Business
New Analysis Finds Small Businesses Are Powering Establishment Growth, But Medium and Large Firms Contribute More To Job Gains
Self-Employed Workers In The Inland Empire Growing Nearly as Fast as Wage and Salary Workers
August 22, 2019— RIVERSIDE, Calif. (www.ucr.edu) — A new study that looks at the size of businesses in the Inland Empire is shedding light on growth trends occurring in small businesses and among self-employed workers in the region. The analysis, released today by the UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development, examines establishments of all sizes and evaluates which contribute the most to local economic growth, with some surprising results.
The study reveals that although Very Small (1-4 employees) and Small (5-19 employees) businesses account for over 86% of all establishment growth in the region, these businesses are responsible for just 17.7% of job gains. The analysis looks at growth from 2011 through 2016, the most recent data available.
“While small businesses are vital, they’re often perceived as major contributors to overall economic expansion,” said Robert Kleinhenz Executive Director of Research at the Center for Economic Forecasting. “In the Inland Empire, they largely drive establishment growth but they don’t contribute to employment nearly as much as medium and larger sized businesses do.” Kleinhenz says this kind of granular understanding is critical in order to craft public policies and economic development strategies that work effectively with what’s happening on the ground in the local economy.
Overall, there were 71,807 business establishments in the Inland Empire in 2016, an 11.1% increase over 2011, which is a testament to the robustness of the regional economy’s recovery from the Great Recession. And although similar to the state as a whole, the mix of businesses in the Inland Empire differs somewhat with relatively lower concentrations of Very Small businesses but higher concentrations of Small and Medium (20-99 employees) sized businesses. This same pattern applies to the growth of establishments, with the number of Small and Medium sized businesses increasing more in the region than in the state and the number of Very Small Businesses lagging the state over the study period.
The analysis says these and other nuances are worth exploring – and factoring into local economic development programs – as they may reveal regional conditions that make these businesses more conducive to the Inland Empire.
Other key findings that may inform future growth and development strategies include:
- Small But Numerous: Nearly 85% of all business establishments in the Inland Empire are Very Small or Small.
- Industry (also) Matters: Five industries account for 57% of all Very Small and Small businesses in the Inland Empire: Retail Trade, Health Care, Construction, Professional/Scientific/Technical Services, Real Estate Rental/Leasing, and Transportation/Warehousing.
- How Many Self-Employed?: There were 308,401 self-employed workers in the Inland Empire in 2016, equivalent to slightly less than one-quarter of all wage and salary workers in the region.
- Self-Employed Numbers Keeping Up: The number of self-employed workers in the Inland Empire jumped 9% from 2011 to 2016, only slightly behind the growth rate of businesses with wage and salary workers (11.1%).
- Uber/Lyft Type Services Partially Driving Self-Employed Numbers: The Transportation and Warehousing industry experienced a whopping 70% jump in the number of self-employed workers from 2011 to 2016 – partly due to increases in the region’s goods movement industries but also driven in part by on-demand shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft.
- Small Works Better: In general, industries that experienced the largest increases in small business establishments and self-employed workers tend to favor smaller firm size due to low entry costs, making it easier to start up a business, or because the type of business itself is difficult to operate at a large scale.
The complete analysis, Small Businesses and the Self-Employed in the Inland Empire, is available here.
The UC Riverside School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development is the first major university forecasting center in Inland Southern California. The Center produces economic forecasting and policy research focused on the region, state, and nation. Learn more at UCREconomicForecast.org.
Empowering Economic Growth: CALED Conference Set to Unite Industry Leaders in Ontario
CALED’s ‘Growing Local Economies from the Ground Up’ Conference is being held in Ontario at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport on May 7-9. This event is co-hosted by the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County, with Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, CALED’s Chair of the Board and Derek Armstrong respectively representing their city and county as Co-Chairs of the event.
With over 950 members and 45 years of empowering economic developers, CALED is the largest economic development association in the country and the annual conference is the number one place to meet and connect with the boots-on-the -ground, decision makers in our communities.
