VBthrive Business Relief Grant
 

VBthrive Business Relief Grant Program

The VBthrive Business Relief Grant Program is a collaboration of LISC Hampton Roads and United Way of South Hampton Roads. This grant program is sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach to aid businesses in recovery from the ongoing economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Below is information about the VBthrive Business Relief Grant Program including eligibility requirements, priorities, required documentation, award process and application timeline. Applicants should read the following information thoroughly and carefully prior to submitting an application. 

 Business Eligibility | Use of Funds | webinar | Application Info | FAQ

Business Eligibility Criteria

  • For-profit business licensed and located in the City of Virginia Beach and currently open to the public
  • Business (with the exception of Sole Proprietors) must have an Active Status in the Virginia State Corporation Commission Clerks Information System
  • Business must have an Active Unique Entity ID through SAM.gov
  • Must have been in operation and revenue generating on or before January 1, 2020 and be able to submit a 2019 tax return
  • Have between 1 and 250 employees (including owner, contract and 1099 employees).
  • Able to demonstrate at least 15% revenue loss during COVID (comparing 2019 and 2020 tax returns)
  • Suffered a negative economic impact from COVID-19
  • Owner must be at least 18 years of age
  • Applicants may apply for one business only. Business owners with multiple businesses should apply for the largest business they own that suffered COVID revenue loss

Eligible Use of Funds

  • Wages and benefits (including those of the applicant)
  • Inventory for on-going operations
  • Past-due bills
  • Payables (rent, supplies, etc.)
  • Weatherization of outdoor spaces (heaters, plastic enclosure, etc.)
  • Other operational costs
  • Cannot be used to start a business or to pay debt associated with closing a business
  • Funds may only be used to cover eligible expenditures incurred between March 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 (Documentation of expenses will be required at the time of application)

VBthrive Small Business Grant Webinar

Application Information

All potential applicants should read the entirety of this page thoroughly and carefully prior to submitting their application.

This program is now closed.

Additional Application Information

  • A special pool of grant funds is reserved for businesses in the hospitality industry (tourism, travel, hospitality) including hotels, restaurants, catering businesses, drinking places and mobile food services. Business must be licensed and have a brick-and-mortar location in the City of Virginia Beach. These businesses, regardless of number of employees, are encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants may apply for one business only and must be 18 years of age to apply. For business owners with multiple businesses, please complete this application based on your largest business owned. Each grant is limited to one individual/business.
  • Awards will be made to qualified businesses, and eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission.
  • If an applicant previously received a VBRelief.org Small Business grant, they are eligible to apply for a second grant.
  • All awardees will have to certify that they are negatively impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and be able to demonstrate through tax returns a revenue loss of at least 15%.

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this particular relief funding program

Privacy

Information provided through the application process is the responsibility of each applicant. Applications submitted to the portal remain confidential to the general public and any fellow applicants. Applicants will not hold LISC, its affiliates, members, partners, and staff liable for any losses, damages, costs, or expenses, of any kind relating to the use or the adequacy, accuracy, or completeness of any information loaded in the form. See LISC's Privacy Policy for more details.

Conflict of Interest

Current directors, officers, employees and contractors of LISC or the United Way of South Hampton Roads and such individuals' family members (spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) are not eligible to apply or seek an award. Applicants will be asked to verify there is no such conflict with LISC or the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

Publicity

If awarded, please be advised that the business/applicant’s application information, name, statements, and other information provided during the award process may be used for promotional purposes in all forms and media and the business/applicant may be contacted by LISC, the United Way of South Hampton Roads and/or the program sponsors for such purposes. Applicant grants to LISC, the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the program sponsors a perpetual license to use such information without additional compensation (except where prohibited by law), and without any right to review and/or approve such content.  Until notified, applicants must agree not to share any status publicly, including but not limited to all social media platforms, news media, or local publications.

Monitoring

LISC may evaluate activities funded by the VBthrive Small Business Relief Grant Program. This might involve a review of quantitative or qualitative data needed to understand the impact of the fund. Awardees are required to comply with all reporting requirements and maintain accurate records for a period of 3 years.

About LISC Hampton Roads

We are the Hampton Roads office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that provides financing and support for community development around the country.  As one of 35 local offices, LISC Hampton Roads works with local government, community development corporations and other nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods and catalyze opportunity. 

LISC is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize underserved communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. We invest in affordable housing, quality schools, safer streets, growing businesses and programs that connect people with financial opportunity. In response to the pandemic, we are delivering resources and expertise to support communities, businesses and people. Learn more here.