Grants in Virginia

Overview

The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) provides financial incentives to Virginia businesses in Williamsburg, aimed at fostering economic growth, expanding the tax base, and creating quality jobs. These incentives include gap funding, loans, and grants, contingent upon meeting specific criteria.

Focus Areas

Financial incentives are designed to:

• Expand the tax base

• Increase private capital investment

• Spur development in targeted areas

• Create quality jobs

• Develop targeted businesses enhancing economic vibrancy

Eligibility

To qualify for incentives, projects must:

• Demonstrate clear public purpose and economic benefit aligned with City goals

• Prove the project would not proceed without offered incentives

• Show financial stability and ability to complete the project

• Project a positive local tax impact over five years exceeding incentive value

• Belong to targeted industries defined by EDA, including Distilling/Brewing, Health/Medical Related, Corporate Headquarters, etc.

Ineligibility

Projects not meeting majority eligibility criteria will not be considered for incentives.

Preferences

Preference may be given to projects that:

• Serve as catalysts for additional development

• Align with targeted industries

Recapture Agreement

Recipients must execute a recapture agreement based on project performance (e.g., operational duration, jobs created, tax revenue). Incentives over $100,000 require Williamsburg City Council approval.

Target Industries

• Existing City Businesses

• Distilling/Brewing

• Health/Medical Related

• Corporate Headquarters

• Destination Retail

• Creative Economy

• Contemporary Hospitality

• Research & Development

• Tourist Attractions

Contacts

For more information or to apply for incentives:

City of Williamsburg Office of Economic Development

401 Lafayette Street

Williamsburg, VA 23185

Email: eda@williamsburgva.gov

Phone: (757) 220-6104

Fax: (757) 220-6120

Contact:

Yuri Adams, Acting Director of Economic Development

Email: yadams@williamsburgva.gov

Overview

The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) offers Small Business Investment Grants to encourage existing businesses and commercial property owners to invest in their properties through exterior façade improvements, landscape enhancements, and other capital improvements. The grants aim to enhance the vibrancy and character of the area, increasing customer traffic and business revenue. The maximum grant award is the lesser of $7,500 or 50% of the costs of the qualified improvements.

Focus Areas

1. Exterior Improvements

o Canopy or awning installation and/or repair

o Decorative fencing (excluding chain-link fencing)

o Design and construction costs associated with qualified improvements

o Exterior monument sign for business

o Exterior painting (when part of a larger rehabilitation effort)

o Hardscape improvements (e.g., brick sidewalks, walkways)

o Landscaping improvements

o Outdoor furniture (e.g., benches, tables)

o Removal/replacement of architecturally inappropriate or incompatible exterior finishes and materials

o Replacement of façade materials

o Replacement of windows, doors, and cornices

Eligibility

• All fee simple owners of the property must sign the application.

• Application must include at least two cost estimates for the proposed improvements.

• Qualified improvements must be completed within six months of EDA approval, unless an extension is granted.

• Previous grant recipients may reapply for funding for a different project five years after receiving funding for their first project.

• Awards are not retroactive; approval must be obtained before any improvement activity begins.

• All applicable City regulations, including Architectural Review Board (ARB) approvals, must be followed.

Ineligibility

• Routine maintenance or mechanical equipment purchases or replacements

• Applicants with outstanding BPOL, real property taxes, fines, license fees, meals taxes, personal property, sales, transient occupancy, utility charges, or any other amounts owed to the City of Williamsburg

• Projects already started or completed before grant approval

• Grants do not cover any taxes for eligible projects

Preferences

• Grants are made on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the availability of program funds.

• Projects that enhance the visibility and aesthetic appeal from City streets and sidewalks.

Application Process

1. Email the Williamsburg Economic Development Office at yadams@williamsburgva.gov or call 757-220-6104 for more information.

2. Submit applications online through https://williamsburg.smapply.io/prog/SBIG/

3. Obtain at least two separate competitive arms-length bids or estimates for the project.

4. Ensure all City regulations and ARB approvals are obtained before commencing work.

5. Submit completed applications and required documentation.

Contacts

• Williamsburg Economic Development Department

o Address: 401 Lafayette Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

o Phone: 757-220-6104

o Email: yadams@williamsburgva.gov

o Website: https://williamsburg.smapply.io/prog/SBIG/

For additional details and to apply for the Small Business Investment Grant, visit the Williamsburg Economic Development Office or contact them via phone or email.

Overview

The Economic Development Authority of the City of Newport News, Virginia (EDA), offers an e-Commerce Grant Program aimed at assisting small, women- and minority-owned for-profit businesses located within Newport News. The program supports businesses in enhancing their revenue and job creation through e-commerce initiatives. Eligible projects include various e-commerce services such as website design, search engine optimization, shopping systems, and more.

Focus Areas

The program focuses on supporting small, women- and minority-owned businesses in Newport News through e-commerce enhancements and innovations.

Eligibility

• Businesses must be for-profit and located within the City of Newport News.

• Small businesses are defined as independently owned with 250 or fewer employees or annual gross receipts of $10 million or less.

• Women- or minority-owned businesses must have at least 51% ownership and management by individuals from minority groups certified by the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise.

• Projects must be legally and commercially viable, and not involve adult-only materials.

Ineligibility

• Businesses outside the City of Newport News.

• Non-for-profit organizations.

• Projects that have already been completed before grant approval.

Preferences

• Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to available funding.

• Applicants must obtain two quotes from registered and licensed e-commerce service providers.

• The application process includes review and approval within ten business days of submission, pending eligibility verification.

• Contact Jared Midkiff for inquiries or assistance at 757-597-2840 x410 or email midkiffjw@nnva.gov.

Contacts

• Jared Midkiff, Marketing and Development Coordinator

o Phone: 757-597-2840 x410

o Email: midkiffjw@nnva.gov

• Director:

o Florence G. Kingston

o Email: kingstonfg@nnva.gov

• City of Newport News

o Address: 2400 Washington Ave., 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607

o Phone: 757-926-8428

o Toll-free: 800-274-8348

o Fax: 757-926-3504

For further details, applicants are encouraged to visit the program's website or contact the provided email and phone numbers.