Goochland Helping Businesses Get ‘Back to Business’ Through Grant Program

Goochland Helping Businesses Get ‘Back to Business’ Through Grant Program

 

Goochland, VA – Goochland County and Goochland Economic Development are excited to announce the Goochland Back to Business grant program to support local businesses during the ongoing pandemic.  On Tuesday, August 4^th, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors approved and appropriated funds for the new grant program.

 

The Goochland Back to Business Grant is funded by a portion of the CARES Act funding that Goochland received from the state. It is focused on reimbursing businesses the cost of complying with the Governor’s guidelines related to reopening businesses. Allowable reimbursements can include:

• Redesign of structure or operations to meet social distancing requirements.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and/or sanitation supplies for the business and its employees.
• Signage.
• Thermometers to check temperatures.
• Protective equipment for customers such as sneeze guards, social distance floor stickers, etc.
• Technological improvements (such as e-commerce platforms and point of sale software) and technological equipment (such as tablets for processing touch-free orders).
• Supplies related to change in operations, i.e. takeout/carryout containers for restaurants.

 

Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 and are based on the number of employees and documented reimbursable expenses.

• 1 - 25:     up to $5,000
• 26 - 49:   up to $8,000
• 50 - 150: up to $10,000

 

All for-profit businesses with 1-150 employees with documented expenses may apply. Businesses must be in business over 1-year, with principal place of business physically in Goochland County, and have a valid business license (or be exempt from requirement). Independent contractor and sole proprietors are eligible as well. They must live in Goochland County, operate their business as sole proprietor, pay self-employment tax, not currently receiving unemployment benefits, and must be issued a valid 2020 Business license (or be exempt from requirement).

 

Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis based on a fully completed application with documented reimbursement requests. Businesses may apply more than once if they make additional purchases. The amount of grant money available for businesses with 50-150 employees is capped at $50,000. Once $50,000 has been disbursed, no further grants will be given for businesses with 50-150 employees.

 

The following documents will be required for application:

• Impact Statement of negative effect from Executive Order 53 and COVID-19 on applicant business
• Copy/Verification of 2020 business license with Goochland County’s Commissioner of the Revenue (if required)
• Completed W-9 form
• Financial documentation of expenses incurred and paid for by the applicant as a result of the State of Emergency declared by the Governor of Virginia and the Goochland County Board  of Supervisors, such as receipts/invoices/bank statements for expenses and proof of payment.

 

The application portal is scheduled to open on August 20, 2020 and remain open until December 1, 2020 or until funds are depleted.

 

All Goochland businesses are encouraged to visit http://www.GoochlandForBusiness.com/241/COVID-19-Business-Information,call Goochland County Economic Development at (804) 556-5862 or email them at GochlandForBusiness@goochlandva.us to learn more about how the Goochland Back to Business grant can assist their business.

 

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Paul E. Drumwright | Administrative Services Manager

Goochland County | Administrator's Office

P.O. Box 10

1800 Sandy Hook Road

Goochland, VA 23063

Office:  804-556-5833

Fax:  804-556-4617

pdrumwright@goochlandva.us