Provided below is a compilation of resources and information for Waynesboro businesses in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is updated regularly, check back frequently for updates! This page was last updated 5/5/2021.
Retail, Restaurants, and Hospitality
Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Resource Page
Southeast Tourism Society Resource Page
Small Business Administration Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Local Grant/Loan Resources
Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge COVID-19 Local Response Fund – The fund will provide resources directly to charitable organizations supporting the residents of Staunton, Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of this pandemic. Guiding the distribution of resources will be a partnership consisting of the Community Foundation, United Way, Augusta Health, CAPSAW, officials from Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County, business leaders, and others.
CAPSAW has been allocated supplemental Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to address COVID-19 related needs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. All funds are for services to individuals and families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line residing in Staunton, Augusta County, or Waynesboro. All proposals must be received, via valleycapsaw@gmail.com by 5pm on the first Friday of each month. Proposals will be reviewed until funding has been allocated. Please direct any and all questions to Anna Leavitt (valleycapsaw@gmail.com).
Virginia 30 Day Fund – A nonprofit launched by Virginia technology entrepreneur Pete Snyder and his wife, Burson. The Fund’s goal is to help save as many Virginia jobs as possible while small businesses await recently approved federal funding. The funds dispersed to small businesses by the Virginia 30 Day fund do not need to be repaid.
State Grants/Resources
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) has partnered with DoorDash to support Virginia restaurants, awarding approximately 125 grants of $3,500 each for a total of up to $450,000. DoorDash Restaurant Operator Relief Grants will be given statewide, with priority given to businesses not already receiving significant grant/loan support. A minimum of 20% of grants will go to minority-owned and/or women-owned businesses. Applications are open through March 1, 2021. Learn more and apply here.
Dominion Energy has partnered with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation to temporarily expand its EnergyShare program to assist those small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominion Energy Virginia is pledging $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship in its Virginia service territory. Qualified businesses may be eligible for one-time assistance with their Dominion Energy electric bill up to $1,000. Find out more and apply here.
Virginia Community Capital (VCC), alongside state agencies and community partners is hosting webinars and talks designed to help communities, businesses, and nonprofits navigate opportunities, address challenges, and enhance impact. VCC will keep this page updated, so check back often.
The Secretary of Commerce and Trade has created a compilation of resources and information for Virginia businesses in relation to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Financial support options are detailed by business size and specific resources can be searched by industry type. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Federal Grants/Resources
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. For additional details click here.
The American Rescue Plan Act establishes a $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Grant within the U.S. Small Business Administration. An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts. Visit SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund page for application opening details and to learn how you can best prepare for when they do open.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Business & Industry Loan Guarantees Program – This program partners with banks to provide loans to businesses for expansion, purchase of real estate and real estate developments, purchase of machinery & equipment, debt refinancing and term working capital. With the assistance of the B&I loan guarantee, banks can provide better rates and terms leading to improved cash flow for the business and reduced risk for the bank. Loan guarantees can range from $250,000 up to $10,000,000. Businesses previously assisted include grocery stores, manufacturers, sawmills, convenience stores/gas stations, hotels, nursing home and assisted living facilities. Speak to a Business Programs Specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. This will save you valuable time in the process. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office for more information.
Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) – The PPP is specifically designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed. The Small Business Administration resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on January 11, 2021 after additional funding was approved. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
SBA is currently offering:
First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants.
Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.
SBA is currently accepting Paycheck Protection Program PPP loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs) and lenders with under $1 billion in assets, which includes approximately 5,000 institutions, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions. Lender Match can help you find a participating lender. SBA also offers additional Coronavirus relief and you can view a list of private funding sources available nationally OR plug in your zip code to see applicable sources for the area.
List of Local SBA Banking institutions
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
FAQ about EIDL
SBA EIDL Fact Sheet
Assistance With Applying: Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance with applying for the Economic Injury Loan Disaster (EILD) or call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. You can also use a text telephone (TTY) by calling 1-800-877-8339.
SBA Virginia Richmond District Office
804-771-2400
Email: richmond.va@sba.gov
Saturday & Sunday 8am-5pm
804-986-8901
Free Counseling Assistance: Free assistance with reconstructing financial records, preparing financial statements and submitting the loan application is available from SBA’s partners: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE. Request a virtual appointment at vasbdc or score.org.
SCORE hosts free, LIVE webinars every week on small business tips and strategies.
US Grants
The Southern Opportunity and Resilience Fund provides flexible, affordable capital and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits across the south and southeast to help them navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 economic crisis. The maximum loan amount available is $100,000. Eligibility, Loan Terms and additional Program FAQ’s can be found here.
The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program – The second round of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program closed on October 29, 2020. All applicants will be notified about their submission status via email in early December. To learn about future grant opportunities, please sign up for their emails here.
Support for Impacted/Unemployed Workers
Virginia Career Works – Shenandoah Valley centers in Fishersville, Harrisonburg and Winchester are currently closed to the public, until further notice, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. VCW staff are operating remotely to continue providing services. Job Seekers can connect to career, education and support services through the Virginia Career Works Referral Portal. There are dozens of programs that can help you on your search, from assistance with transportation and childcare to training programs, the workforce system in Virginia is here to help. The link has a Getting Started Video to help you get started on your Journey.
If you are a worker who has been totally/partially separated from your job due to Covid-19, go to the VEC website to file a claim for unemployment insurance. You can also call 1-866-832-2363, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM -5:00 PM.
You may also contact VCW staff by phone. Click here for VCW Valley Center Staff contacts.
PROCEDURES TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE OR REOPEN A CLAIM
Virginia Career Works – New River Mount Rogers Region COMMUNITY AWARENESS PODCAST. Learn how to file for unemployment insurance when offices are closed, how to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance, what’s next, and the changes that have been made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Link to hear the podcast: How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Governor Ralph Northam’s Office has launched new resources to protect Virginians from eviction and support individuals who have lost their job or income due to COVID-19. These tools include StayHomeVirginia.com, a new website to help Virginians navigate housing programs, services, and resources. The website offers guidance on working with landlords, financial institutions, and other organizations to use eviction and foreclosure protections during this health crisis. Resources include relief for private mortgage holders, multifamily complexes, and tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
