Temecula Entrepreneurs Invited To 'Quick Pitch Competition,' Innovation Month Planned In April

TEMECULA, CA —In recognition of Innovation Month this April, the City of Temecula is joining partners across the region in celebrating entrepreneurship, emerging industries, and the innovators themselves, the city announced.

All local innovators are invited to attend the region's Quick Pitch competition, scheduled in Murrieta on April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court.

At the Quick Pitch, startups and entrepreneurs can present business ideas in a fast-paced format, through five-minute pitches to a panel of judges for a chance to win prize money and advance to the countywide finals, according to event officials.

The top two startups from the Southwest Region will advance to the Riverside County Innovation Month Grand Finale to compete for the countywide grand prize and the opportunity to qualify for the Startup World Cup, featuring a $1 million equity investment prize.

"This competition highlights the incredible innovation emerging from Southwest Riverside County," Councilman Steve Manos said in a statement. "By creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to share their ideas, we're strengthening our local economy and positioning our region as a hub for innovation and growth."

Following that competition, at the Temecula City Council Session on April 14, Mayor Jessica Alexander will formally recognize Innovation Month with an official proclamation.

“Innovation is at the heart of a strong and resilient local economy,” Alexander said. “Innovation Month highlights the creativity and determination of our business community, and we are committed to creating the pathways and providing the resources and opportunities that help our entrepreneurs thrive and scale.”

"As part of this effort, the Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange (TVE2), the City’s regional Entrepreneurial Resource Center and business incubator, will host a series of workshops, events, networking opportunities, and resource-driven programs throughout April," the city shared. "These events are designed to help entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses, build skills, make valuable connections, and access resources and tools."

Entrepreneurs interested in the competition were encouraged to submit their applications online by Friday. Applications and more information on the competition were available at hyhhu93wauj.typeform.com/to/qwCqorh4.

The competition is a collaborative effort between regional partners and supported by local sponsors in the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee and Wildomar.

More entrepreneurial-minded events will be held at TVE2 in Temecula during April:

• Marketplace Series (Food & Retail): This food series runs Wednesdays, April 8 to May 13 (6 to 8 p.m.). The retail series runs Wednesdays, April 22 to May 13 (6 to 8 p.m.). This series is in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. Two cohorts launching this April will prepare startup businesses for success in farmers’ markets, street fairs, and similar events. Top participants will be invited to sell at a local marketplace this summer.
• Moving Local Contracting Forward in 2026 (April 21): A procurement-focused event connecting local businesses directly with regional agencies seeking vendors across various industries, including landscaping, tech, catering, and construction. Confirmed participating agencies include the cities of Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Moreno Valley, Caltrans, and the Temecula Valley Unified School District. This inaugural event is being hosted in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and its Center for Contracting.
• The Modern AI Toolkit (April 28): A practical workshop covering how to evaluate and implement AI tools, including generative platforms and specialized applications, to improve productivity and growth.
All events are FREE. For more information and to register for any of these events, please visit TemeculaCA.gov/TVE2.