Yes, the THRIVE Applicant Technical webinars have been recorded and are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/economic-initiatives/fairfax-thrive. Webinars are available in English and Spanish.

Yes, applicants will have two opportunities to apply for the THRIVE program. Applications for the first cohort were accepted between December 12 through January 2, 2024. Applicants may apply to the second cohort starting on January 16, 2024. The program will be first come, first serve until all funds have been expended or until April 30, 2024.

Yes, applicants will be required to submit an EIN in the application process. Applicants may use an EIN verification letter and Form W-9 as certification. Sole Proprietor/Single Member LLCs can present an SSN or ITIN. 
 

Applicants may apply without uploading their current BPOL but will be asked to provide a copy during the selection process. Applicants with a valid BPOL are encouraged to upload a clear copy to their applications to reduce processing times. Applicants without a valid BPOL may apply for one online, at the link below: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bpol/BPOLNewBusiness.aspx

The THRIVE program will serve 600 businesses between the program’s two cohorts. 

This is not a cash award grant. Instead, approved applicants will receive technical assistance services from vetted consultants who specialize in one of the following categories:

• Marketing
• Operations
• Finance

Please find a full list of services available at this link: https://www.ledcmetro.org/thrivephase2 
 

There are no out-of-pocket costs or fees for small businesses to participate in the THRIVE program.  Eligible businesses can expect to receive THRIVE business coaching and consultant services at no cost to the business. If a small business elected to receive additional services from a coach or consultant, that go beyond the contracted services provided by THRIVE, then the business would incur those additional costs. These may include but are not limited to expenses such as subscriptions, software, leases, and insurance.  

Applicants may submit either a signed copy of their tax return or an IRS tax return transcript as documentation. 

Yes, a business must be established before December 31st, 2021, to be eligible for the THRIVE program. 

If approved for this program, the grantee’s assigned Business Coach will work with the grantee to review the Business Health Assessment and identify which Consulting Services would be most beneficial. Depending on the Consultant that is best fit for you, and your budget, you may be eligible to receive an additional service. 

Services may be delivered virtually and, or in-person, at the preference of the business. 

THRIVE small businesses will be served by the THRIVE program on a first-come, first served basis, beginning in early 2024. Once a business is determined to be eligible for THRIVE and has completed their business assessment, they will be referred to a THRIVE business coach.

Timelines for delivery of services may vary for individual businesses, but it is anticipated that most THRIVE consultant services will be completed within one to three months.  The THRIVE Program must conclude service provision for all participating businesses no later than December 31st, 2024.    

The duration of coaching the process will be determined by mutual agreement between the business and their assigned coach.  

No, THRIVE businesses grantees will not be able to request a specific coach or consultant. Grantees will be matched with coaches and consultants that have been vetted for suitability by the THRIVE program administrator. Matches will be determined after completion of the Business Health Assessment. 

No, preference will not be given to small, minority, or women owned businesses. Applicants will be required to meet the following requirements: 

• Be established and revenue-generating prior to December 31,2021
• Be a Sole proprietor, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, LLC Corporation, or Partnership. (Sole proprietors are eligible upon demonstration of 51% or more of its income comes from an eligible business type.)
• Have a principal place of business in Fairfax County. Fairfax County includes the Towns of Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton
• Have 49 or fewer employees
• Demonstrate either a 5% annual decrease in revenue OR a 10% decline in employees between any annual or consecutive 6-month period utilizing 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022.

Applicants may submit either a signed copy of their tax return or an IRS tax return transcript as documentation of decreased revenue, and a payroll roster to show a decline in employees.
 

Please find the full list of THRIVE coaches and consultants at this link (coming soon)

Please contact the THRIVE Program administrator, LEDC with concerns about a coach, consultant’s expertise or capability at THRIVE@ledcmetro.org. LEDC will work with businesses to address issues with the provision of THRIVE’s contracted program services. 

THRIVE Business Grantees will evaluate coaches and consultants at the end of the program. Beneficiaries will complete the evaluation as part of a required program experience survey. 

Applicants may contact thrive@ledcmetro.org for more information about the THRIVE program and assistance with its application process.