Please note – For your safety & the safety of our employees the City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development will be operating by appointment only at this time. Please call us at 540-853-2715 or email econdevl@roanokeva.gov with details of how we can assist you & the appropriate Economic Development Specialist will contact you.
Thank you!
COVID19 recovery continues as the Commonwealth has transitioned into Phase Three of reopening. This page is designed to provide a synopsis of resources for businesses impacted by COVID19. Under Phase Three, gatherings can include up to 250 people, the capacity for nonessential retail is lifted, and the capacity for restaurants is limited; however physical distancing in restaurants is required, and bar seating is not permitted. Entertainment venues may open at 50% capacity with a cap of 1,000 people, and gyms and fitness centers can open at 75% capacity. Personal grooming services must follow physical distancing guidelines. Overnight camps are closed and recreational sports require physical distancing. Governor Ralph Northam is directing teams made up of health departments, VA ABC, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other licensing agencies to conduct unannounced visits to businesses to ensure COVID19 restriction compliance. Business guidelines vary in Eastern Virginia.
Face masks are still required in certain situations in public. Executive Order 63 took effect on May 29, 2020 requiring individuals to wear face coverings while inside buildings, this includes while inside of brick and mortar businesses. Exceptions to this Executive Order include while eating or drinking; individuals exercising or using exercise equipment; any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face coverings without assistance; any person seeking to communicate with the hearing impaired and for which the mouth needs to be visible; when temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to secure government or medical services; and persons with health conditions that prohibit wearing a face covering. Nothing in this Order shall require the use of a face covering by any person for whom doing so would be contrary to his or her health or safety because of a medical condition.
Rebuild VA Grants – Applications open August 10.
Governor Ralph Northam is launching a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits. Rebuild VA will provide grants of up to 3 times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses, not to exceed $10,000. Learn more about this opportunity.
Webinar Registration (August 4, 9 a.m.): How to Apply
Webinar Registration (August 4, 5 p.m.): How to Apply
Informational Flyers in Multiple Languages:
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer- SPANISH
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer- KOREAN
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer- CHINESE
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer- VIETNAMESE
Rebuild VA Informational Flyer- ARABIC
Additional Grant Opportunity
LISC Small Business Relief Grant: Awards will be made to qualified businesses, and eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission. Priority will be given especially to entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
LISC Small Business Relief Grant FAQ’s and Application
Local Business Loan Opportunity
The City of Roanoke, Roanoke Economic Development Authority, and Total Action for Progress partner to offer small business loans.
Federal Relief
The Coronvirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020. The $2.2 trillion package provides relief to workers and small businesses through loans, some which are forgivable.
Paycheck Protection Program – Loan application process extended from June 30 to August 8.
The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans for payroll expenses if businesses under 500 employees retain their workers. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will forgive loans if all employees remain on the payroll for eight weeks and the loan is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. If employees have already been terminated, business owners can apply for a loan if the employees are rehired. Loan payments are deferred at least six months and up to one year. Applications requesting loan forgiveness can be submitted eight weeks after loan approval. Loans are available through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any participating federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, Farm Credit System institution, and other regulated lenders enrolled in the program. Find a Participating Lender
Paycheck Protection Program in Different Languages
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – SBA resumed accepting EIDL applications June 15.
The SBA’s EIDL provides economic support through loans to small businesses to help recover the temporary loss of revenue experienced by COVID19. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees, private non-profit organizations, 501(c)(19) veterans organizations, or tribal businesses. Business owners can receive an advance of up to $10,000, a portion of the loan which is forgivable.
COVID Business Emergency Loan Guide
COVID Business Emergency Loan Guide – SPANISH
What are your needs?
We know, you, our business owners are trying to determine how to maintain during this difficult time, and your time is valuable. The surveys below are offered by the Roanoke Department of Economic Development and Roanoke Regional Partnership. Please take a few minutes to complete the surveys. This information will help determine your needs.
Roanoke Region: COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge also has a survey to assess the needs of businesses in the hospitality industry. Again, please take the time to complete this survey if it pertains to your business. This information is valuable in determining the path to recovery.
COVID-19 Virginia Blue Ridge Tourism Impact Survey
Open a Bank Account
During this time, it is crucial for citizens to have bank accounts. A bank account allows citizens quicker access to their wealth through direct deposit of payroll checks, direct deposit of state and federal tax refunds, and direct deposit of stimulus checks. If your employees do not have a bank account or do not have a bank account that meets their financial needs, they are encouraged to visit the link below, which includes information about the Bank On Roanoke Valley (BORV) Program. BORV offers bank accounts with nominal or no fees, and can assist customers who may have difficulty attaining bank accounts due to a barrier such as poor credit history.
Citizens who have bank accounts, but did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019 can enter their bank account information to receive stimulus checks electronically, giving them quicker access to their wealth.
Submit Your Bank Account Information to the IRS
Additional Resources
Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam
Virginia Tourism Corporation – COVID-19 Industry Response Toolkit
Virginia SBDC COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses
Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity website