Supporting Small Businesses: Inland Empire Tech Bridge Hosts Inaugural Small Business Summit

Inland Empire Tech Bridge partners and NavalX Crucible Alumni pose for a photo at the Inland Empire Tech Bridge Small Business Summit.

Norco, CA -- In early May, the Inland Empire Tech Bridge proudly hosted its inaugural Inland Empire Small Business Summit—a two-day hybrid event that brought together over 70 attendees from across the country, including small business owners, defense innovation leaders, venture capitalists, and ecosystem partners. Designed to empower startups and entrepreneurs with actionable insights, the summit focused on unlocking pathways to federal funding, deepening collaboration with the Department of Defense (DoD), and accelerating dual-use technology development.

The program featured presentations from notable DoD leadership, including Deputy Director of NavalX Scott Bewley, and renowned venture capital investors such as Jeb Miller and Josh Mendelsohn. Speakers explored key topics like how to navigate the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, strategies for securing non-dilutive and equity-based funding, how government is streamlining procurement to work faster with small firms, and success stories from startups that have successfully transitioned into the defense sector.

Attendees had the opportunity to network with decision-makers, learn directly from successful founders, and connect with support resources including the Inland Empire APEX Accelerator and the Crucible Innovation Program. Whether in-person or online, participants left the summit with new tools, ideas, and relationships to help grow their ventures and contribute to national security through innovation.

This inaugural summit marks a key milestone in the Inland Empire Tech Bridge’s mission to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem, support economic development, and make the Inland Empire a nationally recognized hub for dual-use technology.