserai’s Small Business Administration-designated Small Business Development Center. The program targets undercapitalized entrepreneurs from all industries, with priority given to businesses led by women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, veterans and people with disabilities.

“BizUp Palm Springs is more than a training program — it’s a commitment to building an inclusive local economy that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Palm Springs community,” said Mihai Patru, CEO of Caravanserai. “We’re proud to walk alongside entrepreneurs who are ready to take bold steps toward turning their ideas into thriving businesses that create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen families.”

The program combines cohort-based learning with one-on-one coaching from experienced business mentors and experts. Participants will receive culturally responsive business training, technical assistance, mentorship and access to capital opportunities.

Since 2018, Caravanserai has supported more than 3,500 small business entrepreneurs, primarily women and individuals from historically marginalized communities, and has distributed over $3 million in micro-business grants. In 2024, the organization expanded its impact with the launch of Caravan SBDC, which specializes in delivering culturally responsive, Spanish-language entrepreneurial training and support.

The program is open to for-profit businesses located within Palm Springs and focuses on supporting microbusinesses, side hustles and startups. Interested entrepreneurs can learn about eligibility criteria and submit applications at caravanseraiproject.org/bizup-palm-springs.

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