COVID-19

10/19/21 - The Highland Economic Development Authority (EDA) has opened its 2022 Incentive Grant Program applications!

Funded by Highland County Board of Supervisors, the purpose of the Highland EDA Grant Incentive Program is to encourage the growth and success of small businesses located in our County. The grant program is designed to provide a mechanism for the Highland EDA to evaluate and award incentives to local businesses. The program goals are to:

• Encourage entrepreneurship
• Provide new job opportunities for local residents
• Increase the commercial tax base in our region

Applications will be reviewed following the application deadline of December 6, 2021 and grant award letters will go out following the EDA’s January 2022 meeting. Applications will be evaluated by EDA members based on the following criteria: Current number of employees/projected number of employees within two years; current and projected revenue within two years; proposed use of the grant funds; business and marketing plan; and readiness to undertake the project.

Grant funds, in a range of $2,000 - $5,000 per business, are for the purpose of assisting with start-up or expansion expenses and can be awarded for the following uses: Purchase of supplies, equipment, or inventory, and/or down-payments towards the lease or purchase of a commercial location, renovations or minor repairs to a new commercial location, utility connection fees, and/or advertising & marketing expenses, and job training (if unavailable through VJIP). Normal operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, payroll, taxes, etc. are not allowable expenses. Full justification of how grant funds will be used and proof that they were utilized as described is required.

• Prior (2019-2021) Incentive Grant Recipients are not eligible for the FY 22 grant cycle
• Due to limited economic impact, Bed and Breakfasts are not eligible for the grant

Grants will only be awarded for work, items, and/or projects performed or received after approval of the application. All projects must be completed within 6 months of approval. Funds will be awarded to the applicant one of two ways: 1) in the form of reimbursements upon satisfactory completion of a task/project or 2) in the form of payment directly to a vendor upon the presentation of an invoice for a specific item. Purchases must be made in accordance with the approved application, and with the grant guidelines set out below. Applicant must submit copies of all paid invoices/receipts and copies of all required permits and approvals.

Program information and grant applications may be:
1) Downloaded from the Highland County Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.highlandcounty.org
2) Requested by email to: highlandeda@htcnet.org
3) Any questions may be directed to: highlandeda@htcnet.org for a prompt response.

Completed applications must be received by 4:30 pm on December 6, 2021. They may be hand-delivered to Highland County Courthouse Board of Supervisor’s Office or mailed to:
Highland EDA,
P. O. Box 68
Monterey, Virginia 24465.

All grant recipients are required to present a business plan (for start-up or expansion) to the Highland EDA and be prepared to discuss their business plans.

Please click the following link to view and download the full pdf application:

FY 2022 Incentive Grant Application

11/9/21 - The Highland Tourism Council Opens 2021 Marketing Assistance Program

The Highland Tourism Council has designed the Highland Tourism Marketing Assistance Program to stimulate new tourism initiatives or assist in the growth of existing programs or events through the creation of tourism partnerships. The objective of this program is to leverage the limited marketing dollars obtained through the Transient Occupancy Tax, resulting in increased visitor spending, revenue, and jobs within the county.

The 2021 Marketing Assistance Program is now open!  Applications will be accepted through December 6, 2021 and be reviewed during the December monthly meeting of the Tourism Council. Funds will be granted in January of 2022.
Please click here for full details and to view and download the application.

For Release on September 16, 2021
Contact: Ann Siciliano, 540-432-3863 or ann@tcfhr.org
Website: www.tcfhr.org

Little Swiss Fund – Grant Application Available

The 2021 Little Swiss Fund grant application is now available!

In 2018, The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County received a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor with instructions for the gift to benefit nonprofit organizations in Highland County, Virginia. The gift established a permanently endowed fund called The Little Swiss Fund, whose monies are annually invested and distributed to benefit Highland County nonprofit agencies with 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status. This year’s grants will provide approximately $334,821 to charitable organizations. All grants will be awarded in late November 2021.

REQUIREMENTS
Organizations must be tax-exempt public charities under IRS Section 501(c)3 or other nonprofit status. Organizations must be physically located in Highland County, VA, and the project or program to be funded must serve the Highland County area. Religious organizations are welcome to apply. Nonprofit organizations must have annual revenues in excess of $25,000 to be eligible. Local clubs (civic and otherwise), and recreational facilities are NOT eligible to apply.

CONTACT
If you have any questions about your organization's eligibility to apply, please contact TCFHR (ann@tcfhr.org or 540-432-3863) before you begin the application. Grants are made without regard to factors of gender, race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.

Applications are due November 1, 2021 at 5:00PM.   2021 APPLICATION

About The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County
The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County is a local nonprofit organization that seeks to understand individual, family, business and private foundation interests in order to establish funds to support their charitable goals. Additionally, the Community Foundation provides valuable services, resources, and educational opportunities for nonprofit organizations so that each enhances their capabilities as stewards of their missions for the benefit of our community.

