Why open a business in Desert Hot Springs – Desert Hot Springs Economic Development

DHSed practical guide · Sources checked November 12, 2026

Desert Hot Springs gives a new business more than a place to rent. It has an established mineral springs identity, a resident customer base and access to the wider Coachella Valley. The opportunity is to match a real local need with a location and business model that can serve it.

Start here: choose your customer, compare a few locations and check the intended use with the City before committing money. Use the checklist below to turn an idea into a practical first conversation.

Three reasons to put DHS on your shortlist

Residents need everyday businesses. The County's December 2025 community profile estimates 33,527 residents and 11,076 households for 2025. These are Esri estimates for the city, not a count of customers or the wider DHS mailing area.
The springs create a recognizable visitor identity. The regional tourism organization highlights mineral springs, spa and wellness businesses. A business can investigate serving those visitors or supplying the operators who welcome them.
Different locations offer different possibilities. The City's published economic strategy discusses commercial corridors, spa areas and freeway related opportunities. Each needs its own site checks.

Choose the business case you want to test

A shop serving nearby families needs evidence about repeat local purchases. A hospitality supplier needs conversations with operators. A location dependent business needs access, utilities and the right permitted use. These are different customers and different tests.

Start with retail opportunities to investigate and the commercial corridor guide. Make a short list of comparable businesses and speak to possible customers. Ask what they currently buy, where they go and what would make them change. A gap in a directory is a lead to investigate, not proof that demand will support a business.

Compare the whole cost of opening

Look beyond the rent. Include deposits, improvements, equipment, utilities, insurance and enough working money to get through a slower opening. An inexpensive space can become costly if it needs substantial work or cannot support the activity you planned.

Use the startup budget guide and address checklist. Ask about the exact parcel, parking, customer access, signs, equipment and approvals. Do not assume a property has mineral water access, spare power capacity or an approved commercial use.

Prepare your first conversation

What will you sell, and who will buy it?
Will customers visit, or will you travel to them?
How much space, equipment, power and parking do you need?
Which locations are you considering, and what can you afford?
What do you need confirmed before spending money?

The SBDC offers no cost business consulting in Riverside County. Bring your idea and questions to an adviser, then use the City's official departments to resolve site and approval questions. DHSed is an independent information resource and does not issue permits or select properties for approval.

Your next step

Arrange a no cost business advising conversation

Keep going

Sources and updates

Prepared by DHSed with AI assistance from the linked public sources. Provider details can change. Send a correction.