Riverside County Small Business Thrive Program

Donor: Riverside County Office of Economic Development and Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC)

About: The Riverside County Small Business Thrive Program is a financial and technical assistance initiative designed to support small businesses and startups in Riverside County. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this program provides grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 to help businesses launch, recover from the pandemic, and expand operations. Entrepreneurs must complete required training programs, attend one-on-one consulting, and participate in financial literacy webinars. Grants are available for eligible businesses or individuals meeting specific criteria. Additional resources include specialized training in areas such as business planning, marketing, licensing, and financial management to help businesses thrive.

Focus: Business recovery, startup growth, small business support, economic development

Region: Riverside County, California

Eligibility:

-Startups: Businesses registered on or after July 1, 2022; proof of first sale, hiring, or other qualifying events required

-Existing businesses: Five or fewer full-time employees, less than $1 million in annual receipts, compliance with all laws and regulations

-Mandatory completion of training programs, consulting sessions, and financial literacy webinars

-Must agree to complete required surveys and certify eligible use of funds

Benefits: Grants of $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000; technical and financial assistance; no-cost business training programs

Terms:

-American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for economic recovery

-Grants subject to fund availability; application does not guarantee funding

-Completion of all training, consulting, and financial literacy requirements necessary

-Eligible use of funds includes startup costs, operational expenses, permits, and business debt payments

-Ineligible businesses include non-profits, speculative businesses, and those involved in illegal activities

-Must not have received a California Dream Fund grant or similar program