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From Coachella to CEO: Local Graduates Step Into Business Brilliance

Coachella just proved it’s got more than sunshine and dates—it’s got a growing crop of entrepreneurs. On August 8, the City of Coachella and UCR Extension celebrated 90 graduates from two no-cost business management programs at UCR’s Palm Desert Campus. Designed to jumpstart careers or grow local enterprises, the six-week Business Readiness course and the 14-week MicroMBA offered both in-person and virtual learning, with sessions also hosted at the Coachella Library.

Thanks to a $287,220 boost from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act grant, the courses opened doors for residents, business owners, and even city staff to gain high-demand skills. From building rock-solid business models to mastering financial management, students in the Business Readiness program left ready to launch with confidence. The MicroMBA took things up a notch, giving established business leaders and future MBAs a deeper dive into strategy, problem-solving, and networking that can shape a company’s future.

“We have a strong commitment to supporting our small business community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Denise Delgado, “and these programs will give residents the resources they need to turn their dreams into reality.”

By the end of the night, it wasn’t just diplomas being handed out—it was a fresh wave of ambition, ready to ripple through Coachella’s economy.