Small Business

Moreno Valley is Small Business Strong

Employees Standing by We are Open Sign

Starting and growing a business is both challenging and exciting.

The City of Moreno Valley is committed to providing you with the tools, resources and information you need to help you succeed. Find out why 4,500 businesses “Choose MoVal.”

Ideally situated at the epicenter of Southern California, Moreno Valley is the best opportunity to start or expand your small business.

Whether you are ready to START a new business, GROW an existing one or just need some RESOURCES, the Economic Development staff can help.

Get Started

Start-Up MoVal

You have decided to start a business and now it is time for the next step. Start-Up MoVal has a library of tools, resources and kits to help you take the first steps.

Grow MoVal

Business is doing great and it is time to expand. Discover the information, resources and incentives you need to grow or expand your business in Moreno Valley.

Small Biz Resources

From networking, financing options and workshops there are many business resources to help start and grow your business. Explore what’s available for you.

Start-Up MoVal

Have you thought about opening your own business? Do you already have an amazing idea but are not sure where to start? Or are you ready to choose the perfect location to open your business? Let the Economic Development Department help you through the process of opening your business in Moreno Valley.

Start-Up MoVal provides the tools, resources and information necessary to help you make informed decisions when starting a business in Moreno Valley.

Develop a Business Plan

Develop a
Business Plan

Choose a Business Structure

Choose a
Business Structure

Grow Register Circle People Working

Register your
Business

Business Licensing & Permits

Business Licensing
& Permits

Site Selection

Site
Selection

Financing

Finance & Incentives

Hiring Employees

Hiring
Employees

Business Workshops & Consulting

Business Workshops
& Consulting

Startup Resource Circle Women Working

Small Business
Resources

Develop a Business Plan

Business Plan

Don’t do it alone. Our experts can help draft a winning Business Plan.

By addressing the universal questions all new businesses face, you will develop strategies to guide your success. Though every business plan is different, it is still a formal document that should follow an organized and standard format.

A business plan will help you access outside capital, serve as an assessment tool and help you identify strategies which are effective or ineffective for your business.

There are important questions you need to ask yourself before starting your business plan. Your answers to these questions and more will help you create a focused, well-researched business plan that should detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.

Questions include:

  • What need does my company address?

  • What/who is my competition?

  • What is my business advantage over other firms?

  • Who are my core customers?

  • What business am I interested in starting?

  • What services or products will I sell?

Business Structure

Choose a Business Structure

Sole proprietor, Limited Liability Corporation or S Corporation, which is right for you? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of business structure, depending on your situation. The US Small Business Administration can show you a comparison of the different types of business structures as well as detailed information on each. It is also highly recommended that you consider consulting an attorney for legal and tax advice.

Grow Register Circle People Working

Register Your Business

Your location and business structure will determine how to register your business and with which agencies. For most small businesses, registering your business can be as simple as registering your business name with state and local governments.

If your business is clearly understood with your purpose and legal name, you may not need to register. But remember, if you don’t register your business, you could miss out on personal liability protection, legal benefits and tax benefits. Visit the US Small Business Administration for more detailed information.

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Business License & Permits

Business License

The Business License Team wants to help you get your business started in the easiest and quickest manner. Connect with the City’s Business License Information  Center for help with licensing your new business. Call 951.413.3080 or email businesslicense@moval.org, for step-by-step guidance on the requirements for getting your Business License and getting your business opened in Moreno Valley. Required for all businesses.

Building Permit

You may need a building permit if constructing a new facility or making changes to an existing structure. Connect to the Building & Safety Team’s online forms or call 951.413.3350 for more information.

Certificate of Occupancy

If operating in a commercial location, You will need a Certificate of Occupancy before you open. This is usually the last step of the licensing and permit process.

The Cal Gold website can help you find the appropriate permit information for your business. Please visit the Cal Gold online portal for resources.

Site Selection

Choosing the Right Location

It is important to do your research when deciding the best location for your business. Consider factors like demographics, lease terms, zoning and building regulations. Do you need to be visible from the street, does your business rely on walk up traffic? Will you be operating your business from home? Are you ready for a commercial location?

All businesses within City limits will need to obtain a business license. If you have general questions about the process, please contact a member of the Business License team at 951.413.3080 or email businesslicense@moval.org.

Financing

Financing

Whether you’re looking for startup capital or considering a loan to finance the expansion of your business, you can take advantage of the various opportunities available through various lenders and programs.

Different types of lenders include Banks, Non-profit Community Development Corporations, Investors and online Crowdfunding platforms.

Warning Icon

Beware of Predatory Lending

Been turned down by the banks? Need cash fast? Have you seen or read any ads about getting big cash for your small business by tomorrow? Small business owners need to beware of the extremely high interest rates and fast payback terms of predatory lenders. Small business lending is not covered by the same consumer protection laws as personal banking. Ensure to read through documents carefully and consult with your lawyer, accountant or a small business counselor before entering into any agreement.

