Resilient Entrepreneur Program Elevates Local Businesses

Resilient Entrepreneur Program Elevates Local Businesses

By Debby Clark

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Johanna Robinson joined the Resilient Entrepreneur Program (REP) at Cal State San Marcos with a three-ring binder filled with sketches of two kittens inspired by her twin daughters.

She wasn't sure if her project would become a children's book, an animated series or something else entirely.

"I was thrilled to be accepted," Robinson says. "As a writer and illustrator, my business is different than the others. I came in knowing how to tell a story. REP taught me how to run a business, from unit pricing and supply chains to profit margins and trademark protection."

Andreina Leal-Carrillo had a different reason for joining REP. Her business, The Repair Tech Inc., a heating, air conditioning and appliance services company, had already been running for 12 years. She could see where she wanted to take it. What she needed were the tools to get there and a way to show her business partner that expansion was worth pursuing.

"I wanted to take it to the next level," Leal-Carrillo says. "I was hoping for affirmation that it was possible and for my business partner to believe in my vision as well."

Today, both women give back as mentors to fellow REP participants, drawing on their own experiences to help the next cohort of entrepreneurs thrive.

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Supporting entrepreneurs through every step

Offered through CSUSM's Innovation Hub, REP is a 10-month experience designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs from low-to-moderate income communities as they navigate the realities of starting and growing a small business.

"At CSUSM, we see entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity," said Paola Ometto REP faculty liaison and a management professor in the College of Business Administration. "REP connects entrepreneurs to the tools, networks and support they need to grow, strengthening both their businesses and the communities they serve."

Made possible in part through funding from Wells Fargo, REP begins with six weeks of business training covering the tools, concepts and principles relevant to launching and growing a successful venture. It is followed by a community connection event, where participants meet with community partners offering legal, financial and business support services.

In later phases, CSUSM business students work alongside participants as part of a senior experience project, lending their skills in branding, marketing and operations.

For Robinson, the students researched crowdfunding platforms and successful campaigns for other picture books.

For Leal-Carrillo, a highlight of REP was mindset coaching, which helped her and her business partner align on a shared vision for growth.

"Whether you're just starting out or your business has been running for a while, this program helps you see where your company is going and how you can take it further," Leal-Carrillo said. "It's so fun to come back to REP events and see other businesses thrive."

Bringing the community together

On April 18, REP will host its Community Connect Event at the CSUSM Innovation Hub, where the current cohort of delegates will have the opportunity to meet with local organizations offering services and resources tailored to small business owners.

"I am honored to represent Wells Fargo in sponsoring this impactful initiative," said Laura MacKinnon Chapman, senior social impact & sustainability specialist for Wells Fargo. "Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Whether they're just getting started, looking to expand or need coaching to sustain, our initiatives, funding and grant programs help provide small business owners with the resources they need - because we know that when they thrive, communities thrive, too."

Operation HOPE will be among those in attendance, bringing its expertise and resources directly to the entrepreneurs in the room.

"At Operation HOPE, our mission is to expand access to opportunity through financial education and empowerment," said Monica Carlos, financial wellbeing coach, Operation HOPE Powered by Wells Fargo. "We're honored to support REP, as their commitment to entrepreneurship aligns with our belief that financial literacy is the foundation for building sustainable businesses and stronger communities."

The event reflects what REP does throughout the entire program: create moments where the right people and the right resources find each other, so that every entrepreneur has a chance to make their mark.

About REP

REP is part of the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative network, a model founded at the University of Notre Dame and now supported by 42 partner organizations across the United States and internationally.

To learn more about the program or get involved as a guest speaker, community resource or participant, visit the Resilient Entrepreneur Program at the CSUSM Innovation Hub.

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