Small Business

Moreno Valley is Small Business Strong

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.

New Businesses Start Here

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.

Existing Businesses Start Here

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.

Need Help? Start Here

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 & Housing 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

Choose a
Business Structure

Register your
Business

Business Licensing
& Permits

Site
Selection

Finance & Incentives

Hiring
Employees

Business Workshops
& Consulting

Small Business
Resources

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?

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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.

SBA – Choose a Business Structure

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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.

SBA – Choose Your Business Name

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.

SBA – Register Your Business

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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.

Cal Gold Online Portal

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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.

Home Occupation

Operating a business from your home will require approval from Planning, Building & Safety and Fire Prevention.

You will be asked several questions about the type of business you plan to conduct from your home to ensure that the business meets certain criteria and guidelines per the Moreno Valley Municipal Code.

Download the Home Occupation Packet

Commercial Location

Operating a business in a commercial location will require a Certificate of Occupancy. You do not have to do this alone; the City offers Entitlement & Permitting Concierge services. Let us help you navigate the process.

When you come to City Hall you will need to check in at the Development Services Desk and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) Application and related materials. You will need to meet with Building & Safety, Planning, Fire Prevention and the Cashier to process your CofO and business license.

Download the Commercial Location Packet

*Note: Prior to signing a lease agreement, verify with the Planning Division that the zoning is appropriate.

Site Selection

It’s all about location. Whether leasing space, purchasing an existing building, or developing land, check the City’s featured properties and critical data collected to help you pick the right spot for your investment. Then, query the online property database for available sites.

As always, we stand ready to help – Call us at 951.413.3460 or email at EDTeam@moval.org.

Learn More

Entitlement & Permitting Concierge

Take advantage of our concierge service to businesses and developers. We serve as your project partner at City Hall during all phases of the site selection, due diligence, entitlement, permitting and construction processes. If an issue arises, the ED Team collaborates with the City’s Development Divisions and outside agencies, as necessary.

Let us track down solutions. Contact us by phone at 951.413.3460 or by email at EDTeam@moval.org.

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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.

Banks

Bank loans are the traditional way to finance a business, but getting approved for that first loan can be difficult due to stricter requirements, needing alternate sources of income, credit, bankruptcies and lack of collateral. Having a great business plan to support your case and being persistent may help, but remember to shop around for the lowest interest rate and keep in mind that not all lenders are reputable.

*Disclaimer: Talk to a few banks to learn about their requirements and expectations before applying. Start by working with a non-profit counselor to learn how to put your best foot forward before applying for loans and to learn about SBA loans.

Non-profit Lenders

Non-profit lenders are an option for obtaining loans. Many of these lenders have set goals to help the community and support low-income communities and therefore sometimes have fewer restrictions than traditional banks when making lending decisions.

*Disclaimer: Review the different options and research Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI’s) and other non-profit lenders.

Investors

Investors might be people you know such as friends, relatives or colleagues or it could take the form of venture capital which comes in the form of individuals or venture capital firms. Angel investors will often provide capital and mentoring in exchange for equity in the business and may require conditions.

*Disclaimer: If you receive money from friends or family ensure you have the terms in writing to avoid future challenges. If the money is a gift and not a loan, keep in mind that you may need to report and pay a gift tax to the IRS.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a way for businesses to raise money not only from friends and family, but also from the community and general public. The City of Moreno Valley has partnered with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and LA LISC to bring the power of the KIVA platform to Moreno Valley businesses.

KIVA is an alternative lending platform which allows small business owners and start-ups to create their own crowdfunding page. Entrepreneurs love the KIVA lending platform because it offers:

Access to 0% Interest, no fee loans up to $10,000.
Loans based on your character and network.
No minimum credit score requirement.

To learn more, Al Gohary with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC) to get FREE technical assistance and access to match funding from LA LISC on the Kiva platform.

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

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.

Learn More

Hire MoVal for Small Biz

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.

Learn More

Hire MoVal – Hire a 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.

Learn More

Hire MoVal – Hire a Veteran

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

New Market Tax Credit

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Employment Training Panel

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.

Learn More

On-the-Job Training

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.

Learn More

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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.

Workforce Recruitment

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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.

Event Calendar

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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.

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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

Site
Selection

Financing & Incentives