Department of Economic Initiatives (DEI)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8:30AM-4:30PM M-F
703-324-5171 TTY 711
12015 Route 50, Suite 510
Fairfax, VA 22033
Rebecca Moudry
Director

Department Resources

THRIVE Small Business Application

THRIVE Applications Closed/ Standby List Available

Fairfax County Thrive program has closed as of May 3, 2024. If you are still interested in receiving coaching and consulting services from the Thrive program, please enter your name on our standby list and you will be notified if additional capacity is available. We will notify everyone on the standby list by July 1, 2024 of their status. 

More information about THRIVE...

Your business success is the mission! Unlock your business's full potential with Fairfax County's THRIVE program.

THRIVE will provide up to 600 small businesses coaching and expert 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. 

 

Q&A on THRIVE

THRIVE is a technical assistance program dedicated to small business growth. Through this program, approximately 600 businesses will have the opportunity to receive consulting services valued up to $10,000, supporting them to achieve their unique business goals and continue their post-pandemic recovery. By offering coaching and consulting services THRIVE aims to mitigate the negative COVID-19 economic impacts on our local small businesses. Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors authorized $7,000,000 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to establish the THRIVE program. The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) serves as the program grant administrator. 

  1. Businesses review eligibility requirements and apply through the online portal.
  2. If determined eligible*, application reviewed and selected.
  3. Business matched with Coach who will counsel and determine needs.
  4. Coach connects Business with Consultant
  5. Business receives specialized training and services, valued up to $10,000 from Consultant.

*If more businesses apply than there are slots available, a lottery will be held. (see below for details)THRIVE model 

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.

THRIVE held two webinars in English and Spanish on December 7. 

Listen to the recordings: English | Spanish 

 

Note:

Fairfax County Thrive program has closed as of May 3, 2024. If you are still interested in receiving coaching and consulting services from the Thrive program, please enter your name on our standby list and you will be notified if additional capacity is available. We will notify everyone on the standby list by July 1, 2024 of their status. 

Should you be accepted, this is the document checklist of items you will need. 

Fairfax County Thrive program has closed as of May 3, 2024. If you are still interested in receiving coaching and consulting services from the Thrive program, please enter your name on our standby list and you will be notified if additional capacity is available. We will notify everyone on the standby list by July 1, 2024 of their status. 

 

  • Funding for this program is limited
  • All consulting work must be completed in 2024
  • Language Assistance available for those who need it. Contact  thriveRFP@ledcmetro.org
  • THRIVE is NOT a cash grant, but an opportunity to receive consultant service.

  • Questions about BPOL? Please contact the Department of Tax Administration (DTA). You can

    • Get help at your convenience, and schedule an appointment for help over the phone or by video.
    • You also may send an email.
    • You may call 703-222-8234 (option 4), TTY 711, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Contact the Grant Administrator Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) at thriveRFP@ledcmetro.org or use the chat function on the application portal. 

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