BizTech Connect: Strategies to Grow, Strengthen, and Scale Your Business

Ray of Light

A Business Accelerator for Established Companies in Inland Southern California

BizTech Connect is a four-week business growth program for established, product-based companies ready to reach their next stage of growth. Through expert instruction, practical frameworks, and personalized guidance, participants will identify opportunities to increase revenue, strengthen operations, and develop a clear roadmap for scaling their business.

Applications close October 5th, 2026 at 11:59PM.

REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING 2026 COHORTS

Built for Established Businesses Ready to Grow

BizTech Connect is designed for established, product-based businesses that have demonstrated market traction and are ready to pursue their next stage of growth.

The program provides business leaders with the strategies, tools, and guidance needed to identify opportunities for revenue growth, strengthen operations, improve customer acquisition, and develop a clear roadmap for scaling.

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"The guidance offered through the UCR BizTech program and its instructor Gioia Messinger provided a practical structure to help organize, instill discipline, and directional focus for our business."

- Ambar Martinez Palacios, CEO of Cali Auto Glass

Accelerating Business Growth

BizTech Connect provides established businesses with access to expertise, practical tools, and strategic guidance to strengthen their operations, identify new growth opportunities, and build the foundation for long-term scalability.

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WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Learn how to refine your business strategy, identify growth opportunities, streamline operations, strengthen customer relationships, improve financial planning, and build a practical roadmap for long-term success.

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WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

Receive expert guidance, one-on-one coaching, practical operational frameworks, and connections to Southern California's manufacturing and innovation ecosystem—equipping your business with the tools and strategies to modernize, compete, and grow.

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WHO SHOULD APPLY

BizTech Connect is designed for established, product-based businesses currently generating revenue and ready to accelerate their growth. Applicants should have a team member who can commit to attending all four sessions. Companies from all industry sectors are welcome.

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THE GOAL

Move beyond incremental growth. Develop a strategy to significantly increase revenue, strengthen your business, and build the infrastructure needed to scale.

Business owners and professionals collaborate around a table during a group learning and strategy session.

Class Information and Dates

2026 BizTech Connect Cohort Dates

Fall 2026: Riverside

Fall 2026: Virtual Class Schedule

Date	Time	Format	Topic
10/12/26	6 - 7:45PM	Virtual	Session 1: Intro
10/19/26	6 - 7:45PM	Virtual	Session 2: Foundation for Growth
10/26/26	6 - 7:45PM	Virtual	Session 3: Strategic Growth and Operational Efficiency
11/2/26	6 - 7:45PM	Virtual	Session 4: Financial Planning, Execution, and Growth

All classes will be held online via Zoom.

2026 BizTech Connect Curriculum

Session 1: Introducing Yourself and Your Business
- Elevator Pitch: Learn how to capture attention and communicate your business's unique value proposition.
- Vision & Mission: Clarify your business goals and objectives for long-term success.
- Capability Statement: Develop a clear statement that highlights your business's strengths.
Session 2: Foundation for Growth
- SWOT Analysis: Identify your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Value Proposition & Target Market: Define your value to customers and pinpoint your ideal market.
- Scaling Readiness: Assess your business's current capacity and set clear, measurable growth goals.
Session 3: Strategic Growth and Operational Efficiency
- Growth Strategies: Explore new markets, expand your product or service offerings, and leverage technology to fuel growth.
- Customer Acquisition & Retention: Develop strategies to attract and retain customers, utilizing feedback for continuous improvement.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamline processes, measure performance through KPIs, and build a scalable business model.
- Team Building: Learn how to attract, empower, and retain talent to support your business's growth.
Session 4: Financial Planning, Execution, and Growth
- Financial Projections & Metrics: Create budgets, manage cash flow, and understand key financial metrics for growth.
- Scaling Roadmap: Develop a step-by-step roadmap for implementing your growth plans, with a focus on managing risks and mitigating challenges.
- Funding Options: Explore different funding avenues—bootstrapping, investors, loans—to fuel your business's expansion.

REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING 2026 COHORTS

Meet Your Instructor

Gioia Messinger is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the technology, consumer, and healthcare industries. She is the founder and Principal of LinkedObjects, Inc., a strategic advisory firm specializing in digital transformation through AI and IoT. Previously, she founded and led Avaak, Inc., now Arlo Technologies (NYSE), pioneering the home video security market.

Gioia serves on several boards, including Guild Holdings (NYSE: GHLD), One Stop Systems (NASDAQ: OSS), Hunter Industries, and Indyme Solutions. Her innovations have sold tens of millions of units and have made significant impacts on their markets, earning accolades such as Time's 50 Best Inventions and the CES Innovation Award. Recognized as one of San Diego's Most Influential People, she has been honored by the San Diego Business Journal, San Diego Magazine, and UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering. This year, she was featured in Directors & Boards' Directors to Watch and Latino Leaders Magazine's Latinos on Boards lists.

Gioia holds an MBA from UC Irvine and a B.S./M.A. in Computer Engineering from UC San Diego. She is an inventor on 15 patents and is ac0ve in the Jacobs School of Engineering’s Dean’s Council of Advisors and UC Riverside’s programs on entrepreneurship and innovation.