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.
As of December 29, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam allocated an additional $20 million in federal CARES Act funding to the Rebuild VA economic recovery fund.
The extra funding will help pending grant awards for over 300 eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Eligible applicants that are still in the pipeline have been notified via email that the applications have been re-opened.
FAQ QUICK SHEET
A complete list of FAQs and Answers about the Rebuild VA Grant Program Rebuild VA – FAQ QUICK SHEET
WHEN AND WHERE CAN I APPLY?
As of December 9, 2020 – the application portal is closed. All funds have been exhausted.
The online application can be found on the Governor’s website at: GOVERNOR.VIRGINIA.GOV/REBUILDVA
WHAT IS THE REBUILD VA GRANT FUND?
Rebuild VA Grant Fund (Rebuild VA) has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses and nonprofits to apply. Any small business or nonprofit with $10,000,000 or less in gross revenue OR 250 or fewer employees may now apply.
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
Governor’s Announcements
Payment Protection Plan (PPP)
Notice: Paycheck Protection Program resumes January 11, 2021 at 9am EST
SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will open the Paycheck Protection Program loan portal on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9 am EST. When the PPP loan portal system opens, it will initially accept First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries.
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.