Institute for Innovation and Economic Development

Business Forge

Graphic of Business Forge

Where Experience Meets Innovation: Crafting Businesses for the Future

What is Business Forge?

The Institute for Innovation and Economic Development (IIED), within the College of Business at Cal State Monterey Bay, has launched The Business Forge, an incubator designed to support startup founders in navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.

Many founders, especially in communities with limited access to industry networks, face challenges in gaining the guidance and resources necessary for success.

The Business Forge addresses this by connecting emerging entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who offer critical mentorship, industry insights, and strategic advice.

Entrepeneurs at a Business Forge Presentation

 

Responsible Business Innovation Lab

Join The Business Forge!

Serving the communities of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, this incubator focuses on fostering relationships that help founders tackle the complexities of building and scaling their businesses.

With the tagline “Where Experience Meets Innovation: Crafting Businesses for the Future,” The Business Forge is dedicated to bridging gaps in opportunity and preparing founders to build sustainable, future-ready ventures.

Sign Up Here!

Business Forge Cohort Meetings

Take a look at our bi-weekly meeting dates, held at different locations from 6:30-8:00pm

January 22nd 

Otter Student Union, Room 310

Marketing Mastery: Strategic Marketing Techniques for Entrepreneurs

February 12th

Otter Student Union, Room 310

Marketing Mastery: Strategic Marketing Techniques for Entrepreneurs

February 26th

Hacienda

Marketing Mastery: Strategic Marketing Techniques for Entrepreneurs

March 12th

Otter Student Union, Room 310

Financial Fluency: Navigating Finance for Entrepreneurial Success

March 26th

Salinas City Center

Financial Fluency: Navigating Finance for Entrepreneurial Success

 

April 9th

Otter Student Union, Room 310

Mastering Entrepreneurial Growth and Communication: Strategies for Scaling and Pitching

April 23rd

Location TBD

Mastering Entrepreneurial Growth and Communication: Strategies for Scaling and Pitching

 

May 14th

Location TBD

End of Year Celebration

May 31st

Location TBD

Pitch Competition