On May 12, 2020, the Commonwealth of Virginia notified the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) that Sussex County would receive $973,580 in Coronavirus Relief Funds under the CARES Act. U.S. Department of Treasury guidance allows the CARES Act funds to be used for expenses associated with the provision of economic support in relation to the COVID-19 public health emergency and specifically mentions grants to small businesses.
On June 18, 2020 the Sussex County Board of Supervisors approved $100,000 - $150,000 of CARES funding to the Sussex County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Micro-Grant Program. This micro-grant program will assist Sussex County small businesses by providing needed cash for working capital to support rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
These micro-grants will help these businesses survive the forced shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the counseling provided with these grants will help these businesses during the economic recovery. One of the goals of the Sussex County Economic Development Department is to increase the number of jobs in existing small businesses. The micro-grant program will help these small businesses retain and hire back their employees. This micro-grant program will reach many of Sussex County businesses with less than 49 employees.
Eligible Businesses:
Small businesses in the Hospitality and Entertainment, Retail Trade, Employment, and Administrative Support Services will be given preference.
This includes, but is not be limited to:
- Hotels / Loding
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Personal services establishments
- Office and facility support services
- Tourism venues
Application Timeframe:
Round 1: August 7 – 21
Round 2: September 4 – September 11
Round 3: Closed November 15
Approved Applicants:
Grant recipient will receive grant monies through the IDA by check.
Follow Up:
Businesses will provide written reports to the Sussex County Finance Department in December 2020 and July 2021.
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