RivCo Thrive Program: Funding Grant for HSJ Businesses

• May 5, 2025May 7, 2025
• Business Funding & Grants

$1,500–$5,000 Business Grants: No Repayment for HSJ Businesses

Looking for a funding grant for HSJ businesses for your start up or existing business? If you’re a small business owner in Hemet, San Jacinto, or anywhere in Riverside County, the RivCo Small Business Thrive Program offers a chance to access free business funding to help launch or grow your business.

This local grant program provides $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000 to eligible entrepreneurs through a partnership between Riverside County and the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC).

About the RivCo Small Business Thrive Program Funding Grant for HSJ Companies

Whether you’re just starting out or trying to recover from financial setbacks caused by the pandemic, this small business grant can help cover costs and provide a much-needed financial cushion.

To qualify for the RivCo Thrive Program, you’ll need to complete a few important steps: attend a free business training course offered by OCIE SBDC, meet for a one-on-one consultation with a business advisor, and participate in a short financial literacy webinar hosted by AmPac Business Capital.

These free resources are designed to strengthen your business skills while unlocking grant eligibility. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and aims to support local economic recovery in communities like Hemet and San Jacinto.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Grant funds are limited. Although funds are set aside for Riverside County businesses, they are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the program doesn’t automatically guarantee your funding grant for HSJ businesses. So, it’s smart to apply and begin the training process as early as possible.

Who It’s For

This grant is for small business owners in Riverside County who complete an OCIE SBDC-approved training program and meet with an SBDC advisor for one-on-one consulting. It’s open to both brand-new entrepreneurs and current business owners who want to grow or expand.

• For-profit businesses (existing and new startups)
• Business must be located in Riverside County

What It Is

A grant program from Riverside County, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aimed at helping small businesses launch or expand. Grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and support operational growth.

When Are the Deadlines and Award Dates?

Deadlines and award dates vary by application cycle. Check the OCIE SBDC website for current timelines:

Where the Business Must Be Located and Where to Apply

The business must be located in Riverside County.
Apply through the OCIE SBDC at:
https://ociesmallbusiness.org/riverside-county-thrive

How You Can Use the Funds

If you’re awarded a grant through the RivCo Small Business Thrive Program, you can use the money to support a wide range of business needs, like:

• Covering startup costs to help launch your business
• Buying equipment or tools needed to grow or improve operations
• Using working capital for everyday expenses like payroll and inventory
• Paying rent or lease costs for your business location
• Covering utility bills like electricity, water, and internet
• Purchasing supplies, materials, or hiring services to keep things running
• Applying for or renewing your local permits and business licenses
• Paying off certain types of business debt

And that’s not all—through the program’s required training and coaching, you’ll also get tools to help your business grow smarter, including:

• Learning how to read and use your financial data to boost profits and improve cash flow
• Creating a plan to attract new and returning customers
• Identifying competitors and potential partners to grow your market share
• Exploring how to grow your team with employees or support partners
• Understanding woman-owned business certifications and how they open up new opportunities
• Learning about capital options to fund your business growth more strategically
• Creating a polished digital pitch to showcase your business with your program cohort

Why It’s Worth Applying

This grant gives Riverside County small business owners a rare chance to get free funding—no repayment, no equity, no catch. If you’re starting or growing a business and don’t have access to loans or outside capital, this program can give you a financial boost. Plus, the included training and one-on-one advising can help you build a smarter, stronger business for the long haul.

That makes it perfect for brick-and-mortar storefronts, mom and pop shops, local service providers, and home-based businesses that don’t have business credit—especially if your personal credit isn’t great either.

Learn How to Apply for the RivCo Thrive Program Funding Grant for HSJ Businesses

Free Business Funding in Hemet & San Jacinto

Looking for free money to help start or grow your business in Riverside County? The RivCo Small Business Thrive Program could be exactly what you need. This grant offers up to $5,000—no repayment required—for local entrepreneurs who complete a short training and work one-on-one with a business advisor.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Complete a Riverside County–approved OCIE SBDC training program.
2. Participate in one-on-one business consulting with an SBDC advisor.
3. Submit the application and any required documentation through the Thrive portal.

Start Here

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