This guide to small business funding in Riverside breaks down the full funding ecosystem available to founders across the Inland Empire. Starting with California and city backed programs, moving through local lenders and private capital, and then covering national funding options that complement the local landscape.

Riverside has transitioned from a logistics heavy region into a diversified hub for AgTech, Green Energy, and Creative Manufacturing. As the capital of the Inland Empire, it offers a “Business First” climate with specific incentives designed to keep founders from moving to the coast. Whether you’re scaling a tech startup at ExCITE or opening a retail concept downtown. Riverside provides a robust network of community backed loans and municipal grants.

California & Riverside State Level Funding and Support Programs

Riverside founders benefit from being in a high-priority region for state economic expansion, often resulting in localized versions of California’s most popular support tools.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Based in the state capital but highly active in the IE, CalOSBA manages major grant cycles like the California Dream Fund. Riverside entrepreneurs often use CalOSBA to identify state-level relief and expansion grants tailored for micro-businesses.

Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant Program Managed by the City’s Community & Economic Development Department (CEDD). This program offers grants of up to $25,000 for qualified businesses within city limits. It’s designed specifically for businesses with under 50 employees and a gross revenue between $10k and $2.5 million.

RivCo Small Business THRIVE Program A collaboration between the Riverside County Office of Economic Development and the SBDC. The THRIVE Program provides grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. To qualify, founders must complete specialized business training and financial literacy webinars provided by local partners.

Inland Empire SBDC (Orange County Inland Empire Network) The Riverside SBDC provides free, high-level 1:1 advising. Most local founders stop here first to prepare their “Funding Package”—ensuring their financial statements and projections meet the standards of the lenders listed below.

Local Banks, Credit Unions & Community Lenders in Riverside

Riverside is known for its “relationship banking” environment, where local credit unions and community lenders often provide more flexible terms than national mega-banks.

• Riverside Bank (Division of Wintrust): A premier local business bank that takes a consultative approach. Specializing in SBA 7(a) and 504 loans for commercial real estate and business acquisitions.
• AmPac Business Capital: A critical Riverside-based partner that administers the Riverside County BizBoost program, offering loans up to $50,000 with a fixed 5% interest rate for local businesses.
• MyPoint Credit Union: A strong regional supporter of IE entrepreneurs, offering specific working capital lines, equipment financing, and business Visa solutions.
• Accessity: A mission-driven non-profit lender providing microloans (up to $100k) specifically for entrepreneurs of color, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs in Riverside.

Explore local banking and lending options here: 👉 https://hustlerslibrary.com/banks-in-riverside-for-business-owners/

Private & Alternative Funding Options in Riverside

Riverside’s private capital scene is anchored by the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and a growing network of angel investors focused on the “Inland Empire Innovation” story.

ExCITE Riverside Accelerator & Incubator. A partnership between the City, County, and UCR, ExCITE provides tech startups with access to mentors and investor networks. While primarily an incubator, it’s the gateway to over $200k in valued services and direct introductions to the Highlander Venture Fund.

TCA Venture Group (formerly Tech Coast Angels) – Inland Empire One of the most active angel groups in Southern California. The IE chapter specifically seeks out Riverside-based startups with game-changing ideas, providing checks ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.

Riverside Angel Summit An annual program designed to connect vetted local entrepreneurs with motivated investors. It’s a competitive pitch event that serves as a primary funding milestone for Riverside-born startups.

Industry-Specific Investor Ecosystems Private capital in Riverside is highly concentrated in:

• AgTech & Life Sciences: (UCR Life Science Incubator).
• CleanTech & Energy: (Southern California Energy Innovation Network).
• Creative Manufacturing: Leveraging the region’s vast industrial space.

National Funding Options Still Relevant for Riverside Founders

• SBA Loans (7(a), 504, Microloans): The SBA Santa Ana District Office (which covers Riverside) is heavily utilized by local manufacturers and retailers for long-term financing.
• Online Business Loans: Platforms like BlueVine and OnDeck are common for Riverside service businesses needing fast working capital between contract cycles.
• National Grant Programs: Riverside businesses regularly win cycles from Hello Alice, Comcast RISE, and NASE Growth Grants.

Funding Strategy Roadmap for Riverside Founders

• Under $50K in Capital Needs: → AmPac BizBoost, Accessity (Microloans), and RivCo THRIVE grants.
• $50K–$350K Range: → Riverside Bank (SBA), SBA 7(a) Community Advantage loans, and local credit unions.
• Scaling or Tech-Growth Businesses: → ExCITE Accelerator, TCA Inland Empire, and Highlander Venture Fund.
• Grant-Focused Founders: → City of Riverside Small & Micro Business Grant and CalOSBA cycles.

What to Prepare Before Pursuing Funding

• Riverside Business License: Lenders will require your City or County Business Tax Certificate to finalize any funding.
• Residency/Location Proof: Many Riverside-specific grants require proof that your physical headquarters are within city or county limits (utility bills, lease agreements).
• Training Completion: Programs like THRIVE require you to complete a training cohort before funds are disbursed—plan your timeline accordingly.

Building in Riverside? Explore the Full City Guide

Funding is just one piece of the puzzle. Our Doing Business in Riverside guide covers the rest — from navigating the “Business First” permit process at City Hall to the best coworking spaces and networking hubs downtown.

Final Thoughts

Riverside offers a deeply supportive funding environment. By layering city-level grants with AmPac community loans and UCR-linked private capital. Founders can build a capital stack that fuels growth in the Inland Empire.

Start with a free consultation — clarity and connections, no advice.