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

Your business success is the mission!

Applications are open - will be first come/first serve until program filled or April 30.

Check out the Q&A on THRIVE

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. 

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 

 

Businesses will apply through the LEDC Applicant Portal

Have this information from our document checklist nearby and ready to upload. 

Applications* will be open

  • January 16 until filled. Applications will be accepted on a first come/first served basis. 
    • Program will close when slots are filled or on April 30, 2024

 

 

  • 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. 

Tell me more about

 

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant