TOOLS
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE
Entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses are important components of local economies. From job creation and employment to fostering the sense of place and community, the establishment and success of small businesses can be vital to economic development within municipalities. As such, it is a substantial role of local governments to support and encourage small business growth in the efforts to maintain the quality of life within the city.
The City of Menifee understands both the importance of fulfilling this role, as well as the potential difficulty and uncertainty about the process to get a small business up and running. With these factors in mind, the City of Menifee intends for this Business Resource Guide to assist in the endeavors of entrepreneurs, start-ups and aspiring small business owners. In it, you will find details on the specific processes here in the City, as well as resources that are available at the local, state, and federal levels.
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)
The City of Menifee recently completed a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which is the guiding document for the City's Economic Development efforts for years to come. By going through this process, the City also qualifies to apply for federal grants for up to $3 million.
SITE SELECTION ASSISTANCE
City staff can assist in compiling a list together of possible sites for your business, provide advice on zoning code and provide feedback about the need for additional permitting measures.
CITY OF MENIFEE STUDIES
DEMOGRAPHICS
Menifee is a great community for living & working, with world-class establishments, award-winning libraries and schools, and over 116,000 residents. Its prime location, young and eager local workforce, top-notch education system, and affordable housing position Menifee to help your business succeed.
FEES
City of Menifee current fee schedule as adopted February 2019.
ZONING CHECK
The City’s Menifee’s General Plan sets out certain designations that allow businesses to be located within zones that fit their business. The Economic Development Department can assist with checking your zoning to ensure that your business fits within you desired location.
PERMITS & LICENSES
The Menifee Municipal Code requires all businesses located and operating within the City to be properly licensed as well as in accordance with the standards for Planning (Zoning), Building & Safety and Public Health. Prior to the issuance of a Business License, inspections by the Building Division may be required in addition to approvals by the Planning Division. Additional approvals may be required by other Departments depending on the type of business being conducted. Department approvals apply to all businesses physically located in Menifee City limits.
SERVICES
Menifee B3 — Building Better Businesses — offers tools and resources for business owners and managers to grow their businesses and improve the bottom line. Resources include free or low-cost support, counseling, workshops and classes for developing and existing Menifee businesses.
These services are offered through the city’s partnerships with existing business support organizations that provide information about different topics including, but not limited to:
Menifee’s Economic Development Department can help your business grow.
General Business Information
Marketing & Social Media
Finance & Loan Information
Employee Recruitment & Retention
Growth & Expansion
For Additional Information Contact:
Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Department
START UP ASSISTANCE
Small Business Administration Loan Program is a national program that promotes small business formation and growth by providing loans to qualified applicants. SBA loans fund businesses when financing is unavailable through typical lending channels.
The SBA's Microloan Program is a popular program that provides small, short term loans to specific small businesses and not for profit child-care centers.
WORKFORCE TRAINING
Mt. San Jacinto College Mt. San Jacinto College’s Menifee campus is oriented toward career developmental skills training and offers online and on-site classes to more than 8,000 enrolled students. MSJC offers Associate Degrees in 47 areas of study and 32 different Certificates.
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS & CONSULTING
Small Business Development Center
The City of Menifee contracts with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IE-SBDC) to provide services for our booming small business community.
One-on-One Business Consulting
IE-SBDC provides one-on-one Business Consulting sessions for new and existing businesses. All sessions are confidential and FREE of charge for Menifee residents and businesses. 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
Sessions are scheduled in advance and hosted at the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce.
SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a national, non-profit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start-up or grow. SCORE is an active partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The effort in Menifee is part of the Inland Empire Chapter.
SCORE provides Menifee’s small businesses with FREE business mentoring. They also offer business workshops and webinars to Menifee businesses.
To register for a workshop or webinar, or to request a mentor, contact SCORE online at score.org
Workshop Training Schedule
The IE-SBDC also provides FREE business development workshops throughout the year for Menifee businesses and residents. 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! Sign-up for one of the following FREE workshops online at ociesmallbusiness.org or call 951.781.2345 to reserve your seat today!
