This guide to small business funding in Palm Springs breaks down the full funding ecosystem available to founders across the Coachella Valley. Starting with California and Riverside County-backed programs, moving through local lenders and private capital. Also covering national funding options that complement the desert landscape.

Palm Springs has evolved from a seasonal tourism destination into a year-round hub for boutique hospitality, creative design, sustainable energy, and remote-first entrepreneurs. Because of its unique position in Riverside County. Founders here have access to specialized “Coachella Valley” incentives and regional micro-loans that bridge the gap between early-stage ideas and scalable desert ventures.

California & Palm Springs State Level Funding and Support Programs

Palm Springs founders benefit from a robust network of state and county support, specifically designed to drive economic mobility in the Inland Empire.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) CalOSBA is the central gateway for state-level funding. Palm Springs entrepreneurs often utilize this office to find California Dream Fund microgrants and “CA Rise” innovation funding. They serve as the primary advocate for ensuring desert-based businesses aren’t overlooked by Sacramento-based initiatives.

Riverside County BizBoost Managed by the Riverside County Office of Economic Development. BizBoost is a revolving loan fund for startups and existing companies. It can be used for equipment, inventory, working capital. Even business acquisitions, providing a flexible local alternative to traditional big-box banking.

Local Banks, Credit Unions & Community Lenders in Palm Springs

Palm Springs features several relationship-focused banks that understand the seasonal cash flow cycles of the desert economy better than national lenders.

• First Foundation Bank: With a strong local presence on Tahquitz Canyon Way, they are highly active in commercial lending and local business lines of credit.
• Desert Community Bank (Division of East West Bank): A local fixture known for supporting “Main Street” businesses along the Palm Canyon Drive corridor with tailored SBA products.
• AmPac Business Capital: A key regional partner that administers the Riverside County BizBoost program, offering loans specifically for Coachella Valley businesses that need a boost in working capital.
• Accessity: A mission-driven non-profit lender serving Riverside County. They specialize in microloans (up to $100k) for entrepreneurs who may have been turned down by traditional banks, with a focus on women and minority-owned ventures.

Explore local banking and lending options here: 👉 https://hustlerslibrary.com/banks-in-palm-springs-for-business-owners/

Private & Alternative Funding Options in Palm Springs

While Palm Springs is known for its hospitality, it is rapidly becoming a destination for “Desert-Tech” and creative private equity.

TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels) – Inland Empire This is the most active angel network in Southern California. The IE chapter specifically looks for high-growth startups in the Palm Springs region, providing seed-stage capital and deep mentorship.

The Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center (WBC) The WBC is a powerhouse for female-led entrepreneurship in the desert. While not a direct lender, they provide “capital match” services, helping founders navigate the private and public funding landscape through intensive training and lender introductions.

Industry-Specific Investor Ecosystems Private capital in Palm Springs is highly concentrated in:

• Boutique Hospitality & Real Estate: (Investors focusing on short-term rentals and hotel revitalization).
• Renewable Energy: (Solar and wind tech leveraging the San Gorgonio Pass).
• Creative Design & Media: Supporting the city’s legendary mid-century modern aesthetic.

National Funding Options Still Relevant for Desert Founders

• SBA Loans (7(a), 504, Microloans): The SBA Palm Desert Office serves the East Coachella Valley directly. They are the primary source for major real estate and equipment loans.
• Online Business Loans: Platforms like BlueVine and OnDeck are widely used by Palm Springs retailers and restaurateurs for bridge funding during the “off-season” summer months.
• National Grant Programs: Local businesses regularly compete for national awards from Comcast RISE, Hello Alice, and Visa She’s Next.

Funding Strategy Roadmap for Palm Springs Founders

• Under $50K in Capital Needs: → AmPac BizBoost, Accessity (Microloans), and SBDC microgrant preparation.
• $50K–$350K Range: → First Foundation Bank (SBA), SBA 7(a) programs, and local commercial lines of credit.
• Scaling or High-Growth Businesses: → TCA Venture Group (IE), CVEP-linked private investors, and regional venture funds.
• Tourism-Focused Founders: → Palm Springs Tourism partnership incentives and municipal fee waiver programs.

What to Prepare Before Pursuing Funding

• Palm Springs Business License: Lenders will verify your City Business Tax Certificate before finalizing any desert-based funding.
• Seasonal Revenue Forecasting: Because of the desert’s tourism cycles, lenders expect to see a 12-month P&L that accounts for the summer “low season.”
• Clean Digital Footprint: In a world-famous destination like Palm Springs, your online presence (Google Profile, Website) is a core part of your “credibility check.”

Building in Palm Springs? Explore the Full City Guide

Funding is just the fuel. Our Doing Business in Palm Springs guide covers the rest—from local zoning laws and historic preservation codes to the best coworking spaces and networking hubs in the Uptown Design District.

Final Thoughts

Palm Springs offers a vibrant and supportive funding environment. By layering Riverside County loans with municipal incentives and local angel capital, founders can build a capital stack that thrives in the desert sun.

Start with a free consultation — clarity and connections, no advice.