Caravanserai, a nationally recognized leader in social entrepreneurship with considerable Coachella Valley initiatives underway and an office in Palm Springs, announced the appointment of Franzene Minott and Bradley Chargualaf as its new Co-Chief Executive Officers. Minott and Chargualaf succeed Mihai Patru, Caravanserai CEO.
A leading nonprofit engine for equity-based entrepreneurship in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley through training, grant distribution, and a growing national footprint, Caravanserai boasts having served over 3,000 entrepreneurs, most from marginalized communities.
“We are grateful to Mihai for his extraordinary service and vision,” said Caravanserai Board Chair Craig Dougherty. “He not only built Caravanserai into a force for impact, but also mentored the next generation of leaders who will carry our mission forward. Franzene and Bradley represent the very best of Caravanserai — talented, committed, and deeply experienced.”
Franzene Minott has served as Caravanserai’s Chief Operating Officer, leading strategy development and core initiatives to connect under-resourced entrepreneurs with capital, training, and technical assistance. She is recognized for her success in building cross-sector partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, and businesses.
“Caravanserai has always stood for opening doors of opportunity where they are most needed,” said Minott. “I’m honored to step into this role alongside Bradley, and together we will continue to strengthen the pathways for entrepreneurs who too often have been overlooked. Our vision is clear: inclusive, thriving communities built on the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs.”
Bradley Chargualaf has served as Caravanserai’s Chief Technology Officer and as Director of the Caravan SBDC, where he has overseen technology strategy, program delivery, and partnerships that support hundreds of small businesses each year. As one of Caravanserai’s earliest employees, Bradley has advanced through progressive leadership roles since 2021.
“I’ve been part of Caravanserai since the early days, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this organization has on entrepreneurs and families,” said Chargualaf. “As Co-CEO, I look forward to building on that legacy, especially by expanding our use of technology and partnerships to help small businesses innovate, adapt, and grow. Franzene and I are committed to leading with both heart and strategy.”
“Palm Springs is proud to partner with Caravanserai and to see the organization thriving under new leadership,” said Mayor Ron DeHarte. “Franzene and Bradley bring the vision and energy our community needs to ensure local entrepreneurs have the tools to succeed. Their leadership will strengthen our economy and help create opportunities for all who call Palm Springs home.”
Caravanserai’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities remains steadfast, even as the organization expands into new sectors and geographies.
“This is an exciting new chapter, and with the continued support of our partners and donors, the best is yet to come,” added Dougherty.
Caravanserai empowers entrepreneurs from under-resourced communities by providing access to capital, training, and technical tools to succeed. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Caravanserai supports small businesses, builds inclusive economies, and drives community resilience. Since 2018, the organization has served over 3,000 small business entrepreneurs in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, the majority of whom are women and individuals from historically marginalized communities. In 2024, Caravanserai launched Caravan SBDC, an SBA Small Business Development Center specializing in Spanish-language entrepreneur training.
