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Updates from the Office of Economic Development
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Business Equity Fund (BEF) Mini-Grant Closes Tomorrow
The City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development’s Minority Business Program has allocated $35,000 for direct business support to 14 socially disadvantaged businesses. These mini grants are for existing City of Charlottesville businesses that are owned by individuals who are considered socially disadvantaged (i.e., those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias based on their identity as a members of a group). Priority will be given to those who were not assisted financially from the Office of Economic Development in 2020. Eligible businesses are allowed to receive one mini grant to clear any unpaid fees, taxes, or loans acquired through the City of Charlottesville. If the business owner is current on the aforementioned list, they can use the mini grant for other pre-approved uses (e.g., rent, insurance, operating expenses, inventory, equipment, etc.) The $2,500 mini grant will be awarded after recipients complete a business training course and at least two one-on-one business consultations with the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center. Estimated training is approximately five hours. The deadline for the application is tomorrow, January 22nd at 5pm. |
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GO Start-Up Now Accepting Applications
The Minority Business Program is now accepting applications for the entrepreneurship training program. Classes will be held virtually Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4pm to 6pm beginning Monday, February 8th. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 29th at 3pm. A staff member will be in touch to schedule virtual interviews. You can find more information about the program and apply by filling out the application.
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Paycheck Protection Program Reopened
The Paycheck Protection Program portal reopened on Monday, January 11, 2021. The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Under new parameters, Accommodation and Food Services industries are eligible for an increase in a second PPP draw; the SBA has increased the draw from 2.5 times monthly expenses to 3.5 times monthly expenses for this sector only. All businesses are eligible to apply for the second round of funding and should do so through their existing bank. For more info click HERE.
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Telework!VA Webinar
Telework!VA is a statewide program providing training for both managers and employees on how to develop, maintain, and effectively evaluate a telework program, including the execution of telework agreements and policies. Many businesses have discovered the benefits of telework for productivity, quality of life, sustainability, and more. Businesses wanting to make their telework programs stronger, more flexible, and a better fit for their needs now and beyond the pandemic. The Telework!VA webinar will include free resources including consultation, material development, and training. The webinar will be held on Tuesday, January 26th from 2pm to 3pm. Please pre-register for this event.
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Home to Hope Hosted ‘Expungement Reform’ Event
Home to Hope hosted another Hope Starts Here event centered on Expungement Reform in the community. Panel speakers included Sally Hudson (Delegate), Rob Poggenklass (Legal Aid Justice Center), Sheba Williams (Nolef Turn), Harold Folley (Legal Aid Justice Center), Eddie Harris (Real Dads), and Whitmore Merrick (Freedom for Felons). The discussion focused on the history of expungement reform and plans to change expungement laws in VA. |
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Payment Protection Program Webinars
The Small Business Development Center will be hosting two different Payment Protection Program (PPE) webinars for new applicants and existing borrowers. The webinar for new applications applying for PPE will be Friday, January 22 nd at 11:30am focusing on what you need to know to apply. Please pre-register for the new applicants’ webinar. The webinar for existing borrowers with PPE will be Friday, January 22 nd at 1:30pm focusing on what you will need to know for the new round. Please pre-register for the existing borrowers’ webinar. |
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The Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) is accepting applications for FY2021
The FY2021 CCF will provide grants of up to $100,000 to Virginia companies with promising technologies that have the potential to drive economic growth in the Commonwealth. The Center for Innovative Technology manages this program and has announced key dates and deadlines for the 2021 submission process. To access the full CCF program guidelines, please click HERE. The City of Charlottesville is home to many past recipients of CCF grants including recent awardees Lytos, Oesh and Lumin. The City’s Cville Match program provides additional assistance and funding to successful recipients of CCF as well as the SBIR and STTR federal grant programs. For more information on Cville Match, please click HERE.
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Upcoming Webinars from CVSBDC
CV SBDC is a team of business and technical experts available to listen, advise and assist entrepreneurs; confidentially and free of charge. We offer 1:1 assistance, connection to curated research, access to technical experts and professionals, and timely events and training. Cybersecurity Crime Prevention – January 27th at 12pm: PREREGISTER Marketing and Social Media NOW – February 1st at 12pm: PREREGISTER Bank and Community Loans – February 3rd at 12pm: PREREGISTER Starting Your Business – January 28th at 3pm: PREREGISTER |
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