Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Small Businesses — April 9, 2026
The Greater Irvine Chamber, in collaboration with the City of Irvine, hosted a free Outsmart Disaster: Business Disaster Preparedness (Open in new window) workshop.
This hands-on session helped business owners and managers prepare for emergencies, protect employees and assets, and maintain operations during disruptions. Participants completed guided planning exercises and received a Certificate of Completion.
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Start Smart: Launching Your Childcare Business — March 23, 2026
In collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, the City hosted a hands-on workshop designed to support aspiring childcare providers in launching successful and compliant businesses. Participants were guided through key steps, including navigating licensing requirements, creating safe and nurturing environments, and building sustainable business models. The session provided practical tools and insights to help attendees take confident first steps toward opening their childcare businesses.
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SBDC Small Business Clinic — January 22, 2026
On January 22, 2026, at the Quail Hill Community Center, the City hosted a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Small Business Clinic, providing hands-on support to local entrepreneurs through personalized, one-on-one consultations. Over the course of the evening, 16 businesses received tailored guidance from SBDC advisors, addressing topics ranging from business planning to operations and growth strategies. Participating businesses represented a diverse mix of industries, including translation services, healthcare, and advertising, reflecting the breadth of Irvine’s small business community. The clinic underscored the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering practical, accessible resources that help businesses overcome challenges and move confidently to their next stage of growth.
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From Startup to Scale Innovation Forum — January 15, 2026
The City’s From Startup to Scale forum was a strong success, bringing together more than 100 attendees for a thoughtful and engaging discussion on innovation, growth, and collaboration in Orange County. The event featured distinguished industry and academic leaders, including Johannes Rott, Vice President of Plug and Play; Joshua Dominic, Founder and CEO of Dreamstar Lines; Paul Choi, Head of Operations for DreamTrans LLC; and Dr. Ian Williamson, Dean of UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business.
As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem, the forum highlighted how Irvine continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging companies and a hub for scaling businesses in Southern California. By connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and academic institutions, the event underscored Irvine’s role in driving regional economic growth, supporting job creation, and strengthening the community’s collaborative spirit. Panelists offered practical, real-world insights that resonated with attendees and helped spark new relationships and ideas that will continue to shape Irvine’s future economy.
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