Richmond SCORE and Dominion Energy Innovation Center have joined forces to deliver an exclusive five-workshop series targeted at helping Central Virginia agri-enterprises start or scale their food, forestry, or agriculture products and services. In an effort to strengthen the regional economy and help business owners catalyze their growth, the Ag-X workshop series was launched to provide the tools, principles, and connections needed by these businesses to succeed.

Throughout November and December, participants will take a deep dive into their business operations with Glen Sink, former agri-business executive turned SCORE mentor, and numerous other industry executives including Virginia Department of Agriculture officials and commercial bankers.

Each workshop will be hosted in-person at the DEIC’s downtown Ashland coworking facility and is structured around a specific topic that builds incrementally upon the preceding content. The end goal of the entire series is a living business plan that ag- entrepreneurs can use to guide their operations and leverage with lenders, planners, and partners.

Topics to include:

• Introduction to Agri-Business Planning Models
• Developing Your Business Foundation
• Developing Your Own Business Plan
• Designing Your Customer Experience
• Constructing Your Business Financials

Companies of any size, stage, and sector are encouraged to participate in the Ag-X Business Planning Workshop Series. Content has been specially designed for entrepreneurs bringing to market value-added agricultural products, services, and brands; whether that is a new controlled environment agriculture concept, the most delicious artisanal cheese, or a drone to monitor field conditions. Space is limited and likely to fill up quickly, so grab a spot by registering on SCORE’s website.

$125 registration fee. Free parking onsite.

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

Thank you to SCORE - Shenandoah Valley Chapter 427 for bringing this to our attention!

Build the future in 54 hours!

Calling all hopeful entrepreneurs!

Save the date for the Valley's first Techstars Startup Weekend event!

If you or someone you know is driven and ready to create a business venture, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. The Shenandoah Community Capital Fund is teaming up with  Shenandoah University November 12-14 to sponsor Techstars Startup Weekend Winchester. This event provides an exciting and immersive foray into the world of launching a business.

You will learn how to think, work and build like an entrepreneur in 54 thrilling hours. Over an action-packed three days, you'll meet top mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors who will help you turn your big idea into a business concept. You'll get to pitch your concept to a panel of judges.

Register using the link below and follow @svstartupweekend on Instagram for updates on this exciting opportunity.

REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

Small Business Owners: Share Your Perspectives 

Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, tell us about your recent experiences. Did your business seek financing such as loans or lines of credit in the last 12 months? How would you rate the financial condition of your business? What effect is the COVID-19 pandemic currently having on your business?

The Virginia SBDC Network is partnering with the Federal Reserve to conduct a Small Business Credit Survey. By taking the survey, you contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, and others—ultimately benefitting your business and other businesses like yours. Take the 10-minute survey now.

The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. The questions ask about business conditions, financing needs, and the effects of the pandemic on your business. All responses are confidential.

The survey closes November 19, 2021.

Questions? Contact RICHFedSmallBusiness@rich.frb.org

May 5, 2021: From the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission:

There are several funding programs that are currently accepting applications.  You may find these programs, as well as other grant opportunities, posted on the CSPDC’s online Grant Resource Guide.

Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Planning Grant

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Planning Grant. The VERP Planning Grant program is designed to aid localities and nonprofits to better understand eviction prevention needs and to build capacity to mitigate evictions. The goal of the Planning Grants is to prepare Grantees for a future VERP application. Application Deadline: May 26, 2021

Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT)

USDA-Rural Development

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program grants to help fund distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas to increase access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. Application Deadline: June 4, 2021

Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) Recovery Marketing Leverage Program Summer 2021

Virginia Tourism Corporation

Virginia Tourism is offering these marketing grant funds to spur economic activity and travel across the Commonwealth. Applications open May 11, 2021. Application Deadline: June 22, 2021

GO Virginia Region 8 Per Capita and Enhanced Capacity Building Programs

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

Administered through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, GO Virginia supports programs to create more high-paying jobs through collaboration between business, education, and government to diversify and strengthen the economy in every region of the Commonwealth. CSPDC localities are part of GO Virginia Region 8. The Region 8 Council receives and considers projects that support one of the following: workforce development, site development, startup ecosystems, or cluster scale-ups. The Region 8 Council will consider funding for (1) implementation projects or (2) enhanced capacity building activities such as an assessment or planning study that leads to project development and implementation. GO Virginia 8 applications are accepted quarterly. Contact CSPDC staff if interested in this program. Next Application Deadline: June 25, 2021

GO Virginia Region 8 Economic Resilience and Recovery (ERR) Program

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The GO Virginia ERR program helps to build capacity to support and serve existing businesses, priority traded sectors and essential businesses, including the healthcare system and its supply chain during the pandemic. The ERR initiative focuses resources on economic resiliency and recovery while following the mission of the overarching GO Virginia program. CSPDC localities are part of GO Virginia Region 8. ERR applications to GO Virginia Region 8 are received and considered on a rolling basis. Contact CSPDC staff if interested in this program. Application Deadline: Rolling

