COVID-19 Business Resources
The City of Chesapeake’s first concern is the health and safety of our residents, visitors, and businesses. As we continue to work closely with the Virginia Department of Health, we will make decisions based on their guidance. For our Business Community in the City of Chesapeake, the Economic Development Department will continue their commitment to offering the necessary tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
To contact a member of the Economic Development Department, please call (757)-382-8040. For inquiries to all other City Departments, contact the Customer Contact Center at (757)-382-2489.
WHAT IS THE CHESAPEAKE COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT?
The City of Chesapeake, alongside its Economic Development Authory (EDA), created this grant to assist Chesapeake, Virginia, for-profit businesses in Chesapeake, Virginia that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited funds are available for this grant assistance program and only qualified applicants will receive funds.
All applicants must submit certain financial information and all applications must be deemed complete before the Economic Development Authority (EDA) can fund any grant.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I APPLY?
The application will be available on Monday, August 3, 2020. The online application can be found on the Chesapeake Economic Development website at: CHESAPEAKEVA.BIZ/RECOVERY-GRANT
WHAT BUSINESS ARE ELIGIBLE?
Grant awards will be based on the most recent payroll for those that have met the following conditions:
- Have made efforts to remain open and retain employees during the COVID-19 outbreak;
- Must have been in business since March 1, 2019; and
- Are up to date on City of Chesapeake taxes and have registered with the Commissioner of Revenue for 2020
FUNDING
The program may provide a grant up to $10,000 per eligible small, for-profit business impacted by COVID-19.
GRANT USAGE
Grant funds must be used for operational working capital used to sustain the business and maintain employment. The grant funds will be issued on a reimbursement basis whereby the applicant can clearly demonstrate that expenses have been paid.
FAQ QUICK SHEET
A complete list of FAQs and Answers about the Chesapeake Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant
Governor’s Announcements
WHAT IS THE REBUILD VA GRANT FUND?
The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19. Businesses and non-profits that are approved for a Rebuild VA Grant may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I APPLY?
The application will be available on Monday, August 10, 2020. The online application can be found on the Governor’s website at: GOVERNOR.VIRGINIA.GOV/REBUILDVA
WHAT BUSINESS ARE ELIGIBLE?
The business or non-profit must be organized as one of the following:
- A corporation (C-Corp), pass through entity (S-Corp, Partnership, LLC), or other legal entity that is organized separately from the owner;
- A 501(c)(3), 501(c)(7) or 501(c)(19) organization;
- A sole proprietorship; or
- An independent contractor
The business or non-profit must also fall within one of the following business categories:
- Restaurant and Beverage Services
- Non-essential Brick and Mortar
- Retail Fitness and Exercise Facilities
- Personal Care and Personal Grooming Services
- Entertainment and Public Amusement
- Private Campgrounds and Overnight Summer Camps
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES?
The following expenses are eligible uses for the Rebuild VA grant Funds (for expenses incurred between March 24, 2020 and present):
- 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 the COVID-19 response.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
For more details about the Grant Fund and additional information, visit the Governor’s website at: GOVERNOR.VIRGINIA.GOV/REBUILDVA
FAQ QUICK SHEET
A complete list of FAQs and Answers about the Rebuild VA Grant Program
Reopening Your Business
Temporary Outdoor Dining Areas
Given the recent events in relation to the COVID-19 virus, the City of Chesapeake wants to facilitate the process to use temporary outdoor dining areas. The department will make every effort to expedite such requests. As such, the following information is provided to applicants who wish to operate an outdoor dining area during the temporary restrictions as allowed by the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance and Building Code requirements.
Additionally, please continue to follow the health guidelines for social distancing when opening your outdoor dining areas.