Updates from the Office of Economic Development

OED to Begin Recovery Planning Effort

The Office of Economic Development will be engaging the business community in a recovery planning effort this spring. As indicated at a December work session, the City Council supported economic recovery of local businesses from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as a top near-term priority for the council. Since then, OED has been planning their efforts and are seeking broad participation from City business owners that will help inform a series of immediate action items that the City can pursue to assist with recovery. To begin the process, we would like to request your assistance with a short survey. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and will help us establish an understanding of current conditions as we embark on recovery planning. To begin the survey, click HERE.

Downtown Job Center Employer Spotlights

The City of Charlottesville Downtown Job Center is returning with our popular Facebook Live Employer Spotlight Series. Job Center staff member, Melissa Hannah, will interview local employers who are hiring in an effort to connect job seekers and employers to one another in this bimonthly online event. Questions feature how many open positions are available, pay range, requirements for the positions, and how an interested candidate can apply. The spotlights are open to comments to the public, so questions for employers can be answered in real time. For dates and times, please visit our Facebook page HERE. If you are interested in learning more, or would like to be a part of these spotlights, email us or call us at 434-970-3933.

OED Releases January 2021 Retail Vacancy Report

The Office of Economic Development has released the January 2021 Retail Storefront Vacancy Report. As part of the study, OED staff take a comprehensive view of 6 established retail areas and offer a comparative analysis through data collected over the last thirteen years. The City’s rate increased from 6.73% in July 2020 to the current rate of 7.66% in January 2021.

This study indicates the stress caused on the retail environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic is similar to other comparative markets. To view the full report, CLICK HERE.

DoorDash and VRLTA Announce Restaurant Grants

DoorDash recently announced a new $450,000 grant program for Virginia restaurants in partnership with the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA). The contribution is part of DoorDash’s $200 million, 5-year Main Street Strong Pledge, which includes a $10 million effort to help restaurants in select cities across the United States and Canada.

The program will be administered by VRLTA, with assistance from local partners across the Commonwealth. VRLTA will manage the application and selection processes as well as the distribution of funds. Grants of $3,500 will be awarded, and recipients will be chosen by judges from the restaurant and tourism industries. The judges will ensure grants are distributed across Virginia and prioritize businesses which have not benefited from other financial assistance. In addition, a minimum of 20% of the grants will be earmarked to minority-owned and/or women-owned businesses.  Applications will be available on the VRLTA website from February 4, 2021 to March 1, 2021, and grants will be distributed to selected restaurants by the first week of April.

Welcome Café Frank

Chef Jose de Brito will be opening his own place on the Downtown Mall in March in collaboration with Wilson Richey. The café (located in the former Splendora’s space) will be offering de Brito’s sandwiches, salads, potpies, and pastries to-go or to eat in at the seat-yourself setting as well as a dinner menu. Chef de Brito’s establishment will also offer pantry items including wines and ingredients from de Brito’s kitchen such as oils, condiments and seasonings. Bon appetit!

Business License Renewals

The Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue’s Office reminds everyone that business license renewals are due March 1^st.  Please contact us by phone (434-970-3170) or email if you have not received your renewal documentation or if you have any questions about your renewal.  The business license renewal form and the payment can be mailed or placed in the drop box at the 6^th Street and 7^th Street entrances to City Hall.  Other payment methods may be taken by appointment booked online.

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. They offer 1:1 assistance, connection to curated research, access to technical experts and professionals, and timely events and training.

 
QuickBooks Online Foundations – Tuesday, February 9^th at 9am: PREREGISTER
Starting Your Business – Tuesday, February 9^th at 10am: PREREGISTER
Cybersecurity Crime Prevention – Wednesday, February 10^th at 12pm: PREREGISTER
Cybersecurity Crime Prevention – Wednesday, February 10^th at 4pm: PREREGISTER
Managing Your WordPress Website – Thursday, February 11^th at 12pm: PREREGISTER