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Virginia is the Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Recreational Trails Program is a matching reimbursement program for building and rehabilitating trails and trail facilities and land acquisition for trail projects. The Federal Highway Administration provides the program's funding. The agency responsible for administering the program in Virginia is the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Application Deadline: June 30, 2021

Trail Access Grants

Virginia is the Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Trail Grants program is a 100% reimbursement program being offered in 2021 for trail projects that increase access to trail opportunities for people with disabilities. Application Deadline: June 30, 2021

T-Mobile Hometown Grants

T-Mobile

T-Mobile has partnered with Smart Growth America and Main Street America to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities. The T-Mobile Hometown grant program will help fund projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections. For example, this might include the town square pavilion, a historic building, an outdoor park, a ball field, or a library - a place where friends and neighbors connect. Applications accepted quarterly; portal closes on the last day of each quarter and reopens for the new quarter on the first of the month. Next Application Deadline: Summer quarter applications due June 30

Acquire, Renovate, Sell (ARS)

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for the Acquire, Renovate, Sell (ARS) program. The ARS program strives to create affordable homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income (LMI), first-time homebuyers by renovating previously undervalued homes, while allowing providers increased discretion over acquisition type, region and resale. Application Deadline: Rolling basis until July 25, 2021

Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI)

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

Administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the primary objective of the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) is to provide financial assistance to supplement construction costs by private sector broadband service providers, in partnership with local units of government, to extend last-mile service to areas that presently are unserved by any broadband provider. Applications open June 17, 2021.  Notice of applications due July 27.  Applications due September 14, 2021.  Full timeline and draft guidelines available at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/vati.

Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF)

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The IRF program supports the strategic redevelopment of vacant and deteriorated industrial properties across the Commonwealth. Funding may be used for a wide variety of revitalization and redevelopment activities such as acquisition, rehabilitation, or repair (including securing and stabilizing for subsequent reuse) of specific structures, as well as demolition, removal, and other physical activities. Application Deadline: July 30, 2021

Virginia Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program – Open Submission Programs

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

Planning Grants, Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Fund, Construction-Ready Water and Sewer Fund, and Regional Water/Wastewater Fund projects will receive funding on an open, first-come, first-served basis between April 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Projects meeting one or more CDBG national objectives and program criteria will be offered an award as long as funds are still available. Application Deadline: Rolling April 1-December 31, 2021

Community Heart and Soul Seed Grant Program
Community Heart and Soul
This program provides $10,000 in startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization. Application Deadline: Rolling

Local employment opportunity!

The Highland County Department of EMS, located in Monterey Virginia, is announcing an employment opportunity for the position of full-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Click on the image to learn more, or contact contact@hcems.net.

May 10, 2021 from the Virginia Department of Social Services:

Do you need help with child care due to work, job search, work-related training or education? The Child Care Subsidy Program has temporarily expanded eligibility through July 31, 2021 to offer financial assistance to more families than ever before. Visit ChildCareVa.com to learn more.

April 23, 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Full details at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

There are many webinars about the RRF you can register for at https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/va/richmond - just click "Show Entire Month" on their calendar for April 2021.

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it will be a co-host of the Blueprint Virginia 2030 Regional Tour.

In 2013 and 2017, the Virginia Chamber produced Blueprint Virginia and Blueprint Virginia 2025: A Business Plan for the Commonwealth. The goal of Blueprint Virginia was to create a long-term statewide economic development plan that would transcend gubernatorial terms and reflect the consensus of Virginia’s business community. As Virginians prepare to elect a new Governor in November, the Virginia Chamber believes that the time is right to update Blueprint Virginia and set even more ambitious policy goals to achieve long-term economic growth. Over the next year, they will call upon Virginia’s regional leaders and industry experts to analyze state and regional economies and identify specific economic drivers. This is your chance to have your local voice heard, and it's easier than ever with a virtual meeting! We encourage all business, economic development, and workforce and education leaders to participate in the Blueprint Virginia 2030 Regional Tour. Registration is free!

Registered attendees will be invited to participate in the Blueprint Virginia 2030 Regional Tour survey, and the initial survey results will be reviewed during each meeting. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear directly from Virginia Chamber President & CEO, Barry DuVal, and representatives of GO Virginia for an economic update presentation from both the statewide and regional perspectives.

Highland County is represented in GO Virginia Region 8. Our virtual meeting will be held July 28, 2021 from 12 - 1 pm. Register now to learn more and to be able to participate in this important survey at www.vachamber.com/blueprintvirginia2030regionaltour/.

As part of the development process, the Virginia Chamber Foundation invites members of the business, economic development, workforce, education, and housing communities, as well as other community representatives from across the Commonwealth to provide input for Blueprint Virginia 2030 through this statewide survey. You're invited to take the survey by Friday, July 30, 2021 at the following link: https://www.research.net/r/BlueprintVirginia2030.

