The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) Network has partnered with the Riverside County Office of Economic Development to help entrepreneurs launch new businesses and assist existing small businesses that continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Through the Riverside County Small Business Thrive Program, eligible applicants may qualify for grant awards of $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000 to start or grow their businesses. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Economic Recovery Program, the Thrive Program provides both financial assistance and business support to help entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable businesses. What's Required? To be eligible for a grant, qualifying applicants must: Meet all program eligibility requirements Complete an approved small business training program Participate in one-on-one business consulting through the OCIE SBDC Attend a Financial Literacy webinar presented by AmPac Business Capital The OCIE SBDC provides the required training, advising, and consulting to help businesses successfully complete the application process. Grant award decisions are made by Riverside County—not the OCIE SBDC. Business Training at No Cost Whether you're launching your first business, strengthening your existing company, or preparing for your next stage of growth, the OCIE SBDC provides no-cost expert advising, practical training, and personalized one-on-one support to help you build a stronger, more successful business. Training topics include: Business planning Marketing and sales Financial management Human resources Licensing and permits Business growth strategies, and more Participants also receive hands-on support in taking a business from concept to customer, including opportunities to validate products through e-commerce, local marketplaces, and retail channels. All programs are led by experienced OCIE SBDC business advisors and industry experts. Ready to Thrive? Explore upcoming workshops, connect with the OCIE SBDC intake team, and learn how the Riverside County Small Business Thrive Program can help you start or grow your business. Learn more and register today here: https://ociesmallbusiness.org/riverside-county-thrive

(INLAND EMPIRE) For many small businesses, the next big opportunity isn't opening another storefront. It's setting up a tent. Across Southern California, pop-up markets, artisan fairs, food festivals, maker markets, and community events are becoming powerful platforms for entrepreneurs to introduce their products, build loyal followings, and grow their brands. From the Ontario Night Market to the Riverside Artswalk , these events are attracting thousands of visitors eager to discover local businesses, handcrafted products, specialty foods, and unique shopping experiences. For entrepreneurs, that's more than a busy weekend. It's a marketing strategy. Building Relationships Before Building a Store For years, launching a retail business often meant signing a long-term lease and investing thousands of dollars before meeting the first customer. Today's entrepreneurs are taking a different path. Pop-up events allow business owners to test products, gather customer feedback, refine pricing, and build brand awareness—often with far less risk than opening a permanent location. Many successful businesses began with a folding table, a canopy, and a willingness to introduce themselves to the community. More Than Making Sales Experienced vendors say the greatest value of a pop-up isn't always what happens at the cash register. It's what happens after the event. Every conversation becomes an opportunity to gain a social media follower, collect an email address, receive customer feedback, or create a repeat customer. For many entrepreneurs, the goal isn't simply selling a candle, T-shirt, pastry, or handcrafted gift. It's creating a customer who returns again and again. Creating Experiences Customers Remember Consumers today are increasingly looking for experiences, not just transactions. That's one reason community markets continue to grow in popularity. Visitors enjoy meeting the people behind the products, hearing the stories that inspired a business, watching demonstrations, tasting samples, and supporting local entrepreneurs. That personal connection is something online retailers often struggle to replicate. A Launchpad for New Businesses Pop-up events have also become an important entry point for first-time entrepreneurs. Many businesses begin by selling at farmers markets, neighborhood festivals, or arts events before eventually opening retail locations, expanding into wholesale, or launching e-commerce stores. For entrepreneurs by necessity, the model offers an affordable way to start building revenue while learning what customers truly want. Why It Matters The Inland Empire is home to thousands of talented makers, artisans, food entrepreneurs, designers, and small business owners. Community markets give those entrepreneurs visibility they might never achieve through advertising alone. As cities continue investing in placemaking and community events, pop-up markets are becoming more than weekend attractions. They're becoming business incubators. Make the Most of Your Next Pop-Up Event Before your next market or festival: Create a simple QR code that links to your website or newsletter. Collect customer email addresses for future promotions. Offer samples or product demonstrations when appropriate. Display your social media handles prominently. Tell the story behind your business—not just what you sell. Take photos and videos throughout the event for future marketing. Invite customers to visit your online store after the event. Local Events to Explore Entrepreneurs looking to increase visibility may want to explore opportunities through: Ontario Night Market Riverside Artswalk Local farmers markets throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties Community festivals and seasonal maker fairs Chambers of Commerce and downtown association events UBJ Opportunity Take The most successful entrepreneurs don't wait for customers to find them—they go where customers are already gathering. Pop-up markets offer more than a place to sell products. They provide an opportunity to tell your story, test new ideas, build lasting relationships, and turn first-time shoppers into lifelong customers. In today's marketplace, a single weekend event can spark the beginning of a thriving business.