Economic Development

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OED Announces GO Hire Grant Application 

The  City of  Charlottesville's Office of Economic Development (OED) has adapted the GO Hire program as part of the Recovery Roadmap initiative.  The workforce-based grant is designed to assist City businesses that are growing and enhancing their workforce.

GO Hire grant is a reimbursable grant. The GO Hire program targets workforce positions that pay at least $15.00/hr. Position must be W-2 employment.

Grant funds can be used for City based businesses hiring a new employee that is a City resident.  OED will reimburse 50% of the wages for the initial 8 week hiring period.  Employees must be full time employees to be eligible for reimbursement.  Companies are eligible for hires starting from September 6th until the end of this year. 

GO Hire funds will not cover past payroll expenses prior to September 6th.

Grants will be limited to $5,000 per business.  The OED reserves the right to make any necessary adjustments or enhancements to the GO Hire program at any time.

This grant can be used in conjunction with the Governor's "Return to Earn" program, as funds are available.  More information is located at the  Return to Earn Initiative .

Application for the OED  GO Hire Grant is now available.

OED Awards BRACE Grants to City Businesses

As part of its Recovery Roadmap programming, the Office of Economic Development has awarded 31 grants to City-based businesses and organizations through Building Resiliency Among Charlottesville Entrepreneurs (BRACE) grant program. These $2,500 grants were targeted to businesses that demonstrated the ability to adapt from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses applied through a competitive grant application in July and grant funding was issued within 10 business days after acceptance. Funding for this grant was provided by the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA). Future grant offerings will focus on marketing and workforce assistance which will be announced in the near future. Additionally, one final round of BRACE will be offered in the upcoming months as well.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is scheduled to open in early April.  There are some advanced steps that businesses may need to do now to better prepare for the application process.  Watch this video for more details.  Check the Small Business Administration website for the most up-to-date information.

Southern Opportunity And Resilience (SOAR) Fund

SOAR Fund provides flexible, affordable capital and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits across the south and southeast to help them navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 economic crisis.  Get all the details at SOAR website. 

City Delivers $750,000 in Relief to Small Businesses

The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development (OED) is pleased to announce that 128 small businesses have received funds from the Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) program. 

Project Rebound

Project Rebound, a local economic recovery initiative for our area, recently released "A Blueprint for Economic Resiliency and Reinvention in Greater Charlottesville Region". The report, produced by KPMG LLP, maps out economic recovery action steps for the business community.  The recommended actions are based on data from stakeholder meetings and follow-up interviews with more than 300 local participants. The project was led by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce with support from the City, County and University economic development efforts. Click to see the full Blueprint report.

Disaster Preparedness for Small Businesses

Anticipating business interferences, crises and debacles is an essential part of maintaining a business.  Engaging the business community in Risk Reduction for Business Resilience whether it be a hurricane, tornado or outbreak like COVID-19, is imperative.  Studies show that more than 40% of small businesses close permanently after a disaster.  Among those that reopen, another 25% fail within a year.  The Disaster Preparedness for Small Business guide extensively illustrates and highlights the best tips and resources to guide entrepreneurs in their business recovery and continuity plan.

SBA Disaster Assistance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and EIDL Advance program portal to further meet the needs of small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  See the SBA Disaster Assistance website for all the details and to apply.

Links to Assistance for Businesses During COVID-19

Financial Resources

Additional Information

  • Charlottesville restaurants and stores  currently "open" for business: CVILLESHOPS 

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The Office of Economic Development is the catalyst for public and private initiatives that create employment opportunities and a vibrant and sustainable economy.

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