The results, along with the final policy document, will be presented to the Governor-elect as part of the Virginia Economic Summit scheduled for
Friday, December 3, 2021.

The CSPDC Recovery Dashboard tracks the impacts of COVID-19 and regional recovery efforts across the Central Shenandoah Valley Region.  Learn valuable information specific to Highland County, as well as surrounding areas, on stats like Lodging Tax Revenues, Local Sales Tax Revenue, COVID-19 Vaccinations and more! https://www.cspdc.org/covid19-recovery/

3/31/21 From ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership:

PPP Extended

Yesterday, President Biden signed into law the two-month extension to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. As a refresher, the legislation extends PPP through May 31 and allows 501(c)(6) organizations and others more time to pursue a second PPP loan. Further, if eligible organizations apply by May 31, the Small Business Administration will permit lenders an additional 30 days to process and approve any outstanding applications.

Eligibility criteria for a second PPP loan are as follows:

• The applicant received a first PPP loan and will or has used the loan only for authorized uses;
• The applicant employs no more than 300 people; and
• The applicant can demonstrate at least a 25-percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

The maximum loan amount of a second PPP loan is two-and-a-half times the average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs, up to $2 million.

-

Full details about the SBA Paycheck Protection Program are available at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program.

Small Business Administration:
Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) Program
Monday, April 5th
2-3pm ET
Register by clicking here now

LISC will be holding a webinar on Small Business Administration’s newly created Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) Program. The SBA is expected to start accepting applications for the program on April 8th, with awards being provided on a rolling basis. This webinar will provide information on program eligibility and application preparation, with an emphasis on helping venues in underserved communities prepare for rollout through actionable steps and best practices.
The SBA is holding webinars to cover the basics of the program, as well as applicant eligibility and requirements. You can view all upcoming events and webinars here. They have also launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal in anticipation of opening grant applications for the critical economic relief program. You can visit the SVOG portal here.

Moderator -
• Bill Taft, Senior Vice President, LISC Economic Development

Panelists -
• Michelle Harati, Policy Officer, LISC Policy
• Karleen Porcena, Senior Program Officer, LISC Economic Development
• Sean Watterson, Happy Dog Venue Owner, and Co-Chair of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Implementation Task Force

On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) to provide more than $900 billion in emergency assistance for individuals, families, nonprofits and businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic.

From the US Chamber of Commerce: Guide to Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Loans:

1/6/21: Dominion Energy is partnering with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation to temporarily expand its EnergyShare program to assist those small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominion Energy Virginia is pledging $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship in its Virginia service territory. The program funding will be covered by shareholders and will not impact customer rates. Qualified businesses may be eligible for one-time assistance with their Dominion Energy electric bill up to $1,000.  Learn more about eligibility requirements and applications at http://www.vachamber.com/foundation/small-business-relief-program/

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Ralph S. NorthamFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · October 28, 2020

Office of the Governor
Alena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Northam Invites Small Businesses and Nonprofits to Apply for Up to $100,000 from Rebuild VA Grant Fund

~ Program allotted additional $30 million, eligibility expanded ~

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Rebuild VA, a grant program to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, will expand eligibility criteria and increase the amount of grant money businesses receive.

Rebuild VA launched in August with $70 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Governor Northam is directing an additional $30 million to support the expansion of the program. Businesses with less than $10 million in gross revenue or fewer than 250 employees will be eligible under the new criteria, and the maximum grant award will increase from $10,000 to $100,000.

“We started Rebuild VA to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Northam. “These changes to the program will ensure that we can provide additional financial assistance to even more Virginians so they can weather this public health crisis and emerge stronger.”

Rebuild VA will now be open to all types of Virginia small businesses that meet size and other eligibility requirements, from restaurants and summer camps, to farmers and retail shops. Businesses that previously received a Rebuild VA grant will receive a second award correlated with the updated guidelines.

Rebuild VA is administered by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Eligible businesses and nonprofits must demonstrate that their normal operations were limited by Governor Northam’s Executive Orders Fifty-Three or Fifty-Five, or that they were directly impacted by the closure of such businesses. In September, the program expanded eligibility to supply chain partners of businesses whose normal operations were impacted by the pandemic.

Rebuild VA funding may be utilized for the following eligible expenses:

• Payroll support, including paid sick, medical, or family leave, and costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during those periods of leave;
• Employee salaries;
• Mortgage payments, rent, and utilities;
• Principal and interest payments for any business loans from national or state-chartered banking, savings and loan institutions, or credit unions, that were incurred before or during the emergency;
• Eligible personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfecting materials, or other working capital needed to address COVID-19 response.

