Do you need assistance in determining what programs and loans are available during the COVID-19 crisis for your business? Please visit the Office of Economic Development’s website for available loans and grants. New information is added on a regular basis, so be sure to check back often and reach out to us at 540-587-5670.
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Traci Blido, Director
540-587-5670 ext. 1371
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Pam Bailey
Marketing & Business Development
540-587-5670 ext. 1375
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Please mark your calendar:
September 23 -
Bedford Business Roundtable at National D-Day Memorial
December 10 -
Business Roundtable event - Bedford Welcome Center
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Bedford County businesses cite a strong July on Virtual Business Roundtable call
More than 40 from companies around the County participated; several adding new jobs and sharing lessons learned during pandemic
The Bedford County Office of Economic Development held its first Virtual Quarterly Business Roundtable Meeting on July 28, since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The meeting kicked off with Robert Hiss, Bedford County Administrator talking about the overall state of the county’s economy, as well as the status of the broadband project.
Hiss said that even through the COVID-19 crisis, Bedford County has experienced a record in sales tax numbers. In Fiscal year 2019, County Sales Tax receipts were $6.4 million. Fiscal year 2020 ended June 30 with $7.3 million for annual sales tax. All county revenues were at or above the previous tax year, except for meals tax which was slightly lower due to COVID-19 closures.
Blue Ridge Towers and its internet service provider company, Briscnet, is under contract to complete the county towers project on August 14 with Montvale, Big Island, and Boonsboro launching now.
The County has received its CARES Act funds for localities from the federal government and some of those funds will be used to build some “mini” towers throughout the county to fill in some of the gaps that we may have once the Briscnet service is activated. At the same time, other broadband endeavors continue with Comcast and Shentel.
Hear more about how our local businesses are implementing new workplace strategies to keep employees safe and learn which ones are hiring by watching the the meeting video here.
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Local company creates LED UV-C Sanitation Cabinet to combat COVID-19
LiteSheet, a leader in Adaptive AC LED technology, has created an LED UV-C Sanitation Cabinet to decontaminate contents from harmful viruses and bacteria while providing a safe environment for the workplace. By optimally positioning UV-C LED modules inside the cabinet to eliminate blind spots, contents are sanitized within minutes. Some potential applications include office, medical, education, repair, and sporting goods. Order yours by calling LiteSheet Solutions at: (434) 446-1460 or visit the Litesheet website.
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Bedford County 4-H members
named to All Stars
The honor goes to four Bedford County students, all graduates of Staunton River High School. The All Stars include: 2019 graduates, Ethan Jackson (Virginia FFA State President 2019), Josh Powers (Virginia FFA State Vice President 2020), and Andrew Tuck; and 2020 graduate, Samantha Holdren.
All four students remain active members of the Smith Mountain FFA Chapter and the Bedford Livestock Club, and they each participated in local, regional and state competitions through 4-H and FFA.
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Virginia launches $70 Million Rebuild VA Economic Recovery Fund for Small Businesses, Non-profits
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. Recipients of Paycheck Protection funding and/or Economic Disaster Injury Loan/Advance are not eligible. The application will be available starting on August 10, 2020. Learn about eligibility, covered expenses, how to submit, and resources here.
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Bedford County's Continued Unemployment Claims Drop, Initial Claims Tick-up
While the number of continued unemployment claims filed has dropped to its lowest level since late April, the rate of people filing unemployment claims for the very first time continues to tick up. 1,737 continued claims for unemployment insurance were filed in the Central Virginia Workforce Development Area during the week of July 25, according to VEC figures released Thursday, July 30. Claims in early May peaked at 2,501.
Initial claims had dipped down to 149 with week of July 18, but have since increased to 183 for first-time filers.
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EDA Grant Still Available for PPE
The Economic Development Authority of Bedford County is providing up to $300.00 in grant funds to local companies that have had to purchase PPE and cleaning supplies related to the COVID-19 crisis. At its May 2020 EDA meeting, the authority agreed to set aside $5,000 to help any local businesses that needs extra help in covering some of these unforeseen expenses.
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Funding available for Existing Worker Training
Virginia Career Works can provide funding assistance for businesses to upgrade the skills of their current employees — making the business more competitive and profitable.
Eligible Industry Sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Emerging Tech and Information Technology
- Healthcare and Life Science
- Food and Beverage Processing
- Industries support above sectors
Funds can be used for the cost of training workers, tuition, instructional cost for courses, certification and licensing exams and fees, and textbooks and manuals. Learn more at www.vcwcentralregion.com
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Expanding? We have space for you. |
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Our premier New London Business and Technology Center park in Forest features a 40,000 sf shell building (expandable to 80,000 sf) is scheduled for completion at the end of August on Lot 7, ready to purchase or lease and build out the inside to your needs. In the park, we also have pad-ready and cleared lots for sale ranging from 4 to 15+ acres for whatever size facility suits your needs.
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The Bedford Center for Business has land ready for development including a graded lot, and it lies within the Town's Enterprise Zone and Virginia's Opportunity Zone.
In Montvale Center for Commerce, two lots are available with nearly 20 combined acres ready for grading. Conveniently located on 460 W and close to I-81.
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Like what you see?
We post regularly to keep you up to date on projects taking place in the community, continuing education opportunities, and more!
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Bedford County Office of Economic Development
Traci Blido, Director
540-587-5670
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