Incentives

Hire MoVal Hiring Assistance

Hire Moval Hiring Assistance

Find your next star employees at the Moreno Valley Employment Resource Center (ERC) through Hire MoVal. Host your next job recruitment or reach over 20,000 local job seekers with our outreach list. We can help, just say Hire MoVal.

Hire MoVal for Small Biz

Hire Moval Small Business

Receive a Business License discount when you hire at least 40% of their employees from Moreno Valley’s residents. Businesses with less than $200,000 in gross annual revenues are eligible to apply with a valid Moreno Valley business license.

Hire MoVal – Hire a Grad

Hire Moval Hire Grad

Moreno Valley businesses are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to hire local residents who have recently graduated or earned a certificate from an accredited college or university. $5,000 maximum per year.

Hire MoVal – Hire a Veteran

HireMoval Veteran Logo

Moreno Valley businesses are eligible to receive up to $1,500 ($1,000 to the business and $500 to the veteran) for hiring veterans that live in Moreno Valley. $15,000 maximum per year.

Cal Competes

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California. More than $200 million are available each fiscal year through 2022-23.

New Market Tax Credit

CDFI Fund

NMTC program attracts private capital into low-income communities by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries.

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

CA Department of Tax and Fee Adminsitration

Manufacturers and certain research and developers may qualify for a partial exemption of sales and use tax on certain manufacturing and research and development equipment purchases and leases.

Employment Training Panel

Riverside Workforce

Receive up to a 50% reimbursement for up to six months for the training of new employees. Administered by the County, OJT allows an individual to learn the basic skills of the job while performing the job.

On-the-Job Training

Riverside Workforce

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a business and labor-supported state program that assists employers in strengthening their competitive edge by providing funds to off-set the costs of job skills training.

Hiring Employees

Hiring Employees

The City’s Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC) operates a one-stop job resource center that provides workforce development, recruitment and job fair support to connect Moreno Valley businesses with the right employees at NO COST.

The City of Moreno Valley encourages businesses to hire locally.

Business Workshops & Consulting

Business Workshops & Consulting

Small Business Development Center

The City of Moreno Valley contracts with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IE-SBDC) to provide technical assistance for our booming small business community. Topics include:

  • Starting & Expanding a Business
  • Business Planning/Business Plan Resources
  • QuickBooks Consulting & Financial Projections
  • Loan & Funding Assistance: Small Business Administration and Conventional
  • Government Contracting & Marketing

One-on-One Business Consulting

IESBDC provides one-on-one Business Consulting sessions for new and existing businesses every Wednesday. All sessions are confidential and FREE of charge for Moreno Valley residents and businesses.

Sessions are scheduled in advance and hosted at the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce located at 12625 Frederick Street, Suite E-3, Moreno Valley, CA 92553.  Call 951.781.2345 to schedule an appointment today.

Small Business Wednesdays

The City of Moreno Valley hosts an array of FREE or low-cost business development workshops every Wednesday at the Moreno Valley Business & Employment Resource Center. Whether you are a new business owner, thinking of starting a business, or have been in business for years, these workshops provide valuable information for entrepreneurs at every stage. A sampling of topics includes starting a new business, learning financial tools, email marketing and social media. Check out the full line-up of workshops scheduled for this year.

Grow Resources Circle Business Women

Small Business Resources

Being a business owner can sometimes feel like it is you against the world. But in Moreno Valley there is a whole small business ecosystem that is ready and willing to help. The Small Business Resources section features information on organizations, workshops, contacts and other tools to help you start, relocate or grow in Moreno Valley.

Business Resources

Grow MoVal

Business is booming and it is time to expand: add a new location, relocate to a bigger space. The possibilities are endless and we can help.

From workforce recruitment assistance, site selection assistance or entitlement and permitting help, the City of Moreno Valley is committed to providing the information you need to Grow MoVal.

Update your Business Plan

Update your
Business Plan

Site Selection

Site
Selection

Financing

Financing & Incentives

Hiring Employees

Hiring
Employees

Grow Register Circle People Working

Register your
Business

Business Licensing & Permits

Business Licensing
& Permits

Business Workshops & Consulting

Business Workshops
& Consulting

Grow Resources Circle Business Women

Small Business
Resources

Small Business Programs

The City of Moreno Valley is committed to your success The Small Business Programs section features the Small Business Wednesdays, Business Spotlight, Business Roundtable, Small Business Visitation, Shop MoVal and the iMake Mobile Innovation Center.

Find out how these programs can help you.

Incentives Papers

Small Business Wednesdays

Are you thinking of starting a business but don’t know how to begin? Have you been in business for years and need some help navigating the next steps?

