'THRIVE' SMALL BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
VISIT APPLICANT PORTAL HERE!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL '[email protected]'
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors authorized $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to establish the THRIVE Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program (the THRIVE Program). The THRIVE program aims to help address and mitigate the negative economic impacts experienced by small businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic by building their capacity to meet their individual business goals and identifying business planning needs.
Unlock your business's full potential with Fairfax County's THRIVE program
THRIVE will provide up to 600 small businesses coaching and targeted consulting valued up to $10,000. Through THRIVE, businesses will have access to a network of industry experts that will give them the tools and support they need to get ahead and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Whether you are looking to streamline operations, enhance your marketing strategy, or plan for financial growth, THRIVE has you covered. Take your business to new heights with Fairfax County's THRIVE program. The program is funded through Fairfax County's share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Who is Eligible?
Businesses must:
- Have one or more location(s), including the principal place of business, in Fairfax County. Fairfax County includes the Towns of Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton.
- Businesses must have 49 or fewer employees.
- Businesses must be established and revenue-generating prior to December 31, 2021.
- Sole proprietors, LLCs, C Corporations, S Corporations, and Partnerships are all eligible types of business.
- Non-profits are not eligible for this program.
- A sole proprietorship will only be eligible if it can demonstrate that 51% or more of its income comes from an eligible business type.
- Home based businesses are eligible if they meet the other criteria.
- Experienced COVID Negative Economic Impact and can demonstrate either:
- 5% decrease in gross revenue during the pandemic period. Verification of revenue decline may compare at a minimum any consecutive 6-month period utilizing 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022 annual tax returns (or equivalent).
- 10% decrease in employees during the pandemic period. Verification of employee declines may compare at a minimum any consecutive 6-month period utilizing 2019, 2020, 2021 or 2022 payroll (or equivalent).
- All businesses must be able to provide a current Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL), but it is not required to submit the application. If selected as part of the cohort, they can provide the BPOL during review.
Areas of the consulting services available include:
Business Operations:
- POS system.
- Payroll system.
- Appointment system.
- Bookkeeping system.
- Lease negotiation.
- Human Resources.
- Staff talent acquisition.
- Other operations services
Marketing:
- Brand consulting.
- Graphic design.
- Develop Ecommerce.
- Develop website.
- Photography session.
- Digital presence.
- Other marketing services
Financial Planning:
- Financial health.
- Tax advisory.
- Other financial services.
VISIT APPLICANT PORTAL HERE!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL '[email protected]'
NEED EXTRA HELP? CHECK OUT THIS THRIVE WEBINAR!
How to grow your Business with Marketing, Financial and Operations Services from THRIVE! - Zoom
Applications for Cohort #1 Opened December 12 and Closed on Dec. 21st, 2023
Applications for Cohort #2 Opened January 16. This applicant window is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Applications must be fully submitted to be considered for the program.
PROGRAM PROCESS:
Part 1: Application + Business Health Assessment:
- Initial Eligibility Screening: Applicants enter business contact and financial information into the application to determine eligibility for program.
- Full Application: if found eligible, applicants will be allowed to complete additional questions and upload documents.
Part 2: Decision:
- Following application review, applicants will be notified by LEDC if their business was approved to be a Small Business Beneficiary for the THRIVE program.
Part 3: Award of Grant Services:
- Beneficiaries will be contacted by their assigned THRIVE Business Coach via email. In this program, Business Coaches will serve as Beneficiaries' case managers and help determine the targeted assistance by evaluating their Business Health Assessment and results.
- Small Business Beneficiaries will then be matched with THRIVE Business Consultants, who will provide them with up to $10,000 of technical assistance based off of the Beneficiaries results from the Business Health Assessment
***Please note that Small Business Beneficiaries will be asked to sign agreements with their Consultants and Coaches to ensure all parties' understanding of the THRIVE services a Beneficiary will receive.***
How to Apply:
- Businesses will apply through the LEDC Applicant Portal (Opens Jan 16)
- Have this information from our document checklist nearby and ready to upload.