For additional information about Rebuild VA and how to submit an application, please visit https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/

Full Release

###

Nonprofit Roanoke is distributing FREE PROTECTIVE MASKS for nonprofit organization staff and volunteers in Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s REGION 6*, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and VA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VA VOAD). Please see the following link with a Google survey to learn more and apply: https://airtable.com/shrFFLj7gWI8N7iSV

The original link: https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/eip/?utm_campaign=ocomm-eip-20&utm_content=eip-email-cta&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
Attention SSI and other federal benefit recipients who did not file 2018 or 2019 tax returns and who have qualifying children under 17 – It’s not too late! Take Action Now!
The IRS has extended deadlines to help children and adults get their Economic Impact Payments (EIP) by using its Non-Filer Tool.
• You must act by September 30th to get $500 EIPs for your child this year.
• Most adult Social Security and SSI beneficiaries have already received their EIPs. Adults who started receiving their monthly Social Security or SSI payment on or after January 1, 2020 should receive their $1,200 EIP from the IRS on or by November 6, 2020 without taking action with the IRS. Other adult federal benefit recipients must act by October 15th to get their $1,200 EIP this year.
Please read the latest from the IRS and take action now if appropriate.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-takes-new-steps-to-ensure-people-with-children-receive-500-economic-impact-payments

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 provided $900 million of supplemental Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to assist households impacted by COVID-19. Through this funding, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) received $23,356,803, which will be utilized to support the new COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program and provide other energy assistance resources.

The new program will assist low-income households that would not typically be eligible for other energy assistance programs (Fuel, Crisis, and Cooling Assistance) offered by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Eligible households will receive a one-time payment of $300 to address their immediate energy costs, including energy debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Households that received Fuel, Crisis, or Cooling assistance (except equipment-related services) from VDSS within the 12 months are not eligible to receive COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program benefits. However, households may qualify for other heating assistance through the Department’s normal Fuel Assistance application process, which begins October 13 and ends November 13.

Applications will be accepted through November 20, 2020 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Applications may be submitted online from the COVID-19 Virginia Resources website at https://covid.virginia.gov/ or through the COVID-19 Virginia Resources mobile app that can be downloaded from through the App Store or Google Play. All questions about applying should be referred to 1-833-829-2767.
Eligibility criteria for assistance includes:
• Must be a resident of Virginia
• Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility
• Must be either a United States citizen or an eligible immigrant
• A household’s monthly gross income must be less than the maximum allowed for the number of people in the home:
Household Size Maximum Income
1 $2,720
2 3,558
3 4,395
4 5,232
5 6,069
6 6,907
Each Additional Member Add $156

For additional information regarding the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program and other available energy assistance resources, visit dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/ or contact the dedicated energy assistance line at 1-833-829-2767.
You may also apply at https://vaservices.dss.virginia.gov/CARES/

The following is an opportunity to provide comments about adding an additional commodity (such as maple syrup) to be considered in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to potentially provide future financial relief. Comments on additional commodities will be received by June 22, 2020. Full details can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FSA-2020-0004-0003. Comments can be made by clicking the upper right “Comment Now” button.

As part of the efforts to continue to mitigate and respond to the pandemic, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is hiring temporary contractors in a variety of positions to aid in the COVID-19 response. VDH started hiring for contract positions in May, and while many positions have been filled, there is still a need to hire people for the following positions:

•  COVID-19 case investigator
•  COVID-19 contact tracer
•  COVID-19 testing coordinator
•  COVID-19 regional containment advisors
•  COVID-19 data manager
•  COVID-19 analytics coordinator

These positions are temporary (6+ months) and are 32- 40 hours a week with competitive pay. Applicants must be willing and able to work weekends as needed. Hired contractors will be able to work remotely but will be asked to come to district offices as needed. No public health or healthcare experience required for contact tracer positions.

Attached to this email is more information on how to apply for these positions. [INSERTED HERE: Staffing-Agency-List] Please forward this email to anyone  you think might be interested in any of these positions. Please note that applicants should only apply for these positions through ONE staffing agency of their choosing.

If you or anyone else has any questions, please feel free to contact me or share my contact information with interested applicants.

Thank you for the help in spreading the word about this opportunity to our community.

Have a good weekend and stay well,

Laura Lee Wight 

Health Educator | Central Shenandoah Health District

1414 N. Augusta Street | P.O Box 2126 | Staunton, VA  24402

Cell: 540-430-1699 | Office: 540-332-7830 ext. 344

Preferred Pronouns: she/her/hers

SCORE has many free webinars that may be helpful to navigate the current business climate at https://www.score.org/recorded-webinars, with topics such as “10 Principles to Running a Virtual Company Extremely Well”, “A Smarter Approach to Your COVID Marketing Strategy” or “The 4 Key Things Business Owners Should Be Focused on Right Now”.  You can watch these webinars live, too!

Dear Friends, We are pleased to share the following announcement and call for proposals on behalf of CAPSAW:

CAPSAW has been allocated supplemental Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to address COVID-19 related needs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. All funds are for services to individuals and families at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line residing in Staunton, Augusta County, or Waynesboro. All proposals must be received, via valleycapsaw@gmail.com by 5pm on the first Friday of each month. Proposals will be reviewed until funding has been allocated. Please direct any and all questions to Anna Leavitt (valleycapsaw@gmail.com).

