Quick answer: Looking for job training in Upland? Upland residents who want to grow a small business, win public contracts or move into a better job can train with The Ayangbah Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in San Bernardino. Choose QuickBooks, entrepreneurship workshops, the Government Contracting Academy or a 40-hour career certificate, all offered in person and live online.
Why Job Training Matters in Upland
Upland is home to an estimated 79,446 people (U.S. Census, 2025 estimate). Residents are well educated, with 91.2% of adults 25 and older holding a high school diploma and 37.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and 66.5% of residents 16 and older are in the labor force. Still, 9.3% of residents live in poverty (U.S. Census QuickFacts, 2020–2024 ACS).
Upland's largest employer is San Antonio Regional Hospital, with about 2,000 employees, followed by Upland Unified School District (1,272), according to the City of Upland's 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. What stands out next on the list is construction and building: VCI Construction (458), Holliday Rock Co. (450) and Lewis Group (318) are all among the city's top employers, along with Upland Rehabilitation & Care Center, the City of Upland, Target, Bullwinkles Family Fun Center and Amazon Fresh.
Upland also has a strong small-business core. Historic Downtown Upland is home to nearly 200 businesses, and the city's citrus heritage lives on through the Upland Lemon Festival held each April. For local owners and the people who work for them, skills like bookkeeping, bidding and marketing can make a measurable difference.
Career Training Options for Upland Residents
Whether you run a business or want to work for one, we have practical, affordable options. No diploma or experience is required. See all programs and classes.
- Entrepreneurship & Small Business workshops: planning, pricing and growth topics for downtown shop owners, contractors and side-business starters.
- QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials (12 hours, $297): keep your own books or qualify for bookkeeping work at a local firm.
- Government Contracting Academy: a cohort program on SAM.gov registration, certifications and proposal writing, a natural fit for Upland's construction and building companies.
- Friday Contracting Workshops ($97, or 4 for $297): bite-sized sessions for contractors who want to bid on public work.
- Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training (40 hours, $1,200): a four-week certificate for job seekers and aspiring business owners.
- Public Speaking & Communication Lab: pitch your business, present a bid or ace a hospital interview.
Small Business, Construction and Contracting in Upland
Three of Upland's ten largest employers are construction and building companies, and its downtown is packed with independent businesses. That combination makes contracting and business skills especially valuable here. Our Government Contracting Academy teaches how to register on SAM.gov, understand certifications and write proposals that public agencies can evaluate. Our Friday Contracting Workshops let busy owners learn one topic at a time. Pair either one with QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials and you will be better prepared to track job costs, invoice accurately and keep clean records. For employees, these same skills open doors to estimating, project coordination and office management roles.
Getting to Class from Upland
Our classroom is at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, in downtown San Bernardino. From Upland, drive east on I-10 or SR-210. Train riders can catch Metrolink at the Upland station, located on the San Bernardino Line, which runs east to San Bernardino. Because every class is also offered live online, business owners can join from the shop or office without losing a workday to travel.
Free Help Paying for Training
Upland job seekers may qualify for training funds through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Our team helps you check eligibility and register in CalJOBS. The nearest county job center is the West Valley America's Job Center of California, 9650 9th Street, Suite A, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, (909) 941-6500. Learn more in our guide to WIOA training.
For Employers in Upland
Three of Upland's ten largest employers are construction and building companies: VCI Construction, Holliday Rock Co. and Lewis Group. We help contractors and their office staff with SAM.gov registration, finding bids, proposal writing and QuickBooks so they can compete for public work. See our contractor training for public bids or view employer solutions.
How to Get Started
- Apply online. It takes about five minutes.
- Meet with our team to check funding eligibility and build your career plan.
- Pick your schedule: day, evening or Saturday, in person or online.
- Start class. See upcoming dates on the class schedule.
Not sure yet? Join the free info session any Monday at 5 PM, or call or text (909) 454-7076.
FAQ
Are there small business classes near Upland, CA?
Yes. The Ayangbah Foundation offers Entrepreneurship & Small Business workshops, QuickBooks training and contracting workshops. Upland residents can attend in San Bernardino or live online.
How do I learn to bid on government contracts in the Inland Empire?
Our Government Contracting Academy is a cohort-based program covering SAM.gov registration, certifications and proposal writing. For a lighter start, try a Friday Contracting Workshop for $97.
Can I learn QuickBooks online from Upland?
Yes. QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials is a 12-hour course for $297, and you can take it live online from home or your business.
Is your career certificate program ETPL-approved?
Our application for the state Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) is in progress. We will share updates as soon as we have them. Our staff can still help you explore other funding options.
What happens at the free Monday info session?
It is a free chance to learn about our programs, schedules and enrollment steps and to ask questions. Join any Monday at 5 PM, or call or text (909) 454-7076.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Upland city, California (2025 population estimate; 2020–2024 American Community Survey); City of Upland 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, principal employers (as cited by Wikipedia); Wikipedia, "Upland, California"; San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department, job seeker locations.