3/6/2026
1 BUSINESS RETENTION UPDATERiverside Initiative Sustaining Entrepreneurs (RISE)Economic Development Committee March 19, 2026 Introduction & Purpose
RISE On-site business visits:•Targeted outreach•Technical assistance•Resource coordination Thriving Businesses:•Protect investments•Sustain employment•Strengthen community vitality Business RetentionExisting businessesdrive 80%of job growth and investment 3/6/2026
2 Anticipate Needs
Proactive Engagement •Relationship-based outreach & problem-solving•Coordination assistance across City Hall Why RISE Matters
Promote retention, preserve jobs, and prosper•Helps City identify emerging issues or barriers•Proactively address these issues 2025 RISE Program Overview
Majority small business engagement with select areas of excellence outreachCity-wide/general coverageStandardized intake with coordinated City follow-upCitywide Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) ProgramStructured, on-site visits led by Economic Development teamSelf-scheduling option provided to allow businesses to book visits 3/6/2026
3 Key Achievements
Resource Coordination & RetentionConnected businesses to city departments, workforce partners, and regional resources to support expansion, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability Strengthened Business RelationshipEstablished direct lines of communication with business owners and operators, building trust and positioning the City as a responsive partner rather than a regulatory presence.
Citywide Business Engagements
Inland Empire Economic Partnership2025RISELessons Learned Geographic Grouping Improves EfficiencyConducting visits by corridor and ward reduces travel time, increases staff productivity, and allows for more focused, place-based engagement.
Coordination Adds ValueOpportunities exist to enhance impact through greater coordination with internal departments and partners, such as Riverside Public Utilities and the Office of Sustainability.
Proactive Outreach Is EssentialWhile self-scheduling tools are effective, direct staff outreach significantly improves participation, particularly among small businesses and key employers.
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4 2026 Revised Strategy
February: Ward 7 March: Ward 6April: Ward 5May: Ward 4June: Ward 3July: Ward 2August: Ward 1September: Ward 7, Ward 6October: Ward 5, Ward 4November: Ward 3, Ward 2December: Ward 1 •Introduction and Program Overview⚬Complete the questionnaire ⚬Identify resources and workforce needs•Follow Up⚬Email resources⚬Highlight Business on Social Media ⚬Share updates in regular Ward reports Coordination & PlanningRISE Visit
Implementation Plan•Plan Schedule - Coordinate with partners •Conduct Site Visits⚬Priority-Based Focus⚬Monthly Geographical Rotations•National Recognition Months/Days (i.e., Manufacturing Month) 3/6/2026
5 Performance Metrics & Goals
What We Measure•Business profile: industry, size, Council Ward•Workforce conditions: size, hiring outlook, challenges•Growth signals: expansion intent, retention vs. at-risk status 2026 Performance Goals•Complete 100 standardized RISE visits citywide•Monthly ward-based reporting for leadership•Track outcomes from visit →referral →resolution How Metrics Drive Action•Classify visits: Retention, Expansion, Follow-Up•Connect to City departments and external partners•Assign follow-up and track resolutions•Prioritize outcomes over volume of visits Next Steps & Discussion
Standardize post visit follow-up Track action items and resolutions tied to workforce, permitting, utilities, and expansionIntegrate RISE visit data into regular Ward updatesIdentify businesses for proactive re-engagement based on growth signals or risk indicatorsAlign visit outcomes with incentives, workforce programs, and partner referrals (Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, SBDC, RPU, etc.) 3/6/2026
6 Recommendation
That the EDC Committee receive and file the Business Retention Update.
THANK YOU