Click here to access the COVID Response Funding Request Application (Word Document Download)

Information on the Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans, including the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options

Some of this is time-sensitive.  Learn more at https://mailchi.mp/thecne/time-sensitive-financial-support-available-to-nonprofits?e=9c2e0078c3

For more assistance on filling out the SBA Loans, please contact Betty M. Mitchell, Highland Economic Development Officer
540-383-9415 (cell) or 540-474-3333 (home)

From 3/19/20:
The handout “SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus” located by clicking HERE is the 1-page overview for businesses (3.75% interest) and private nonprofits (2.75% interest) that may be eligible under this U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program. There is a long list of entities not eligible under this program – most relevant to our area would be farmers, churches, and local governments.
During the almost 2 hour webinar in which I participated yesterday, there were lots of tips given related to the application that do not show up on the website. That said, I’ve added the highlandeda@htcnet.org email to the bottom of the handout. If someone needs help with the application, we can direct them to resources and share more forms and information.
I’ve reached out to our two local banks; talked to one and waiting for a call back from another. The feds have loosened some regulations for Community Banks, so customers who need financing are encouraged to call their local lenders and talk to them. I’ve sent info about this program to them, so that if the Bank can’t help, the Loan Officers are aware of this resource.
There are no fees to apply for this direct SBA funding, just the business’ time. Once an application is COMPLETE, loan decisions can be made within 21 days.  Learn more from the SBA at https://www.sba.gov/.

There is also a recorded presentation  on filling out the SBA EIDL Application that will cover the same EIDL application overview: https://vccs.zoom.us/rec/play/7JB8cbypqjo3S93A5QSDB_cqW465LaKs0SIbqPVZxEnmUnFRZ1rwMuNBNuCL-OOwBuzaQZSyXq31vV2k?continueMode=true

RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts. It is managed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with generous support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and IEDC’s Economic Development Research Partners program. https://restoreyoureconomy.org/

Some people will receive their Stimulus Check on a prepaid debit card if the IRS couldn’t direct deposit the payment.  This may be unexpected and the recipient may throw it away, thinking it a scam.  Below is an email with a good link describing how to use the debit card, in case you get calls. From the document:

I received an Economic Impact Payment VISA prepaid debit card from the government in the mail. Is this a scam?

This is not a scam. The government is sending some people Economic Impact Payment Cards if they qualified for a stimulus payment and the IRS couldn’t direct deposit the payment.

Your Economic Impact Card will come in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services” along with important information about the card, instructions for activation, fees, and a note from the U.S. Treasury. The card itself will have the words “VISA” and “DEBIT” on the front and the issuing bank, “MetaBank, N.A.”, on the back and should look like this:

Here is the reference from the IRS website:

A45. Some payments may be sent on a prepaid debit card known as The Economic Impact Payment Card  The Economic Impact Payment Card is sponsored by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, managed by Money Network Financial, LLC and issued by Treasury’s financial agent, MetaBank®, N.A.

If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services.”  The Visa name will appear on the front of the Card; the back of the Card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. Information included with the Card will explain that the card is your Economic Impact Payment Card.  Please go to EIPcard.com for more information.

Treasury, IRS launch new tool to help non-filers register for Economic Impact Payments

IRS.gov feature helps people who normally don’t file get payments; second tool next week provides taxpayers with payment delivery date and provide direct deposit information

WASHINGTON – To help millions of people, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return.

The non-filer tool, developed in partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, provides a free and easy option designed for people who don’t have a return filing obligation, including those with too little income to file. The feature is available only on IRS.gov, and users should look for Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here to take them directly to the tool.

“People who don’t have a return filing obligation can use this tool to give us basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “The IRS and Free File Alliance have been working around the clock to deliver this new tool to help people.”

The IRS reminds taxpayers that Economic Impact Payments will be distributed automatically to most people starting next week. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 will receive the payments automatically. Automatic payments will also go in the near future to those receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits and Railroad Retirement benefits.

How do I use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool?

For those who don’t normally file a tax return, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. First, visit IRS.gov, and look for “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here.” Then provide basic information including Social Security number, name, address, and dependents. The IRS will use this information to confirm eligibility and calculate and send an Economic Impact Payment. Using the tool to get your payment will not result in any taxes being owed. Entering bank or financial account information will allow the IRS to deposit your payment directly in your account.  Otherwise, your payment will be mailed to you.

“Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” is secure, and the information entered will be safe. The tool is based on Free File Fillable Forms, part of the Free File Alliance’s offerings of free products on IRS.gov.

Who should use the Non-Filers tool?

This new tool is designed for people who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who don’t receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits. Others who should consider the Non-Filers tool as an option, include:

Lower income: Among those who could use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool are those who haven’t filed a 2018 or 2019 return because they are under the normal income limits for filing a tax return. This may include single filers who made under $12,200 and married couples making less than $24,400 in 2019.

