Indio Supports Local Businesses with Free Counseling Through Indio Business Connect

INDIO – In a move to bolster local businesses, the City of Indio has introduced the Indio Business Connect program, providing free business counseling to support locally owned enterprises.

Small business owners know the struggles of starting and maintaining a business firsthand. Josiah Gonzalez, part owner of Little Street Music Hall, shares, "You're kind of fighting for your life when you first start as a small business. And if you're not using all the resources at your disposal, then you're kind of doing yourself a disfavor."

The Indio Business Connect program, launched this month, offers free one-on-one counseling for Indio-based business owners. More than 200 businesses, including Rico Designs co-owner Tanya Rico’s company, have already taken advantage of the program. Rico emphasizes its impact: "I had the ability to do a lot of the design work and creativity, but there's a lot more than just that into a business. We are able to understand better all the back of the house things that we were not fully aware of, like creating a business plan for future funding opportunities."

Every Tuesday, the program hosts free walk-in and appointment-based counseling sessions at Little Street Music Hall. Jasmine Gudino, director of the Coachella Valley Women's Business Center, explains, "For business owners, you come in with an idea—whether it's growing your social media presence or improving your marketing. Our consultants evaluate what you're doing, what you're not doing, and how we can help you."

The program provides resources on how to apply for small loans, grants, and more, crucial support in an environment where one in four U.S. businesses fail within their first year.

Gonzalez praises the initiative, saying, "The resources they provide, along with the community they’re building, are going to be a great thing for us to be a part of. It’s not just consultation; it’s a connection to new businesses and opportunities."

To participate in Indio Business Connect, by being a resident of Indio, by owning a business with an Indio address, or businesses must have a valid Indio business license.