San Bernardino is seeing momentum across its business landscape. From local businesses filling storefronts downtown to new entrepreneurs tapping into resources and funding, the city’s economy is showing strong signs of steady recovery and growth. Here’s what entrepreneurs, job‐seekers, and industry watchers should know.
Positive Drivers: Population and Income Gains
San Bernardino County has sustained annual population growth, bringing in new residents who are reshaping consumer patterns and increasing demand for retail goods and local services. Alongside that influx, household incomes in multiple cities across the county have climbed, boosting purchasing power. These trends are drawing interest from national brands and encouraging higher‐profile retail development. Retail sectors like quick service, experiential dining, fitness, grocery, and wellness are especially active. These shifts aren’t just about big box stores: neighborhood shops and family‐run businesses are getting traction in areas where startup costs are still competitive.
Areas of Job Growth & Sector Shifts
Data from recent regional economic updates show that employment gains have been strongest in private education and health services, government roles, and logistics. These sectors are adding net new jobs, while manufacturing, construction, professional & business services, and leisure & hospitality have seen less positive or mixed trends. That suggests San Bernardino’s job market is reorganizing—some traditional sectors are retreating, while others expand—or have become more resilient post‐pandemic.
Resources Backing Entrepreneurs & Small Business
A major factor behind local business momentum is the expanding support system for entrepreneurs. The Randall W. Lewis School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Cal State San Bernardino offers both bachelor’s and graduate degree tracks in entrepreneurship, complete with experiential learning and a mindset focused on innovation. The program is recognized globally, ranking among the top graduate entrepreneurship programs in its region.
The city is also home to the Entrepreneurial Resource Center in downtown San Bernardino, which opened in late 2023. It brings together free services for business owners—guidance on licensing, legal issues, capital access, permitting, etc.—through partnerships with groups like the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center. Other programs like the eight‐week Spanish language “Programa Emprendedor@s” help make business education more accessible.
Challenges to Watch
Not everything is smooth sailing. While employment is rising in several sectors, others—particularly leisure and hospitality—continue to struggle. Professional services and manufacturing are facing pressure, likely due to evolving consumer demand and supply chain constraints. Entrepreneurs also often cite hurdles with permitting, access to capital especially for minority‐led businesses, and competition in more saturated retail corridors.
Where Opportunity Lies
For those starting or growing a business, here are areas showing promise in San Bernardino:
- Consumer services and specialty retail near residential growth areas.
- Health and wellness businesses—clinics, therapy, fitness.
- Logistics and distribution, given the region’s accessible transit corridors.
- Tech and innovation ventures, particularly those tapping into university resources or seeking state or federal grants.
Also, leveraging the local support ecosystem—business‐training workshops, SBDC counseling, BCHW programs, smaller grants—can be a game changer for start-ups and small businesses that may not have big capital behind them.
Takeaway
San Bernardino’s economy is rebounding in uneven but encouraging ways. Rising incomes and population growth are fueling demand. Jobs are growing where people live and consume. And while certain sectors still face pressure, entrepreneurs have more tools than ever to launch and scale. For locals willing to lean in—whether with a new storefront, launching a service business, or tapping into support programs—the moment is ripe.