Veterans beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients: The IRS continues to explore ways to see if Economic Impact Payments can be made automatically to SSI recipients and those who receive veterans disability compensation, pension or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and who did not file a tax return for the 2018 or 2019 tax years. People in these groups can either use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info option now or wait as the IRS continues to review automatic payment options to simplify delivery for these groups.

Social Security, SSDI and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries with qualifying dependents: These groups will automatically receive $1,200 Economic Impact Payments. People in this group who have qualifying children under age 17 may use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to claim the $500 payment per child.

Students and others: If someone else claimed you on their tax return, you will not be eligible for the Economic Impact Payment or using the Non-Filer tool.

Coming next week: Automatic payments begin

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 and chose direct deposit of their refund will automatically receive an Economic Impact Payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and $500 for each qualifying child. Individuals who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, SSDI or who receive Railroad Retirement benefits but did not file a return for 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive a payment in the near future.

Coming next week: Get My Payment shows Economic Impact Payment date, helps with direct deposit

To help everyone check on the status of their payments, the IRS is building a second new tool expected to be available for use by April 17. Get My Payment will provide people with the status of their payment, including the date their payment is scheduled to be deposited into their bank account or mailed to them.

An additional feature on Get My Payment will allow eligible people a chance to provide their bank account information so they can receive their payment more quickly rather than waiting for a paper check. This feature will be unavailable if the Economic Impact Payment has already been scheduled for delivery.

More Information on Economic Impact Payments

The IRS will post additional updates on IRS.gov/coronavirus on these and other issues.

Here are two additional releases:

IRS extends more tax deadlines to cover individuals, trusts, estates corporations and others – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-extends-more-tax-deadlines-to-cover-individuals-trusts-estates-corporations-and-others – The July 15 filing and payment extensions generally now apply to all taxpayers that have a filing or payment deadline falling on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020. Individuals, trusts, estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers qualify for the extra time. This means that anyone, including Americans who live and work abroad, can now wait until July 15 to file their 2019 federal income tax return and pay any tax due. The July 15 extension also applies to estimated tax payments and 2016 unclaimed refunds.

IRS urges taxpayers to use electronic options; outlines online assistance – (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-taxpayers-to-use-electronic-options-outlines-online-assistance) – Now more than ever, the IRS stresses the use of IRS.gov web tools. The release also has a note about paper tax returns.

*4/14/20 Update: The following programs are, for the most part, centered on local government efforts; local government needs to be a partner in them.  With these programs, a private business would not be an eligible applicant.  They are, however, useful for community economic development projects.  For a full list of available resources beyond the following, check out CSPDC’s Grant Resource Guide at https://www.cspdc.org/grant-resource-guide/

Original 4/10/20 message: I hope everyone is doing well under these extraordinary and uncertain times.  Like many of your localities, the CSPDC office is closed to the public and staff is teleworking.  During this time, we are preparing for the funding that is being put into place for local and regional recovery efforts .  Please let us know of any programs that you are hoping to pursue for community and economic development efforts and how the CSPDC can best help you. 

We know that state and federal agencies are quickly making changes to grant programs to extend open application deadlines, add new funding in programs that will help communities recover, and speed up those application processes.  The new guidelines for most grant programs have not been released yet.  As soon as they are, we will get that information to you.  A summary of the funding breakdown in the economic stimulus bill is attached (available here: 032520 Title-By-Title Summary FINAL).  Below are some updates that we can offer on some grant programs that we often use.

GO Virginia – The March 17 meeting of the State GO Virginia Board was postponed.  It will now be held electronically on April 17 beginning at 12:30 pm.  Information for remote participation may be found here.  Agenda and meeting materials will be available on the DHCD website on Monday, April 13.  During the meeting, the GO Virginia program’s COVID-19 response will be discussed by the Board. Chairman Farrell and Vice Chairman Davenport intend to recommend a proposal to the GO Virginia State Board that would redirect statewide competitive GO Virginia funds for a statewide, region-led response to the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed guidelines will include a recommendation to reduce the normal 1:1 match by half and to waive local match requirements given the economic distress and budget challenges facing all localities and regions.  The full proposal will be included in the board packet on April 13.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is making available current CDBG funding to small cities, towns and rural counties to respond to local needs related to COVID-19 response. The CDBG program will assist units of local government and communities in response to the health and economic impact of COVID-19 by supporting planning grant, open submission and urgent need recovery activities. Additional details are available from the CDBG COVID-19 Fact Sheet and the CDBG COVID-19 Response Document.  Localities planning to apply for COVID-19 CDBG funding are strongly urged to contact Matt Weaver at 804-371-7011 or matthew.weaver@dhcd.virginia.gov early in the planning process.