Programs
The City of Menifee’s Economic Development Department manages several programs that are tailored to benefit the City of Menifee’s Economic Development Economic Development Strategy. The City would like to encourage you to participate! If you would like to participate in any of the ED programs, please contact the Economic Development Department.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
City of Menifee Business Spotlight program is a FREE business recognition program designed to create awareness about the variety of local businesses and their contributions to the Menifee community and region.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Through an application process, a committee will choose among applicants one business that will be celebrated and honored during the special presentation segment of a monthly City Council meeting. In addition, the business will be highlighted on the City's website and be awarded a 30-second professional video production created by the Department of Economic Development and their team that will be showcased on the City’s website, social media platforms, and given to the business with rights to use as needed to promote their business.
Featured businesses are those that have chosen Menifee as their home and whose story highlights the benefits of locating in Menifee and how they have contributed positively to the Menifee community. This program aims to showcase local businesses, in part of the Economic Development Department B3 program (Building Better Businesses), and to foster pride in Menifee’s thriving business community and strong local economy.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
All businesses and nonprofit organizations with a valid City of Menifee business license that occupy a commercial business location or use a permitted vehicle for mobile businesses are eligible to apply.
Renew Business License: RENEW
PROCESS
- City staff will review the application for completeness and verify business license status.
- Committee will review applications submitted, and City staff will contact the business to schedule an interview / video shoot time and date, and procure a biography on the selected business.
- Photo/Video release form (Required upon selection)
You can download, complete, scan and e-mail to EconDev@cityofmenifee.us or mail to: 29844 Haun Road, Menifee, CA 92586
June Business Spotlight - Exquisite Tapas
2024
2023
Tacos & Tequila Grill and Cantina
Previous Business Spotlights
2022
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CA Properties - Menifee
Blitzer's Premium Frozen Yogurt
2021
Taylor Wealth Management Group
2020
2019
Castillo Heating & Air Conditioning
2018
MENIFEE MASTERS
Menifee Masters is a certificate program designed for real estate professionals who work, sell, and do business in the City of Menifee and/or the Southwest Riverside County Region. This program is put on by the Menifee Economic Development team and designed to educate realtors on all of the programs and projects within the City of Menifee. The Menifee Masters course is a full day course where participants become a Master in all things Menifee and are deemed a Menifee Ambassador upon completion of the course.
MAYOR'S INDUSTRY IDEA EXCHANGE
The City of Menifee’s Mayor’s Industry Idea Exchange program promotes dialogue between the business community and City officials and staff. Idea exchanges are hosted four times annually, once in each selected industry. Attendees include business owners and managers representing industries such as legal, medical, education, commercial development, and residential development within the City.
Idea exchanges are hosted in Menifee in partnership with the Economic Development Coalition. Meals are provided and RSVPs are required.
BUSINESS VISITATION
The City of Menifee’s Office of Economic Development would love to come visit your site to learn about your business and open lines of communication between your business and City Hall. We are looking forward to building a relationship with you! To schedule a site visit, please contact the ED Department at EconDev@cityofmenifee.us, we are happy to make the arrangements!
MENIFEE K.E.E.P
Menifee KEEP is a new feature of the B3 (Building Better Businesses) program, which aims to assist local businesses in increasing their competitive advantage, retain jobs, survive economic difficulties, and provide feedback as a tool to improve the way Menifee, and the Chamber do business and grow.
Resource Contacts
ED Coalition - Valley of Innovation
EDCSWC is a public/private non-profit organization serving cities and unincorporated communities in the southwestern region of California.
The EDC works to enhance business retention and development by promoting economic growth and a positive business environment in this region. The EDC also assists commercial and industrial enterprises identify and resolve problems or concerns in the region.
Menifee’s Economic Development Department works with the EDC to promote business relocation and retention in Menifee.
