Thrive Program | RivCo Office of Economic Development

Riverside County Small Business Thrive Program

Riverside County has been allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support and help rebuild the Riverside County business startup ecosystem and support businesses that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will provide small business startup assistance and support for existing businesses to stabilize and grow by providing needed technical and grant funding for operational costs.

The RivCo Small Business Thrive Program (Thrive Program) consists of training, technical and financial assistance with the collaboration of two partners: AmPac Business Capital (AmPac) and Cal State Fullerton University Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC).

Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 - $5,000, depending on the type of business being started or expanded.

The program requires applicants attend one of the Thrive training webinars/workshops, receive one-on-one consulting services through ASC and financial literacy training from AmPac and/or SBDC in order to receive a grant.

Thrive Programs

The following programs are available now or will be in the near future. Make sure to subscribe to the RivCoED Newsletter on our About Us/Contact Us page to stay on top of current events and opportunities.

California Shop Small - Riverside County Edition

California Shop Small is a 6-week program to help product-based aspiring or existing business owners sell online. At the completion of the program, eligible participants can apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

First Steps: Family Childcare from Home

First Steps is a 10-week program that gives you an inside look at the aspects you need to consider when starting a home childcare business, and determining if it is the right business choice for you. At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

Eleva Tu Negocio

El programa te ofrece 6 módulos de aprendizaje que se centran en los principales impulsores de éxito para hacer crecer y elevar tu negocio. Al finalizar el programa, los participantes elegibles pueden aplicar para una subvención del Condado de Riverside.

Riverside County Made

Riverside County MADE is a quick-paced six-week program that assists start-up businesses with entering the marketplace to validate their concept. Participants will learn core concepts to create a successful business, including planning, marketing, and financing. Participants that complete the program are eligible to apply for a $2,500 grant.

SBDC Start

Interested in starting your own business? SBDC Start is a startup series designed to teach you how! In just six weeks, you'll gain the necessary information and skills needed to start your very own business! At the completion of the program, eligible participants can apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

Veteran Owned Business Expansion Program

Veteran-Owned Business Expansion is a program is designed to assist Veteran small business owners in identifying when they are ready to expand and drive their business to the next level. At the completion of the program, eligible participants can apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

¡Mi Negocio, Mi Futuro!

¡Este programa de 6 semanas enseñará a los aspirantes a empresarios sobre los temas de licencias y permisos, investigación del mercado, planeación estratégica, marketing digital, plataformas de redes sociales, fuentes de financiamiento, proyecciones financieras, sistemas de contabilidad y acceso a capital para su nuevo negocio! Al finalizar el programa, los participantes elegibles pueden aplicar para una subvención del Condado de Riverside

Riverside County Made - The Blythe Marketfest Special: August Edition

Riverside County MADE: The Blythe Marketfest Special is a fast-paced four-week pop-up market business building and readiness training program to prepare start-ups and existing business owners to become successful vendors at the new Blythe Marketfest opening in November 2023. At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

La Plaza del Mercado en Línea

La Plaza del Mercado en Línea es un programa de seis semanas para todos los que aspiran a iniciar un negocio en línea desde casa. Al finalizar el programa, los participantes elegibles pueden solicitar una subvención del condado de Riverside.

MARKETING DIGITAL Para Negocios en la Calle Comercial

Marketing Digital para Negocios en la Calle Comercial es un programa de 6 sesiones de entrenamiento y capacitación que le ayudara a ampliar su conocimiento sobre conceptos y tácticas de marketing digital con instrucciones prácticas que le ayudaran a incrementar la presencia de su negocio en línea y ganar clientes. Al finalizar el programa, los participantes elegibles pueden aplicar para una subvención del Condado de Riverside

Veterans Entrepreneur Business Start Program

Successfully launch your business in six weeks with Veteran Entrepreneurs Business Start. Throughout the program, we will discuss business planning,
finance, market analysis, digital marketing, social media, licenses, permits, and more. Upon successful completion, participants can apply for a $2,500 grant. Starts July 12, 2023.

Main Street Digital Program

Will assist existing brick-and-mortar retail businesses to create a digital presence for their businesses. Participants are eligible for a $1,000 grant on completion.

Level Up

Level Up is a program developed to assist small business owners in identifying when they are ready to expand and drive their business to the next level. Participants are eligible for a $2,500 grant on completion.

Farm to Retail Program

For entrepreneurs and small farmer business owners wanting to sell retail products. Participants are eligible for a $5,000 grant on completion.

International Trade with Coupang

will assist existing county manufacturers with selling their products in Korea. Participants are eligible for a $5,000 grant on completion.

Riverside County THRIVE Program’s Global Trade Series

Looking to take your manufacturing company globally? This four-part series will provide you with the tools and resources needed to expand!
This program is geared towards assisting Riverside County-based manufacturers with their global expansion strategy. At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside grant of $5000.

Riverside County Made - Blythe Marketfest Special: Food Edition

Riverside County MADE: The Blythe Marketfest Food Special is a fastpaced five-week pop-up market business building and readiness training program to prepare food-based startups and existing food business owners to become successful vendors at the new Blythe Marketfest opening in November 2023. At the completion of the program, eligible participants may apply for a County of Riverside grant of $2,500.

For more information:

To learn more about the Thrive Program training , follow the SBDC button below or CLICK HERE.

For additional information on the Thrive Program please contact us at Bizinfo@rivco.org or 951.955.8916. As programming is available, information will be shared on our social media and in newsletters.

SBDC Email

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