All programs Alpha Start Catapult Carson SBGA EPUC LA AIRE With the City of Carson Carson Small Business Growth Academy Ten Fridays to a stronger small business.
A partnership between CSUDH and the City of Carson that gives local small business owners ten Friday workshops, coaching from CSUDH faculty, and a showcase to close out the cohort.
105 business owners trained across the first four cohorts
8 cohorts completed (spring 2026)
2 CEUs earned on completion
How it works 1 Learn Ten Friday workshops on strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and growth, taught by CSUDH faculty.
2 Apply Work on your own business between sessions, with coaching and peer feedback from your cohort.
3 Showcase Present your business at the cohort showcase. The eighth cohort showcased on Apr 23, 2026 in the I&I Banquet Hall.
Details
Who it's for Small business owners in and around Carson.
Cost Free for participating Carson businesses (up to 100 employees or $20M in annual revenue), funded by the City of Carson.
Faculty Founded by Dr. Thomas Norman; taught by Prof. Allan Colman.
History Began as a City of Carson pilot approved in July 2022.
Next cohort Dates to be announced with the City of Carson. Coming up No public dates posted yet. Check back soon. Results AY 2025-26 Eighth cohort completed; showcase Apr 23, 2026, I&I Banquet Hall.
AY 2024-25 105 small business owners through four cohorts (cumulative); contract renegotiated for a 35%+ revenue increase.