Economic Development Administration – The CARES Act includes $1.5 billion for the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This supplemental funding is intended to help mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.  Economic adjustment assistance can be used to help rebuild impacted industries such as tourism or manufacturing supply chains, capitalize local funds to provide low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes, and support other locally-identified priorities for economic recovery.  Last week, CSDPC staff had a call with Virginia’s EDA representative and the Director of the EDA Philadelphia Regional Office.  We are now waiting for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to be released for the details of funding.  However, we understand that a reduction in the current 1:1 required match is likely.

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) – ARC has launched a web page dedicated to providing resources including national, regional, and state resources, webinars, and other information.  They are assisting grantees on meeting project goals and timelines due to the current situation.  To date, we have not heard of any new funding through ARC or changes in match requirements,  but that could change.  The ARC communities in the CSPDC region include the counties of Bath, Highland, and Rockbridge and the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington.

USDA Rural Development – The bill provides $25 million to support the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program.  This increase will help improve distance learning and telemedicine in rural areas of America.  Additionally, $100 million is provided to the ReConnect program to help ensure rural Americans have access to broadband, the need for which is increasingly apparent as millions of Americans work from home across the country.  The bill also includes $20.5 million to support$1 billion in Business and Industry loans.

Finally, I wanted to share with you a publication called Disparate Impact of COVID-19 Across Virginia.  The Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development analyzed which localities in Virginia will likely be hit the hardest by the impacts of the pandemic.  To show the differing impact to local economies, they mapped the job shares of industries with the highest risks of being adversely affected.  Our own Bath County was ranked as being the most vulnerable.  Buena Vista, Waynesboro, and Harrisonburg were also in the top 20.

I wish you and your locality staff the best.  Please do not hesitate to let us know how the CSPDC can assist you.

Take care,

Elizabeth L. McCarty, AICP – Deputy Director – Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission

112 MacTanly Place, Staunton, VA  24401

540-885-5174 x108

elizabeth@cspdc.org

www.cspdc.org

The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has resources on COVID-19 for small businesses that may help at https://www.virginiasbdc.org/covid-19/.  At that page is a survey. The Chamber encourages all small businesses affected in Virginia to fill out the survey that will allow the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity to collect data on the impact COVID-19 is having on business revenue and employment.  The input and response from small businesses throughout the Commonwealth is critical to have enough data to meet federal requirements which will allow access to disaster loan funds at the federal level.  Please consider viewing the page and filling out the survey.

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699?fbclid=IwAR3KUf2_BpqkDfzTrccEG-sn6nIUZ1AwyqZLQ1saY4BHrT_FtVZuyGvnDEk

https://www.vachamber.com/covid-19/

The above link provides an excellent summary of Virginia Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53 (EO 53), effective at midnight on Tuesday, March 24 stating that certain non-essential businesses must close or have restricted operations.  The link also provides the Virginia Public Access Project’s (VPAP) COVID-19 Dashboard – this dashboard provides a timeline of confirmed cases each day and a statewide map showing the number of cases by locality.  There are many more resources at the link, such as Small Business Administration (SBA) webinar times, that may be helpful, too.

Thank you for everything that you are doing to support our community. We know that the pandemic threatens not only local residents, but the health of your organizations as well. We pledge to do everything in our ability to support you, including bolstering our grantmaking activity.   Below is the first of a series of short surveys designed to help guide our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a few minutes today to share what you are seeing and experiencing. Your responses will make a difference.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR VERY BRIEF SURVEY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_qn9ArAlTZzrNhELtCmJ4j0lFgnDAfC-UxWmfdUol8oPWhQ/viewform
We are postponing the launch of our 2020 nonprofit workshop series until the summer or fall. Additionally, we made some important decisions last week regarding our grantmaking activities which you can find below.  Thank you again for sharing with us your perspective and understanding of how our neighbors and residents are faring in this “new normal.”  2020 Community Grants Program:

• We are moving forward as quickly as possible. Ideally, we will distribute grants ahead of schedule, which in prior years has been early-June.
• Following CDC recommendations, we have cancelled our annual grants ceremony. We will deliver grant checks by mail.
• We also recognize that nonprofit organizations submitted their grant applications before the pandemic became a reality. The priorities of every organization have most likely changed. If you submitted a grant application, you will have an opportunity in the survey to update us as to your preferred use of a grant.
  COVID-19 Local Response Fund
• We announced to the community on Monday that we have established a new fund to aid in the local response to the pandemic. Thanks to a generous gift of $100,000, our COVID-19 Local Response Fund is in place and already receiving additional donations.
• It is critical that we have an open and active channel of communication with you so that we can make the best possible decisions concerning the distribution of these resources. You are our eyes and ears across the community. As such, you are our best source of information for understanding the local impact of the pandemic on residents and your organization. This and subsequent brief surveys will serve as the foundation for our channel of communication with you, but we also encourage you to contact us at any time.

https://www.virginiaisforrestaurantlovers.com/covid-19-info/resources-links