Provided by Prince William County Economic Development
One hundred forty-six small businesses are eligible to receive funding from round one of Prince William County’s Small Business Relief Micro-Grant program. The grants, totaling $1.2 million, will help businesses maintain operations or adapt as they recover from the effects of COVID-19.
Christina Winn is Executive Director of the Prince William County Department of Economic Development. Winn said, “This is an incredibly challenging time for small businesses across the county… [I]t’s so important to provide meaningful support. This is an exciting step forward in helping our community and the county recover.”
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted unanimously to establish the micro-grants. Grants provide financial assistance to small businesses economically impacted by the pandemic.
The program transferred $5 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to the county’s Industrial Development Authority. It offers eligible small businesses grants up to $10,000.
A list of the grant recipients is available on the county’s small business resources website.
Round Two Eligibility
Eligibility requirements for round two have been expanded to include home-based businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The maximum gross receipts for eligibility has also been increased from $1 million to $2.5 million. Applications are currently open and will stay open until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2020.
Ann Wheeler is Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair. Wheeler said, “The Board is focused on providing small business owners with the financial resources they need to weather the COVID-19 outbreak. Expanding the micro-grant eligibility requirements will make it possible for a much broader range of small businesses and nonprofits to access the support they need to overcome these difficult times and prepare for a strong recovery.”
The Prince William County Department of Economic Development will review grant applications for eligibility and obtain any needed additional information. The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force will also review applications.
To be eligible for a small business relief grant, organizations must:
- Employ 50 or fewer people in Prince William County.
- Have gross receipts less than $2.5 million.
- Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business who applied for round one, but did not meet the eligibility requirements, do not need to apply again. They will automatically be considered for round two.
The application and a full list of eligibility requirements and can be found at princewilliamcounty.biz.
