Grant funding to help business owners and community organizations
RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) --Business owners and community organizations in two Albemarle County communities are going to benefit from grant funding.
Governor Ralph Northam announces more than $4.4 million in grants for 33 investment projects across Virginia on Wednesday.
According to a release, these projects will create and support business development, economic recovery, and the redevelopment of industrial and commercial structures.
“This is about renovating old buildings, investing in neighborhoods, and launching new businesses,” said Northam. “These projects will greatly benefit Virginia’s local economies and business owners.”
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community development administers the programs that will be providing the funding.
The Industrial Revitalization Fund leverages local and private resources to redevelop deteriorated structures, creating long-term employment opportunities and supporting infrastructure and economic revitalization.
The Community Business Launch grants go to help prepare businesses for success by offering training and help to entrepreneurs as they develop business plans.
And the Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grants support historically economically disadvantaged communities and business districts that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This funding will expand job growth, nurture entrepreneurial ecosystems, and provide support to communities most affected by the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Supporting this funding means supporting the Commonwealth’s small businesses and an economic future that works for all Virginians.”
Locally, Scottsville is getting a 2022 Community Business Launch grant of $40,000.
It will be working in partnership with the Community Investment Collaborative to host an eight-week business workshop series and a business plan pitch competition that will be focused on the town's downtown.
When completed, this project is expected to create or expand three businesses and create at least five jobs.
And New Hill Development Corporation in Charlottesville is getting a Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant of $150,000 for its Black Entrepreneurial Advancement and Community Opportunity Network, or BEACON.
The corporation will be teaming up with the city, CIC, Operation Hope and the Virginia Department of Health to develop a business accelerator, commercial kitchen and co-working space for Black food and beverage entrepreneurs in and around the Starr Hill community.
The plan includes conducting entrepreneur identification and outreach efforts, renting a commercial kitchen, providing culinary business training, conducting a pop-up restaurant event, and organizing a competitive startup grant program.
When finished, this project is expected to help at least 24 businesses, create 10 new businesses, create at least 12 new jobs, and building organizational capacity to expand the project further.
The rest of the grant awards are listed below: