Celebrating National Small Business Week 2020

INSIDE THE ISLE NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER 2020

Round 2 of COVID-19

Small Business Grants is Open

Isle of Wight County and the Towns of Windsor and Smithfield have expanded the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program, originally launched in June, to include a “Round 2” program aimed at increasing fiscal assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19 recover and reopen. Round 2 is open through October 30, 2020, and also draws on a portion of Federal CARES Act funding allocated to the three jurisdictions. The County’s Department of Economic Development will continue administering the grant program for all jurisdictions.

COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES

Virginia Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19

VOSH Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS)

Virginia became the first state to issue mandatory COVID-19 workplace safety rules that went into affect on July 27, 2020. No matter the size of the business or the level of exposure risk hazards – very high, high, medium, or lower exposure risk – the ETS imposes several mandatory requirements for all Virginia employers that fall under

§§ 16VAC25-60-20 and 16VAC25-60-30.

The Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has put together a resource web page to help businesses understand what is expected to comply with these standards.

NEW BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

The following new businesses are located in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight.

Faithful Home Health Care

Kay-Jay's Catering (Food Truck)

Medium to Deep Massage

Shattered But Not Broken

The Pink Picket Fence Boutique

We extend a warm welcome to all of our new businesses.

Thank you for putting down roots to grow in Isle of Wight County!

National Small Business Week 3-Day Virtual Conference, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, is happening Tuesday, September 22 – Thursday, September 24, 2020. Attend this free, online conference to meet our 2020 small business winners from across the country, learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and talk with industry experts!

NSBW Virtual Conference Schedule:

Tuesday, September 22 | 1:00 p.m. EDT – 4:00 p.m. EDT

Opening ceremony and presentation of the National Small Business Award Winners, including the National Small Business Person of the Year.

Wednesday, September 23 & Thursday, September 24 | 9:00 a.m. EDT – 4:00 p.m. EDT

Educational presentations and panel discussions that help both new and existing businesses to recover, adapt, and innovate in this challenging time.

ReBuild VA Grant Webinar - Updated Eligibility

The Rebuild VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, including restaurants, brick and mortar retail, exercise and fitness facilities, personal care and personal grooming services, entertainment and public amusement establishments, and campgrounds

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.

Linda Tackett, Regional Lending Manager for the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority in the Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, will present an overview of the Grant Fund’s updated eligibility criteria to receive funds, the eligible expenses to be covered by the funding and the documents required for submission with an application for funding. She will also answer questions at the conclusion of her presentation.

The website to visit for more information on the REBUILD! VA Grant Fund is:

governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/

(As of the date of this newsletter, please note that if your business received the Isle of Wight County Business Interruption Small Business Grant, you are currently not eligible to participate in this grant program)

Smart planning can help you keep your business running if disaster strikes. You’ll want to take the right steps to prevent and prepare for a disaster, and know where to get aid if a disaster strikes. SBA has put together checklists and safety tips for different types of disasters.

FEATURED PROPERTY: 223 Main Street, Smithfield

This 5,500-square-foot retail building in historic downtown Smithfield is available for lease or sale. Built in 1898 as the Delk department store, the building most recently housed an antique shop. It includes a half basement for storage and a loading dock and ramp for moving larger items. The lot extends back to Cedar Street, which could allow for the building to be expanded.

For more information, contact Mr. Bob Redlin, 757-279-0881.

FEATURE YOUR BUSINESS FOR FREE!

We know businesses in Isle of Wight County rock, and we want to tell the world. If you'd like to have your business featured in our newsletter and online for FREE, contact us and be prepared to tell your story!