APPLY NOW: Zero-to-Entrepreneur: Spring 2025

Registrations For Spring 2025 Are Now Open - Applications Close May 15th, 2025

Turn Your Idea into a Real Business—At No Cost

Have a business idea but don’t know how to launch it? Whether you're a working professional, UCR student, or a local community member, Zero-to-Entrepreneur provides the knowledge, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help you build a technology-driven startup. This free 6-month program is designed to take you from idea to execution, with expert-led training, personalized mentorship, and access to startup resources.

What You'll Gain

• Expert-Led Entrepreneurship Training – Learn how to validate your business idea, understand your target market, and develop a winning value proposition through engaging lessons led by the expert mentors of UCR EPIC
• Individualized Mentorship – Work one-on-one with experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who will guide you through every step of your startup journey.
• Networking Opportunities – Build valuable connections with industry professionals, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators.
• Flexible Learning Schedule – Complete most coursework online at your own pace, with occasional in-person or live virtual sessions. Accommodations can be made for work and life commitments.
• Hands-On Experience – Receive up to 20 hours of in-person training in UCR’s cutting-edge labs: the Center for Environmental Research Technology or the Plant Transformation Research Center depending upon your business focus.
• Comprehensive Online Training – Access up to 40 hours of expert-led online instruction covering key topics in entrepreneurship, agriculture technology, and sustainable transportation.
• Funding Opportunities – Pitch your startup idea for a chance to win up to $20,000 to help launch or grow your business. Additional accelerator resources are available through UCR’s Office of Technology Partnerships.
• University Recognition – Participants will receive UCR Extension course credit and certificates of completion for the introductory entrepreneurial course and courses in the agricultural and transportation pathways. Participants who complete all of the courses in either the agricultural or transportation pathways will receive a Certificate from UCR Extension.
• Cost-Free Program – All training, mentorship, and resources are provided at no cost to participants.

Who Should Apply?

• You have a tech startup idea but need guidance to develop it.
• You're an entrepreneur looking to validate and refine your business model.
• You want to build a company while balancing work, school, or other commitments.
• You're interested in agriculture technology or exploring new venture opportunities.
• You live in Inland Southern California and are at least 18 years old.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of California, Riverside, United States