Recovery News

City of Charlottesville Businesses,
 
For many, including myself, these recent days put us in the shoes of the Bill Murray character in the movie Ground Hog Day in which each day repeats itself over and over. Indeed, it has been 70 “groundhog” days since the Governor declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19 in mid-March. On Friday May 15, 2020, the city began the reopening process as Phase 1 of the Forward Virginia Recovery Plan began.  This approach is intended to safely reduce restrictions and reopen the economy over three phases. While we have noticed some increased activity around town, it appears that most Charlottesville area businesses and consumers are continuing a cautious approach.
 
The primary guidance for business includes:

• The Governor’s Forward Virginia Recovery Plan. Specific questions can be e-mailed to virginia@business.gov.
• The CDC has provided guidance for Public Spaces, Workspaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes. 

• Project Rebound, an economic recovery initiative led by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce with support from the City, County and University economic development efforts, just completed a series of community conversations. The project team hopes to compile its report and deliver additional guidance and resources to the business community by mid-June.
• The Business Recovery Fund, a microloan program managed by the Community Investment Collaborative and supported by both the City and the County announced it has received an additional $300,000 private investment to assist local business recovery.  The second round of applications are now open. For more information Click here.  
• As businesses start to reopen, acquiring PPE will be necessary. If you are wondering where to find PPE, our regional economic development partners in Fluvanna continue to update a list of businesses that have PPE. For more information Click here.

City hall remains closed, likely until Phase 2, but OED staff remain available to assist you during this time. Our resource page located HERE  receives regular updates and is available as a resource.
 
Stay safe and take care.
 
Sincerely,
Chris Engel, CEcD
Director, Office of Economic Development

P: 434.970.3111 | engel@charlottesville.org 
www.charlottesville.org/econdev