Dear District 5 Residents,
Small businesses and entrepreneurship represent the heart and soul of our local communities. They serve as engines of innovation, job creation, and unity. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and local favorites that shed light upon their cities. It is small businesses like these that keep a community close-knit and grounded in their roots. There is no better feeling than shopping small and supporting your local family businesses.
As a former small business owner of a coffee shop in Moreno Valley, I know the costs and struggles to get the ball rolling firsthand. Let me tell you, it can be an intimidating process, from permitting to legal documents and all the way up to business plans. Starting a small business and keeping it consistent can be challenging.
However, a great County resource is available to you at your fingertips! Our Office of Economic Development (OED) is a great resource for businesses and entrepreneurs that live within Riverside County limits. Below you will find just a few of the great programs that OED has to offer.
- Business Services: From startups to established corporations, we have resources and support services to facilitate your success. The Small Business Development Center provides expert counseling, training, and access to resources, all designed to help businesses scale and thrive. We also assist larger corporations with expansion and relocation services to make transitions as seamless as possible.
- Workforce Development: For individuals looking to upskill, change careers, or find employment, our Job Center offers a plethora of resources. From career coaching and job search assistance to skills training programs, we're here to help you thrive in today's dynamic job market.
- RivCo 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.
- Veteran Business Resources NOW Program: Riverside County Veterans Business Assistance NOW Program provides valuable business resources to our Veteran community. Learn more about procurement opportunities, financing options, hiring and training, and starting a business at quarterly workshops, and keep up to date on current events and resources.
- Microbusiness Grant Program: The intent of the Riverside County Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is to provide relief to the hardest-to-reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs located throughout the county. Microbusinesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with specified criteria, may apply for a $2,500 grant.
- Riverside County Foreign Trade Zone: Businesses involved in import/export or manufacturing can benefit from cost savings in our Foreign Trade Zone. This can offer significant advantages in terms of duty deferral, duty reduction, and the elimination of certain local taxes.
Remember, small streams lead to a large body of water. Much like owning a small business, it starts with a vision and passion. For whichever stage of development your business is at, Riverside County is ready to help you navigate toward success.
Check out the Office of Economic Development’s website at www.rivcoed.org.
Thank you!
Yxstian Gutierrez
County Supervisor