Updates from the Office of Economic Development

OED Awards BRACE Grants to City Businesses

As part of its Recovery Roadmap programming, the Office of Economic Development has awarded 31 grants to City-based businesses and organizations through Building Resiliency Among Charlottesville Entrepreneurs (BRACE) grant program. These $2,500 grants were targeted to businesses that demonstrated the ability to adapt from the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses applied through a competitive grant application in July and grant funding was issued within 10 business days after acceptance. Funding for this grant was provided by the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA). Future grant offerings will focus on marketing and workforce assistance which will be announced in the near future. Additionally, one final round of BRACE will be offered in the upcoming months as well.

City of Charlottesville Retail Storefront Vacancy Report - July 2021

Charlottesville’s biannual vacancy study was completed in July 2021. This was the twenty seventh study in a series of semi-annual reports prepared by the Office of Economic Development, starting in July 2008. As noted, the overall vacancy rate of the major shopping centers in Charlottesville is 5.31%. These indicators suggest the retail situation in Charlottesville is showing improvements from the economic stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. View the report here.

Five Local Companies on the Inc. 5000 List

Congratulations are in order for the five companies in Charlottesville that made the Inc. 5000 2021 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, even amid the pandemic: SHINE Management ranked 279 , Sigora Solar ranked 861, Anchor Health Properties ranked 1,934, K2 Dental Arts ranked 2,219 and Willow Tree ranked 2,486. During these uncertain times they were able to pivot their business, grow and achieve recognizable success. Congratulations to all! See the full list here.

Afton Express Launches September 1st

The eagerly anticipated Afton Express commuter bus is scheduled to begin service on September 1^st. The new service connects Staunton, Fisherville and Waynesboro to destinations in Charlottesville and Fifth Street Station in Albemarle County. The Afton Express will provide a reliable and comfortable option for individuals who commute over Afton Mountain. Bobby Henderson, Mayor of Waynesboro stated “This service has been a long time coming. The transit service will alleviate some of the congestion on 1-64 while also providing our community with a stress-free commuting alternative.” For more information on the Afton Express, explore the website at AftonExpress.org.

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.

Future Proofing Your Business with Blockchain – Sept. 2nd at 12:00 pm: PREREGISTER

State/Local Contracting: SWaM Certification – Sept. 9^th at 10:30 am PREREGISTER

Financial Leadership in Practice Training with CNE – Sept. 10^th at 9:00 am PREREGISTER