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Friday, April 17, 2020
STAFFORD ANNOUNCES ROUND 2:
SMALL BUSINESS CORONAVIRUS DISASTER ASSISTANCE GRANT FUND
To assist Stafford's small businesses impacted by COVID-19, the EDA is announcing a “Round Two” of CV19 grants. Round Two grant guidelines are revised to allow applications for business that employ 1-5 persons ($2,000), 6-25 employees ($5,000), and 26-50 employees ($7,500). The EDA has authorized a total of $200,000 in total funds for Round Two. Those that applied previously with less than five employees may now be eligible and only need to submit an updated application form.
Click here for Round 2 Grant Guidelines >>
Applications for the Stafford Small Business Coronavirus Disaster Assistance Grant Fund Round 2 will open on Monday, April 20 at 9:00AM. No applications will be accepted before April 20 at 9:00AM. Visit our Coronavirus website at www.gostaffordva.com/coronavirus/ on Monday for details. As a reminder, completed applications muse be emailed to EDACovid19grant@staffordcountyva.gov.
NEW: STAFFORD CV19 MICRO LOAN FUND
In addition to the EDA Small Business Disaster Assistance Grant Funds, the Stafford EDA is also launching a new Stafford Small Business Coronavirus (COVID-19) Loan Fund. This Micro Loan is open to all small businesses in Stafford and provides between $5,000 - $15,000 in financing with no payments for 6-months and all interest forgiven if repaid in 12 months. Applications will open on Monday, April 20 at 9:00AM and be made available on www.gostaffordva.com/coronavirus/. No applications will be accepted before April 20 at 9:00AM.
ABOUT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
STILL THE "NEW GUY"
A MESSAGE FROM JOHN
The Stafford Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) is a separate, Virginia political subdivision created by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors (“Board”). The EDA is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Board. The EDA’s primary mission is to generate and support economic and business development initiatives and programs that primarily benefit Stafford County, including acquiring, owning, leasing, and disposing of real properties, making loans and grants, and acting as the primary advocate for businesses within the County. The EDA is typically self-funded through its bond issuance authority and sale of real properties and has and does not generally get any direct appropriation from Stafford County. For more information, visit www.StaffordEDA.com. Click here to view state code.
Today’s newsletter is full of new programs and news (above and below). Our team is here to help Stafford business through this “new reality.” We will all get through this, together. And, like all of you, we are still moving forward in our work. Let me share with you some exciting news, the Stafford County Economic Development Authority (EDA) was recently awarded a $75,000 grant from GO Virginia to develop a Cyber and Smart Tech Entrepreneurship program. Check out what the Free Lance-Star and InsideNova are saying.
And to offer some advice, our team created a flyer on Managing your Message During and After a Crisis. Click here >>
VIRTUAL TOURS & TAKE-OUT
Take a virtual tour of things to do and play in Stafford!
Thank you to local artist Ian Logan for use of song Sweet Melody in video. @ianloganmusic
Is your Stafford Tourism Business offering virtual tours? If so, please email details and links to tourism@staffordcountyva.gov for our team to review and share on social media.
Stafford’s favorite restaurants, bistros, bakeries, grocery stores, and other food services are still open during these challenging times. Many are offering services such as take-out, delivery, or both. We continue to encourage all businesses and residents to call or check local establishment's websites and social media for meal options. Visit www.ToGoStafford.com for a list of participating Stafford restaurants. #StaffordEatsLocal #TourStaffordVA
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES
& UPDATES
Industry Insights, the Food & Beverage Industry: The latest issue of Virginia Economic Review has an interesting article from leaders in the Food & Beverage industry. Specifically, leaders who help new businesses expand. Stafford is now recognized as a key location for a wide range of distribution companies and our region supports several very successful food and beverage businesses. I ask, why not and #whatsnextstafford for the food and business industry in Stafford?
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Vistaprint to open a new #SaveSmallBusiness Grant Fund, beginning on April 20, 2020. Click here for details >>
We encourage you to continue to visit our Coronavirus Business Resource website as information and resources available are updating constantly. Our Economic Development and Tourism team has worked hard to provide up to date information and resources during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or opportunities during these challenging times, and do not hesitate to contact us.
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Stafford County Department of Economic Development & Tourism
GoStaffordVA.com | 540-658-8681 | econdev@staffordcountyva.gov