Business
Six innovative technologies awarded grants by Inland SoCal Link iHub

Six innovative technologies awarded grants by Inland SoCal Link iHub
(Press Release) CA. — The Inland SoCal Link iHub is pleased to announce that it has been awarded grant voucher funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO‐Biz) to enhance the technical innovation capabilities of businesses within Inland Southern California. The funding is made available by the 2017 State of California $2.9 million California Advanced Supply Chain Analysis and Diversification Effort (CASCADE) grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (DoD/OEA) to bolster California’s defense supply chain cybersecurity resilience, innovation capacity, and diversification strategies, and to support growth and sustainment of California’s Cybersecurity workforce.
Six businesses have been identified through a competitive application process to receive an award of $9,750 each. The funding will help to advance the commercialization of innovative technologies with potential application for the U.S. military, national security or defense industries, or their supply chains.
The Inland Southern California companies chosen for the grant voucher funding include:
Deepbits Technology LLC – Based in Riverside, DeepBits pinpoint the vulnerability, malware and code plagiarism hidden deeply in the software supply chain without the need of source code.
Exquadrum, Inc. – Based in Adelanto, Exquadrum’s vision is to be a producer of innovative technology for government, military and industry customers.
KIGT, Inc. – Based in Ontario, KIGT is an original equipment manufacturer and software development company of electric vehicle smart charging stations.
Phenix Technologies, Inc. – Based in Riverside, Phenix Technologies is a highly-regarded firefighting helmet manufacturer with over 40 years of service.
Relay LLC – Based in Norco, Relay is a technology company that focuses on delivering exceptional service for carriers while also helping to transform how truck drivers and trucking companies work together.
Symplur LLC – Based in Upland, Symplur is a healthcare social media analytics company that promotes deeper understanding of healthcare by strengthening the voices of those who need to be heard with insights from the Healthcare Social Graph.
“This has been a collaborative process to seek out talent and to help further encourage success and growth in our region. What is most important about this funding opportunity is we are able to witness the diversity of talent and ideas that are within Inland Southern California. I’m excited to see where all of these companies go from here,” said Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Curt Hagman.
“We are thrilled to support new innovations in our region that will make a difference in the lives of our country’s military and defense personnel. It is important to support our local talent and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit that will lead to more business and job creation throughout the Inland Empire,” said Kevin Jeffries, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors
The iHub program improves the state’s national and global competitiveness by stimulating partnerships, economic development, and job creation around specific research clusters throughout the state. iHubs are operated through a cooperative agreement between GO-Biz and geographically distinct regions within California. Each iHub represents an independent partnership between local government entities, public universities, research institutions, venture capitalist networks, and economic development organizations.
The Inland SoCal Link iHub consisting of the regions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties plays a critical role in the economic prosperity of the state of California. The Inland SoCal Link iHub is anchored by an innovative partnership and overarching goal to maximize economic development opportunities within the region. Inland Southern California has grown an emerging economy built around world-class educational institutions such as the University of California, Riverside a driving force behind the positive diversification that is occurring in the regional economy and California State University, San Bernardino known for its nationally-recognized programs at its Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship.
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.
Business
Inland Empire Celebrates Entrepreneurial Excellence at Spirit Awards Gala

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.
Business
Inland Empire Chamber President Edward Ornelas, Jr. Named Finalist for Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards

Celebrating Leadership and Innovation: Ornelas Recognized for Advancing Business Growth and Social Impact in the Inland Empire.
Edward Ornelas Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Inland Empire Business Journal, has been named a finalist in the famed 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. Ornelas is honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his remarkable leadership and vision in fostering business growth and development across the Inland Empire. The award ceremony will take place on November 21, 2024, at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrating the best of entrepreneurship throughout the region.
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, often regarded as the “Oscars of Business” in the Inland Empire, recognizes the innovation, leadership, and impact of outstanding entrepreneurs across various sectors. Ornelas joins a select group of 34 finalists, each representing the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that define the I.E. business community. The Social Entrepreneur category highlights individuals like Ornelas, whose work goes beyond profit to positively impact society.
In his role as President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ornelas has been a powerful advocate for the business community, connecting small businesses with essential resources and creating opportunities for growth. As the owner of the IE Business Journal, the only publication in the region dedicated solely to business news, Ornelas has provided a platform for local businesses to thrive by sharing their stories and promoting their success. His innovative, forward-thinking approach to marketing has earned him a reputation as a “visionary” and a “get-things-done” leader across both public and private sectors.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. This nomination is a reflection of the incredible businesses and community leaders across the Inland Empire who inspire me every day. At the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to empower businesses and foster economic growth, and this recognition highlights the collective efforts of our entire community. I’m excited for what the future holds as we continue to work together to make a lasting impact,” said Ornelas.
Other notable finalists for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards include leaders in healthcare innovation, green technology, and digital transformation. Each finalist, selected by a distinguished panel of judges, represents the best in their respective industries and contributes to the Inland Empire’s continued growth as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards is an annual event that brings together business leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the entrepreneurial excellence that drives the region’s economy. This year’s event promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition, showcasing the achievements of finalists like Ornelas, who continue to elevate the Inland Empire’s business landscape.
For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards and to see the full list of finalists, visit www.spiritawardsie.com.
Business
CBRE Opens Newly Renovated, Tech-Enabled Office in the Inland Empire

The office is designed to support hybrid work and employee wellbeing
CBRE announced the opening of its new 10,159-sq.-ft. office suite on the ground floor of 4141 Inland Empire Blvd., in Ontario, Calif.
The office is part of CBRE’s Workplace360 program, which features innovative office designs and functionality, including in-office technology and a wider variety of collaborative spaces designed to support hybrid working. CBRE launched its Workplace360 program over a decade ago in its downtown LA office. Since then, the company has opened more than 100 Workplace360 offices worldwide, continually updating the program as work habits have changed over the years, especially with the increase in hybrid work.
“Our newly renovated space provides us with a great opportunity to deliver a collaborative, experience-driven workplace that supports hybrid work,” said Ian Britton, managing director and market leader for CBRE in Inland Empire. “Our Workplace360 office will also serve as a showpiece to help clients conceptualize flexible work strategies for their employees.”
The renovated office has several different work areas including focus, huddle, living, and conference rooms. The open-space lobby, known as the “Heart,” features a variety of seating and a communal space for collaboration. A large 86” media display with a speaker system welcomes employees, visitors, and clients and assists with onsite events.

New office technology, including touch-enabled video conference rooms, allows for hybrid work collaboration between in-office and remote employees and clients. Additionally, the Mt. Baldy conference room has Liquid Galaxy, a geospatial visualization platform set across large format curved screens providing a cinematic presentation experience. This room has an operable wall that opens to the Heart, creating an onsite event space.
A cornerstone of the Workplace360 model is its free-address approach, in which there is no dedicated seating. The free-address approach allows employees who are in the office on a given day to use any workstation or office.
The office’s design led by CBRE Design Collective, took inspiration from the Inland Empire’s orange groves and mountainous landscapes of Mt. Baldy. Images of Route 66 from local photographer VC Torneden features the role the highway plays in the area.
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