From navel oranges to a mixed economy
Redlands, population 73,168 in 2020, was incorporated in December 1888 and took its name from the red color of the local adobe soil. Wikipedia notes that by the early 20th century it was a focal point of California's citrus industry and home to the largest producer of navel oranges in the world. Today it is described as a growing community with a diverse economy in the Inland Empire.
The civic landmarks give a sense of the commercial character: the Asistencia Mission dating to 1819, the Smiley Library from 1898, the University of Redlands from 1907, the Redlands Bowl from 1924 and the Redlands Bicycle Classic from 1985. Esri, the San Bernardino County Museum and the Redlands Historical Glass Museum are also based here.
What that means for local owners
A town with a university, a museum cluster and a long-established downtown supports a particular kind of small business: restaurants and cafes, independent retailers, professional offices, event vendors and trades. These businesses depend on repeat local customers and on the rhythm of the academic year and the events calendar, so revenue can swing even when the business is healthy.
The practical consequence is that working capital tends to be seasonal. An owner may stock up before a busy event weekend, carry payroll through a quiet term break, or finance a kitchen or shop upgrade ahead of the season that pays for it.
Choosing the right use for the money
| Use of funds | Why it can make sense | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory ahead of a busy season | Stock is bought before the sales arrive | Do your past seasons show the sales actually follow? |
| Payroll across a slow stretch | Keeps staff you will need back at full volume | Is the slow period temporary and predictable? |
| Equipment or a build-out | Adds capacity or cuts repair downtime | Will the new capacity be used enough to cover repayment? |
| Marketing or a second location | Expands reach | Do you have the deposits today that support the extra payment? |
Sizing against the academic and event calendar
If your business follows the University of Redlands calendar or the events the city hosts, track your deposits by week. The dip between terms and the surge around events show what a normal year costs you in cash. Request what covers the dip, not a number plucked from the maximum range.
The basics
We fund Redlands businesses from $25,000 to $5,000,000, with funding in as little as 24 hours after approval. A FICO score of 500 or higher is considered; we ask for about three months of business bank statements and no tax returns. The application takes around five minutes and uses a soft credit pull. Sole proprietors can apply.
Nearby cities such as Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino are covered on our Inland Empire page and San Bernardino County page. When you are ready, the application is short.