Join us for Small Business Wednesdays! Every Wednesday at the Moreno Valley Business & Employment Resource Center we will host an array of workshops that bring valuable information for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. These workshops are FREE or low-cost to attend. Visit the events page to register for upcoming workshops.

Workshops, Webinars and Events will be listed chronologically.

Business Spotlight

Spotlight on Moreno Valley Business is a free business recognition program that promotes awareness about Moreno Valley’s variety of local businesses.  The Spotlight is a 30-second professionally produced video created by the award-winning City of Moreno Valley media team to promote your business.

The Spotlight lives on the MVTV-3 YouTube Channel. Businesses receive a copy of the video on a DVD. It runs on MVTV-3 and is showcased on the City’s website for approximately two weeks. It is also posted on the City’s Facebook page. Businesses selected for the program are highlighted during a scheduled special presentations segment of City Council meetings. At that meeting, the video will be played and your City Council Member will present a certificate of recognition to the business.

Eligibility

All businesses and nonprofit organizations with a valid City of Moreno Valley business license that occupy a commercial business location or utilize a permitted vehicle for mobile businesses are eligible to apply. The popular Spotlight slots are limited and are chosen by Council District. View the Council District Map to find your Council District.

Small Business Visitation

We know business owners are busy. Let us come to you with the Small Business Visit program. With this program, City staff and key business development staff visit Moreno Valley companies to open the lines of communication and maintain good working relationships with our business community.

Based on each company’s interest, the City provides one-on-one consultations to describe City programs or services that can save the business money.

To request a Business Visit, contact the ED Team at 951.413.3460 or email EDTeam@moval.org.

Shop Moval

Shop Moval and support Local Business!

The City of Moreno Valley supports our retail businesses by encouraging residents and businesses to shop locally.  With more than 40 shopping destinations to choose from, shopping in Moreno Valley is easier than ever! Shopping MoVal is the best way to get great deals, retain local jobs, support other Moreno Valley business owners, and expand the economic health of our City.  Plus, when you Shop MoVal, your hard earned dollars help keep sales taxes in our city to help fund vital services.

iMake Mobile Innovation Center

Moreno Valley College’s iMake Mobile Innovation Center is designed to create a mobile “learning” lab delivering STEM engagement activities. iMake Mobile Innovation Center provides hands-on, interactive activities and unique STEM experiences to the community.

To learn more about the iMake Mobile Innovation Center please visit https://mvc.edu/community/imake-mobile.php.

Moreno Valley College iMake Movile Innovation Center

Small Business Resources

Being a business owner can sometimes feel like it is you against the world. But in Moreno Valley there is a whole small business ecosystem that is ready and willing to help. The Small Business Resources section features information on organizations, workshops, contacts and other tools to help you start, relocate or grow in Moreno Valley.

You Are Not Alone Graphic

Small Business Resource Partners

Small Business Administration

US Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration is a federal organization that provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their businesses.

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Inland empire Small Business Development Center

SBDC Inland Empire Logo

Distinguished provider of small business consulting, education and resources. Their network strives to deliver high-quality expertise through their team of consultants, so they can help you achieve long-term success for your business.

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Inland Empire Womens Business Center

IEWBC Logo

The IEWBC offers training, mentoring events and business counseling for both the emerging and the experienced woman business owner, with the goal of empowering women through entrepreneurship.

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SCORE

Score Logo

A non-profit resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration who is dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. They offer vibrant mentorship programs and expert resources.

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Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce

Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce

The Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization supported by its membership, activities that it sponsors, Chairman’s Circle Members and the City of Moreno Valley. The Chamber provides opportunities for business professionals to come together for different networking events to promote their business to others in the community.

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Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has set a mission to promote, support, encourage the advancement and development of Hispanic and minority owned businesses in Moreno Valley. They Hispanic Chamber provides opportunities for business professionals to come together for networking, workshops and events to promote their business to others.

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Educational Partners

No matter where you are on your educational journey, the City of Moreno Valley has developed partnerships to get you to the next level.

Key educational partners, like Moreno Valley College & California Baptist University, are located at the Moreno Valley Business & Employment Resource Center and are ready to help.

Are you thinking of starting your own business?

You have come up with a great idea and want to turn it into a great business. Learn more about what you will need to get your business up and running. The City of Moreno Valley is committed to providing you the tools, resources and information to help you get started.

Contact us today, we’re here to help.

Cruz Esparza IV
Economic Development & Housing Director
951.413.3238
cruze@moval.org

Keith Gemmell
Business & Workforce Development Manager
951.413.3448
keithg@moval.org

Stephanie Macias
Business Development Analyst
951.413.3462
stephaniem@moval.org

For more information on Business Resources available please click here.