Small Business Grants Virginia

Small Business Grants Virginia

Virginia Small Businesses and entrepreneurs may need funding for many reasons. Owners can apply for local, state, and federal government grants. 

Business owners can also seek funds from financial institutions, lenders, and other organizations.

Before submitting new applications for a grant or loans, check what they cover. Learn about eligible expenses, assets, and projects to ensure the business gets funding.

The eligibility requirements, criteria, and regulations for each grant and loan differ. Review each form closely to increase the possibility of becoming a grant recipient.

Why Virginia Small Businesses May Want To Apply For A Grant Or Loan

VA small businesses can apply for different size grants and loans. The type of funding program also varies.

Examples of grants and loans:

  • Micro-grants
  • Cash grants
  • Competitive grants
  • Continuation grants
  • Pass-through grants
  • Credit enhancement loans
  • Bond financings
  • Mortgage loans
  • Bank term loans
  • A line of credit
  • Small Business Administration Loans (SBA)

The two grants most corporations and foundations offer:

  • General purpose grants
  • Operating support grants
  • Program development
  • Project support grants

Nonprofits and similar organizations provide in-kind grants.

Small businesses in Virginia often use the funds from a grant or loan program for:

  • Buying real estate
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Job creation
  • Payroll
  • Innovation
  • Technology
  • Expansion and development
  • Disaster relief
  • Utilities
  • Renovations
  • Community and economic growth 
  • New projects or inventory
  • Emergency funds

11 Grants and Loans For Small Businesses In Virginia

Here are some small business grants and loans Virginia owners should review.

1. The Coalition to Back Black Businesses

The Coalition to Back Black Businesses supports Black small business owners. They help small businesses heal from the impacts of COVID-19. 

The multi-year initiative distributes $5,000 grants to eligible small businesses each fall. 

Besides receiving funds, businesses also get mentorship and training. A select few will receive $25,000 enhancement grants the following summer.

The small business must have between 3 and 20 employees, including:

  • The owner
  • Full-time employees
  • Part-time employees
  • Individuals working under a contractual agreement

It must be in an economically vulnerable community and financially affected by COVID-19.

2. Skip Small Business Grant Program

Skip Small Business Grant Program awards business owners and individuals $1,000 grants. The program's goal is to help power their passion. It accepts year-round applications.

3. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority's (VSBFA) Cash Collateral Program (CCP)

The VSBFA Cash Collateral Program helps Virginia's small businesses get funds. The program helps entrepreneurs start, enhance, or expand their operations. 

Its goal is to support job creation for citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

4. SBA Debt Relief

SBA Debt Relief offers borrowers temporary debt relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the CARES Act, SBA may pay six months for all 7(a), 504, and Microloans reported in regular servicing status:

  • Principal
  • Interest
  • Any associated fees that borrowers owe

5. The Virginia Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

The Virginia MBDA is a nonprofit that offers several free services to:

  • Women
  • Veterans
  • Minorities

They help entrepreneurs create a business plan, manage cash, and get financing. 

The agency provides free coaching and access to capital. i.e., loans or free government grants. It also offers certification help and more. 

It has several offices in the state of Virginia, including in Richmond and Alexandra.

6. The Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund 

The SOAR Fund supports small businesses and nonprofits across South and Southeast Virginia. 

The program helps small business owners recover from the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible businesses may receive up to $100,000.

7. VBThrive Business Relief Grant Program

The VBThrive Business Relief Grant Program supports various small businesses in the Virginia Beach area. 

The program offers two separate funds, and grants range from $10,000 to $50,000.

Funding categories:

1. For small businesses

2. For those in the tourism and hospitality fields.

The exact amount of each grant category depends on the company's size and the number of employees.

8. Fairfax and Northern Virginia Free Grants and Loan Programs

Fairfax and Northern Virginia Free Grants and Loan Programs is a nonprofit. The program supports Latino-owned businesses in these areas. 

The nonprofit focuses on low-income Latino communities. They help eligible businesses get a micro-loan fund from the Economic Development Center. 

They also provide services to create a business, financial management, and raising capital advice.

9. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

The PPP prioritizes millions of U.S. employees employed by small businesses. The program helps companies with job retention and other expenses.

Under this program, eligible recipients may qualify for a loan of up to $10 million. They defer loan payments for six months.

SBA will forgive the part of the loan proceeds used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll and other expenses following loan origination. Yet, this only applies to businesses that maintain their workforce.

Eligible companies include:

  • Small businesses 
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Veterans organizations
  • Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act

Individuals are also eligible if they meet program size standards, including:

  • Self-employed 
  • Independent contractors

10. Freedom Bank of Virginia and Nonprofit Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)

Freedom Bank of Virginia and the nonprofit NVTC help minority-owned businesses in Northern VA.

These two organizations support eligible businesses by providing them access to:

  • Capital
  • Low-cost resolving loans
  • Incubator services
  • Free Counseling
  • Plus more

11. Northern Virginia Incumbent Worker Training Grants

Northern Virginia Incumbent Worker Training Grants help employers support their employees. 

The grant program helps businesses be more competitive and profitable through employee training.

It reimburses and covers training costs, including:

  • Instructional costs for courses
  • Classes for certification exams
  • Online training
  • Textbooks
  • Manuals

Businesses must provide a minimum matching contribution to the Incumbent Worker Training Project. 

Owners can find the amounts in the State of Virginia policy and based on company size. The matching funds may include in-kind services.

Conclusion

Grants, loans, and other resources are available to Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Visit the official websites of gov agencies, financial institutions, and nonprofits for more details. Help is not too far away, owners can get financing by looking in the right places.

Start researching online and in the local area to find the funds that meet the small business needs.

Related Articles:

START DRIVING

ONLINE LEADS TODAY!

ChamberofCommerce.com
Loading