COVID-19 Resources for Local Businesses
A Message from Orange County Economic Development
As we work together to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that we are here to support Orange County businesses, community leaders, and residents during this time. Below are some resources to help those who have been affected by COVID-19.
-Rose Deal, Orange County Economic Development Director
The Orange County Communications Department released its inaugural production of “Orange Talks…” with a public service video focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in Orange County
March 23, 2021 - Fourth Amended Executive Order 72
The Commonwealth will maintain a Safer at Home strategy with continued mitigation strategies including physical distancing, teleworking, and universal mask-wearing requirements, gathering limits, and business capacity restrictions. The current modified Stay at Home order will remain in full force until amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Governor Northam announced, as COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rise, certain sports and entertainment venues may begin to operate with additional capacity and indoor gathering limits will increase starting Thursday, April 1, 2021. The key changes in the Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two include:
- Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase to 50 people for indoor settings and 100 people for outdoor settings. Social gatherings are currently limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
- Entertainment venues: All indoor and outdoor entertainment and public amusement venues must continue to operate at 30 percent capacity. Indoor venues must operate at 30 percent capacity or with a maximum of 500 people, an increase from the current cap of 250 people. Outdoor venues must operate at 30 percent capacity, with no specific cap on the number of attendees. These venues were previously limited to 30 percent capacity or up to 1,000 attendees, whichever was fewer.
- Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at recreational sporting events will increase from 25 to 100 people per field or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for indoor settings, and from 250 to 500 people per field or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for outdoor settings.
- In-person graduation and commencement events: Last week, Governor Northam issued preliminary guidance on safe in-person graduations and commencements, which included a cap of 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue capacity for outdoor events, whichever is less. Events held indoors may have up to 500 people, or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.
The full text of Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two and Order of Public Health Emergency Nine is available here. Updated guidelines for specific sectors can be found here.
Other Grant Opportunities
VA 30 Day Fund – The non-profit Virginia 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Virginia-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding.
Southern Smoke Foundation – Emergency Funding Opportunity For Employees in the Food And Beverage Industry: Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. To qualify for emergency relief funding you must have worked in the food and beverage industry for a minimum of 6 months and an average of 30 hours per week minimum. Every applicant must show proof of such employment, so please have paycheck stubs and/or W2s available.
Rebuild VA Economic Recovery Fund for Small Businesses - All available funds have been exhausted at this time. We are hopeful that Congress will soon pass a stimulus package that provides additional relief to small businesses. Please sign up here to be notified of any additional developments.
EnergyShare Program - Dominion Energy is partnering with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation to temporarily expand its EnergyShare program to assist those small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dominion Energy Virginia is pledging $500,000 to help provide energy bill relief for small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship in its Virginia service territory. The program funding will be covered by shareholders and will not impact customer rates. Qualified businesses may be eligible for one-time assistance with their Dominion Energy electric bill up to $1,000.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) & Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
**You must create a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) & System for Award Management (SAM) account to apply for these grants. Learn how to register for a DUNS number and create a SAM user account.**
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) - The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application that is currently scheduled to open in early April. While all the details for the program have not been finalized, there are some advance steps that businesses may need to do now to better prepare them for the application process. This video is current as of 3/17/2021. Please review www.sba.gov for updated information on the grant
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) - The SBA has a new targeted grant program for restaurants and bars. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is scheduled to open in early April. Please check the SBA Coronavirus Relief Funding Page for the most up to date information as it is released.
Additional Resources
Federal Resources
- CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- CDC – Situation Summary
- CDC – What to do if you are sick with COVID-19
- USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resources Guide
- U.S. Chamber: Coronavirus Response Toolkit
- CARES ACT in Spanish
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act Information
- Employer Fact Sheet
State Resources
- Virginia Governor: Ralph S. Northam
- Forward Virginia Guidelines
- VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH – The latest facts and COVID-19 press releases.
- Virginia Government
- Virginia Chamber provides a COVID-19 Resource Center website here.
- Consumer delivery permits are available for certain alcoholic beverage licensees and producers from the Virginia ABC at no additional cost. Apply here.
- The Virginia Wineries Association and the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild are both offering online resources and updates for their industry partners.
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences directive regarding farmers markets, breweries, and tasting rooms and COVID-19 Emergency Information Center.
- The Virginia Employment Commission is providing a Q&A on Unemployment Insurance Procedures In Response To Covid-19.
- The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has directed regulated electric, natural gas and water companies in Virginia to suspend service disconnections until the coronavirus outbreak subsides. Learn more here.
- Several internet and cellular service providers are providing resources and relief for those affected by COVID-19: AT&T, Comcast and Verizon.
- VDSS Child Care VA Resources
Orange County Resources
- COVID-19 Resource Page
- Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District - Hotline Number: (540) 316-6302
Small Business Administration
- Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- SBA Payroll Protection Program (PPP)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Virginia Career Works – Piedmont Region
Virginia Small Business Development Center
Useful Resources
- Zoom: How to Use Zoom Tutorial
- Retail Strategies: Navigating COVID-19 for Small Businesses