Video: Gov. Northam Announces $70 Million “Rebuild Virginia” Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by #COVID19

See below for a note from Gov. Ralph Northam’s Chief of Staff, Clark Mercer, and some video, on the “launching a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA.” According to Clark Mercer, “The program will provide grants of up to three times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000. The application will become available on August 10, 2020.” Gov. Northam said that ensuring small businesses – the “economic engine of our state” – thrive is central to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Northam announced that the $70 million “Rebuild Virginia” program from CARES Act funding for a small business grant program to help “meet existing or unpaid expenses such as back-due rent or utility payments,” or to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be prioritized to businesses that have been most impacted by COVID-19, such as food and beverage, nonessential retail, exercise/fitness, personal care/grooming, entertainment and public amusement, private campgrounds and overnight summer camps. Good stuff.

Good Afternoon,

We have exciting news to share with you. The Commonwealth is launching a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA. The program will provide grants of up to three times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000. The application will become available on August 10, 2020.

These grants are aimed at assisting small businesses and nonprofits that have faced economic distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible entities include those in the following industry sectors: restaurant and beverage service, non-essential retail, exercise and fitness, personal care and personal grooming, entertainment and public amusement, private campgrounds, and overnight summer camps.

This statewide program is capitalized with $70 million, which means we will be able to assist approximately 7,000 businesses. Half of the proceeds will be directed toward small businesses and nonprofits located in economically disadvantaged areas, including ensuring adequate representation of women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

More details about the program, including eligibility criteria, may be found in the attached flyer or by visiting https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/. We hope that you will share this information widely with your networks.