The right people. The right resources. The right time.
Matching Resources for Manufacturers Not Networking.
Connecting your business initiatives to state tax credits, energy programs, workforce subsidies, capital options, and technical resources at your local brewery.
Nov 9th, 2026
Don’t Navigate The Ecosystem Alone.
Skip weeks of back-and-forth phone calls. Meet with local leaders to solve problems and stack resources in a single evening.
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Eliminate the "Fragmentation Tax" on Your Time
Navigating California’s business ecosystem often feels like a full-time job. We call the hours invested, countless phone calls, and missed application opportunities the “fragmentation tax.” It’s the friction that keeps busy leaders from claiming resources for their business
Hops & Hardware helps eliminate that waste.
We host neighborhood resource matchmaking sessions at local breweries—bringing program directors, resource leaders, energy solutions, and specialized advisors together under one roof. Meet face-to-face with the people who manage these programs in a casual setting.
Direct Matchmaking
Skip the generic speeches and long panel presentations. Join dedicated resource matchmaking sessions where you speak one-on-one with the key contacts who manage the programs relevant to your business.
Access 145+ Regional Programs
Leverage the full spectrum of support—including workforce training grants, utility energy rebates, R&D tax credits, commercial capital options, local permitting guidance, and employee benefit strategies.
An Engaging Environment
Designed specifically for owners and operations leaders. Enjoy a social, high-trust atmosphere built around peer-level conversations that respect your time.
RIGHT PEOPLE.
REAL NEEDS.
Ideas that spark change.
Meet People Who Help Move Your Business Forward
Connect with professionals, public resources and industry partners who understand the challenges manufacturers face — and can help turn conversations into action.
George Sevilla
Craig Russom
Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
Derrick DeBruyne
Paul Smith
US Small Business Administration
Dr. Tim Gramling
CEO of Corona Chamber of Commerce
We’re Bringing Resources
and the First Round.
Planning to hire or train, purchase equipment, expand your facility, develop new products, or upgrade your infrastructure? Here’s a sample of answers we’re bringing to your neighborhood.
Workforce Grants, Hiring and Training SupportGRANTS / TRAINING / HIRING SUPPORT
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) grants to offset new hire onboarding wages
- Incumbent Worker Training & apprenticeship subsidies for technical upskilling
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) screening for new hires
- California Competes state tax credit application support
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Facility Energy & Clean InfrastructureENERGY REBATES / EFFICIENCY / CLEAN MANUFACTURING
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Commercial Utility Rebates and peak demand rate management
- Strategic Energy Management (SEM) for operational efficiency
- Clean Manufacturing & Energy Credits for solar, battery storage, and EV infrastructure
- USGBC California sustainability programs and compliance guidance
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Tax Savings, Strategies & R&D IncentivesR&D TAX CREDITS / COST SEGREGATION / TAX STRATEGIES
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- R&D Tax Credits for product design, prototype development, tooling, and process automation
- Section 174A Domestic R&D Expensing recovery strategies
- Cost Segregation Studies to accelerate building depreciation
- Reverse Sales Tax Audits to uncover overpaid manufacturing taxes
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Capital Access & Facility ExpansionEQUIPMENT FINANCING / SBA LOANS / EXPANSION SUPPORT
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- 100% Bonus Depreciation & Section 179 expensing for new machinery
- 100% Expensing for qualified production facility expansions
- Commercial Financing, lines of credit, and equipment loans
- SBA 504 Real Estate Loans for purchasing or expanding production space
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Managing Employee Benefits, Risk & SafetyHEALTHCARE / WORKPLACE SAFETY / RISK MITIGATION
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Healthcare Market Transition Strategies to navigate major carrier changes (e.g., HealthNet CA commercial exit) while managing benefit costs
- Workplace Safety Program Design and risk mitigation
- Workers’ Compensation Cost Control strategies
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Permitting, Talent Development with Regional R&D ProgramsSITE SELECTION / TALENT PIPELINES / TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
WHAT YOU CAN ACCESS
- Expedited Site Selection & City Permitting guidance
- Regional Business Network Integration through local chambers and EDCs
- University, College & Trade Talent Pipelines (vocational, technical, and engineering)
- Technology Commercialization & Prototyping via UCR’s 39,000 sq. ft. OASIS Park
PARTNERS & ADVISORS
Our Partners Make It Possible
We’re grateful to the organizations bringing valuable resources, expertise and opportunities to our community.
Tour Sponsor
Challenge Sponsor
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Ideas, Resources & Opportunities
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