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July 28, 2026

Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Celebrates Major Milestone

New facility, developed in partnership with the American Lending Center, the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network, will serve as the front door to Irvine’s innovation economy

IRVINE, Calif. — The City of Irvine hosted a celebration marking a major milestone in the development of the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, a new facility designed to become one of the first of its kind in the region. The event took place at 510 Technology Dr, Irvine, CA 92618, with a press conference held in the business complex, followed by site tours for attendees.

Envisioned as the front door to Irvine’s innovation economy, the Center will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, talent, and strategic partners in a single, world-class facility. The project aims to strengthen Irvine’s innovation ecosystem and support long-term economic growth throughout the region.

The Center is the product of a collaborative partnership between the City of Irvine and several key organizations committed to advancing entrepreneurship and small business growth in Southern California, including: American Lending Center, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network, which will provide no-cost advising, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.

“The Irvine Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship brings together an exceptional coalition of partners, and leading regional business-support organizations around a shared commitment to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity,” said Mike Daniel, OCIE SBDC’s Network Director. “The OCIE SBDC Network is proud to help make this Center a welcoming front door for entrepreneurs and small businesses across technology, retail, restaurants, and product- and service-based industries. Together, we are creating a connected ecosystem where businesses at every stage can access the expertise, relationships, capital, and resources needed to launch, grow, and scale.”

 

The Center also stands as a model for how public, private, and philanthropic partners can work together to drive economic development. Its development and ongoing operations are supported by roughly $7.7 million in outside investment, combining a $1 million federal appropriation, philanthropic giving from the Stella and John Foundation, financial support from the American Lending Center, and tenant improvement contributions from the Irvine Company — a mix of funding designed to stretch the value of public dollars as far as possible.

The Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship represents a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to fostering a thriving, connected innovation economy. It will support founders at every stage, from first-time entrepreneurs to established investors and industry leaders.

 

About the Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network

The OCIE SBDC Network provides free, confidential business advising, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and succeed throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire.

 

 

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Irvine Press Conference

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.