The conference will include a pre-conference teaching tour, ‘Building & Paying for Development Projects’ on May 6th and then begin in full on May 7th, with a welcome session and breakouts. Overall, there will be four general assembly sessions and 18 breakout sessions, which will delve into local economic development practices and innovative tools.
In addition to compelling content, the conference will have numerous opportunities to connect with community leaders and valued peers through networking receptions, the culinary crawl, and new this year, the Tournament of Champions, where conference attendees will navigate a gauntlet of games to win the grand prize on the evening of Thursday, May 8th.
To learn more about the conference and register, visit the CALED website at www.caled.org.
Business
Strengthening Community Connections: Our Exciting New Partnership with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL
Contributed Content | By Chris Venhoff, Senior Vice President and Inland Empire Market Leader for Consumer and Business Banking at U.S. Bank
As the Inland Empire market leader for U.S. Bank, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: we are proud to be the Official Bank Partner of Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center. This partnership represents a reflection of our deep commitment to the Inland Empire and our dedication to fostering a vibrant, thriving community.
At U.S. Bank, we believe that strong partnerships drive meaningful progress. Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center are at the heart of the region’s culture and economy, bringing people together for world-class entertainment, business conventions, and community events. By joining forces, we’re not only expanding our presence but also creating opportunities to engage with residents, businesses, and organizations in ways that make a lasting impact.
Through our sponsorship, we’ll support concerts, sporting events, and conventions that showcase the diversity and energy of the Inland Empire. But this is only the beginning. As our partnership evolves, we’ll work closely with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL to introduce community-focused programs, including financial literacy workshops and charitable giving initiatives.
This partnership is designed to bring added value to the people we serve. For our customers, we’re introducing the U.S. Bank Fast Pass Lanes, providing priority access at Toyota Arena events. Special offers, exclusive event experiences, and tailored financial solutions for businesses operating in the region are just a few of the many perks we’re excited to roll out.
Our employees are at the core of our success, and this partnership allows us to recognize their dedication. Through exclusive access to events, corporate hospitality opportunities, and community volunteer programs, our team will have new ways to engage with and celebrate the community they serve.
The Inland Empire is a dynamic, fast-growing region, and we’re committed to supporting its continued success. By investing in Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center, we’re helping to create and sustain jobs while driving local business growth. These venues bring in visitors, revenue, and visibility, strengthening the region’s economy.
This collaboration is about more than just sponsorship—it’s about making a difference. By working together, we can elevate not just these venues but the entire Inland Empire. At U.S. Bank, we’re committed to being a partner in progress, supporting our customers, businesses, and communities every step of the way.
Honoring Visionary Leaders Driving Innovation and Community Impact
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala, held at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrated the brightest entrepreneurial talent across the Inland Empire. Among the evening’s finalists was Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, who was honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the region.
Although Ornelas did not win, the Social Entrepreneur award went to Cesar Navarrete, President & CEO of Children’s Fund, a proud Chamber member. “Being a finalist alongside such remarkable leaders is an incredible honor,” said Ornelas. “I am especially thrilled to see Cesar, a Chamber member, recognized for the transformative work he’s doing to improve the lives of children in our community. It’s a proud moment for us all.”
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Hilda Kennedy, President & Founder of AMPAC Business Capital, another Chamber member, who was awarded the Top Female Entrepreneur category. Hilda’s leadership at AMPAC, a mission-driven business lender, has been instrumental in empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth across the region.
“It’s amazing to see leaders like Hilda and Cesar being celebrated for their contributions,” added Ornelas. “Their achievements underscore the talent and dedication of entrepreneurs in our Chamber and across the Inland Empire. They are setting the standard for excellence and impact in their fields.”
The evening also featured the prestigious “Best of the Best” Award, sponsored by Best Best & Krieger LLP, which was awarded to Mauro Gomez, Chief Growth Officer of Anita’s Mexican Foods Corp.. Based in San Bernardino, Anita’s Mexican Foods has grown from modest beginnings into a leader in the food production industry under Gomez’s strategic direction.
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala continues to shine a spotlight on the transformative work of Inland Empire entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovation, resilience, and commitment to the community.
For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, visit https://www.spiritawardsie.com.
For more details about the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and its members, visit www.iechamber.org.
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