Palm Springs, CA

Caravanserai, a Southern California nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities, today announced it has received a $45,000 contribution from San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI).

SMBMI recently announced the awarding of 228 grants, totaling over $12.6 million, to support crucial initiatives in the Inland Empire and across Indian Country. This year, the Tribe has targeted 50% of its grant funding for programs benefiting Native American communities, underscoring their dedication to preserving cultural heritage, strengthening tribal communities, and empowering tribal nations.

“We are deeply inspired by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ focus on ‘The Spirit of Yawa’ -acting on one’s beliefs – and are humbled by their support for our shared vision for the region,” said Mihai Patru, Caravanserai CEO. “We are thrilled to have their support in the 2024 cycle, and excited to continue our work that aligns so closely with their giving pillars, particularly in Inspiring Our Future Through Education, and Reinforcing Healthy & Resilient Communities,” he continued.

Caravanserai aims to empower individuals from marginalized, under-resourced communities to launch for-profit and nonprofit organizations that generate financial security, economic mobility, and systemic change. The funding from SMBMI will support Caravanserai’s programs aimed at uplifting various communities who face discrimination and systemic barriers.

Caravanserai helps early-stage entrepreneurs to succeed by providing them with training and mentorship, start-up capital, and a supportive network of peers. Since 2018, the organization has served more than 3,000 small business entrepreneurs, the vast majority of whom are women and individuals from historically marginalized and underserved communities. In 2024, Caravanserai launched Caravan SBDC, an SBA Small Business Development Center, with the unique specialty of providing entrepreneur training in Spanish.

Visit http://www.caravanseraiproject.org to learn more.