Thrives Grant Program

The City of Mission Viejo has partnered with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to develop the Thrives Grant Program to support brick-and-mortar small businesses in Mission Viejo.

Update your brick-and-mortar business with the Thrives Grant Program.

The City of Mission Viejo Thrives Grant Program supports small businesses by funding physical improvements that will increase customer engagement, enhance customer experience, and generate social media exposure. Selected businesses can receive up to $3,500 in grant funding.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your business!

Eligibility

Eligible businesses must:

Be a for-profit brick-and-mortar commercial business, physically located in Mission Viejo;
Submit the application and all required supporting documentation.
Have or obtain a City of Mission Viejo Certificate of Occupancy.
As of January 1, 2026, must have at least a minimum of two (2) employees – which may also include the owner – and no more than twenty-five (25) full-time equivalent employees (two part-time employees equal one full-time employee).
Be in compliance with any City permit or license requirements applicable to the Business and have no active code violations.
The grant must result in physical improvements to the interior of exterior of the business. These improvements shall be visible to the patrons of the business. Exterior improvements shall comply with City codes. Contact City staff for inquiries regarding code compliance.
To be eligible to receive grant funds, applicants must attend a three-week (1.5 hour per week) virtual business workshop program and complete a minimum of one (1) one-on-one consulting session with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultant focused on small business best practices.
Must install a permanent, visible City of Mission Viejo plaque or decal commemorating the physical improvement.
Must have or develop a social media account for the business prior to grant issuance.

The following businesses are not eligible:

Residential or real estate projects, home based businesses, and short-term rentals.
Cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment, and largely cash-based businesses.
City employees, elected, and appointed officials.

Application Process and Timeline

Apply online via the form below beginning Monday, October 19 at 8 a.m. Applications close Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Meet all program eligibility requirements; SBDC will review the application for completeness and eligibility.
Selected applicants notiﬁed by November 23, 2026 and program participation conﬁrmed.
Selected applicants must submit all required documentation.
Submit proof of Purchase of approved equipment/proposal.
Training Program Schedule (all trainings conducted via Zoom)
- Session 1: Tuesday, December 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Session 2: Tuesday, December 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Session 3: Tuesday, December 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The applicant shall provide photo documentation of physical improvements to the City within six (6) months of receiving grant funds.

Scoring Criteria

Applications that propose physical improvements to the business (interior and/or exterior) that are intentionally designed to increase customer engagement, enhance customer experience, and generate social media exposure will receive higher scores. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a clear connection between physical improvement and a strategy to increase online visibility, customer-generated content, or digital marketing effectiveness. Physical improvements should be intentionally designed to enhance customer experience and encourage social media engagement, photography, or online promotion.

Examples of highly competitive projects include, but are not limited to:

Artistic murals, public art, or other visually appealing features that encourage customer photos and social media sharing.
Attractive interior or exterior building improvements, including façade enhancements and architectural features.
Decorative storefronts or unique interior spaces that create memorable customer experiences.
Branded photo opportunities or interactive displays that support digital marketing.
Outdoor seating or gathering areas.
Enhanced lighting and landscape improvements.
New or upgraded business signage.
Feature walls, distinctive design elements, or unique customer seating areas that enhance the business’s visual appeal.

Applicants should explain how the proposed physical improvements will be incorporated into their marketing strategy to generate online engagement, increase customer-generated content, and strengthen the business’s digital presence.