Economic Development

NEW: Rebuild VA Grant Eligibility Expanded

The Rebuild VA recovery effort launched in August by the commonwealth has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small business to apply. Businesses that received CARES Act funding (such as PPP, EIDL, EIDL Advance) are now eligible for Rebuild VA Grant Funds of up to $10,000.  Businesses that have received federal funds must certify that they will only use the Rebuild VA grant for recurring expenses and that the grant will not be used to cover the same expenses as the other CARES Act funds.  For more information and to start your application please visit Rebuild VA . OED encourages all qualifying city businesses in need to make application. If you have questions or need assistance please let us know.

Dominion Energy Small Business EnergyShare Relief Program

Dominion Energy is partnering with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation to temporarily expand its EnergyShare program  to assist those small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.  Dominion Energy Virginia is pledging $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits and houses of worship in its Virginia service territory. The program funding will be covered by shareholders and will not impact customer rates. Qualified businesses may be eligible to receive one-time assistance with their past due Dominion electric bill balances up to $1000.  Apply for the EnergyShare Relief Program 

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. The full list can be found at the Small Business Relief Grant link.

Phase Three All Business Sectors

Governor Northam announced Phase Three guidelines for all Business Sectors.  Read about the Governor’s Safer at Home: Phase Three for more information.  

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 followup 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.

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

• Small Business Owners Guide to CARES Act (PDF) - Assistance for business owners with whatever needs they have right now.
• VA 30 Day Fund is rolling out Forgivable Loans for Virginia Small Businesses.       
• US SBA COVID-19 business assistance.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is now officially listed and classified as an "eligible" area. We encourage City of Charlottesville businesses interested in submitting an application for financing the SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Assistance Program to begin completing the application. The number assigned to the State of Virginia for the emergency declaration is VA-00087.  General guidance on the SBA Disaster Loan process (PDF) 
• For information on unemployment and other business needs, visit the Virginia Employment Commission. The Governor has waived the on-week waiting period so that workers can start receiving benefits right away.  
• Updates from Virginia Department of Health (including some info for business).

Financial Resources                

• Tory Burch Foundation has a useful list of resources (for both finding and advice) for small businesses.
• VA 30 Day Fund is rolling out Forgivable Loans for Virginia Small Businesses       
•        The VA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has published new information on financial assistance for small businesses and how to apply for a Federal Disaster loan.         
• SBA Disaster Assistance Loan.          Facebook Social Network 

Additional Information

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

For the most up-to-date information, be sure to follow us on social media or sign up for updates.

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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