TOP FAQs During the COVID-19 Crisis
Getting Started with Loudoun SBDC
The Loudoun SBDC strives to provide the most current, relevant information for small businesses to help you make decisions during the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information, email us mec20175@gmu.edu or call (703) 466-0466.
Virginia Launches Return to Earn Program
Unemployed Virginians are facing a variety of childcare, transportation, and other barriers to returning to the workforce while some small businesses are struggling to find workers. To support Virginians in their transition back to employment, Governor Ralph Northam will invest $3 million to pilot the Return to Earn Grant Program.
To qualify for the state’s matching fund of up to $500 per person, businesses must pay that amount directly to a new employee hired after May 31, either as a lump sum or in installments to offset ongoing costs of child care, transportation or other barriers to re-employment. Funds will be reimbursed only to businesses that pay at least $15 per hour for jobs that qualify as W-2 employment, either full time or part time. For additional information on requirements and to apply for Return to Earn grant funding, small businesses should contact their local Virginia Career Works Center. Answers to frequently asked questions about the program can be found here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/FAQ-On-The-Virginia-Return-To-Earn-Grant-Program.pdf
Applications Open for Leesburg Business Awards
The Town of Leesburg is accepting applications for the annual Leesburg Business Awards. Award applications are being accepted through an online application process and the deadline for nominations is Monday April 4th, 2022.
Eligible nominees for all categories must have the primary physical location of the company, organization, or business entity within the corporate limits of the Town of Leesburg. Businesses must possess a valid Town of Leesburg business license, must be in compliance with all Town regulations, and must have been in operation for at least one year. Learn more by visiting: Leesburg Business Awards | Leesburg, VA (leesburgva.gov).
Can I Get Help with the Loan Preparation Process?
Yes! The Loudoun SBDC has coaches that can help you with loan package preparation. If you have questions about the process or need assistance in gathering information or filling out application forms, contact us and we will get you connected with a coach as soon as possible. NOTE: All coaching through the SBDC Loudoun is free of charge.
To help you understand the EIDL Application process we’ve prepared this video overview and guide for the new streamlined application:
Virginia's Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Rules Take Effect
Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health rules have taken effect. The standards mandate appropriate personal protective equipment, sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training, and hazard communications in workplaces across the Commonwealth. The permanent standards align with the temporary standards that had been in place since July.
Read the full statement and get more details:https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2021/january/headline-891684-en.html
All Frequently Asked Questions (by date)
Loudoun County Business Reinvestment and Recovery Grant
The Loudoun County Business Recovery & Reinvention Grant (BRRG) is designed to fund innovative solutions to accelerate business growth for companies that have needed to pivot in the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Loudoun County will provide grants of up to...
Virginia Launches Return to Earn Program
Unemployed Virginians are facing a variety of childcare, transportation, and other barriers to returning to the workforce while some small businesses are struggling to find workers. To support Virginians in their transition back to employment, Governor Ralph Northam...
NOVA Technology Loan Fund
The NOVA Technology Loan Fund is designed to help minority/people of color entrepreneurs in the technology industry located in Northern Virginia who are suffering substantial economic injury because of the COVID-19 economic downturn. It is a revolving loan fund funded...
SBA to Increase Lending Limit for EIDL Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit...
Virginia Easing More COVID-19 Restrictions
Beginning Thursday, April 1, Virginia will be easing certain COVID-19 restrictions. Those include: Social gatherings, which include weddings, may have up to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Indoor entertainment venues may operate at 30% capacity up to a...
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund, part of the Biden Administration's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, will offer direct grants to restaurants and other qualifying food businesses. The program has not yet opened for applications, and the SBA has...
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The SBA has two new targeted grant programs scheduled to open in early April. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and Restaurant Revitalization Fund will be open only to eligible shuttered venues and restaurants. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)...
Small Business Administration (SBA) Announces Exclusive PPP Application Window for Small Businesses
The SBA has established a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees, beginning on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9 a.m. and ending on March 9, 2021 at 5 p.m.. The goal is to provide these smaller...
What is the difference between the PPP and EIDL loan programs, and can I apply for both?
The CARES Act includes a number of relief programs for small businesses. The main difference between a PPP loan and an EIDL is that you have to spend at least 60% of the PPP loan on payroll expenses. Also, unlike EIDL loans, PPP loans are not issued directly from the...
Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health rules take effect
Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety and health rules have taken effect. The standards mandate appropriate personal protective equipment, sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training, and hazard...
Do I Qualify for a Second PPP Loan?
To qualify for a second PPP loan, you must generally meet the following qualifications: To qualify for a Paycheck Protection Program loan for the first time, you must be a small business as defined by the SBA. This includes: Small businesses or non-profit 501(c)(3)...
Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance Program Reopens
Congress has allocated another $40 billion in EIDL grants (advances) in the new stimulus bill. While the Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) has continued to be available, the EIDL Advance program has now reopened, offering 10K advance (or grant) for qualified...
First Draw PPP Loans Now Available
The SBA has rolled out a new round of federal loans for businesses impacted by COVID-19, one of which is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new PPP has $284.5 billion available, including $35 billion for first-time loans, and has several important differences...
Second Draw PPP Loans Introduced
The SBA has rolled out a new round of federal loans for businesses impacted by COVID-19, one of which is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new PPP has $284.5 billion available, including $35 billion for first-time loans, and has several important differences...
Google, Kaiser Permanente Fund Minority Owned Small Business Grant Program Launched by Community Foundation
A new Minority Owned Small Business Grant Program has been announced by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier counties with funding from Google and Kaiser Permanente. The program will grant $75,000 to minority-owned small businesses in Loudoun...
Rebuild VA Grants Funds Exhausted; No Longer Accepting or Processing Applications
The Virginia Governor's Office has announced that as of December 9, 2020, available funds for the Rebuild VA grant have been exhausted, and they will not be able to accept or process any additional applications. The office has put together some resources below to...
Virginia Issues Modified Stay-at-Home Order
Virginia is implementing a modified stay-at-home order as part of the new coronavirus restrictions starting at 12:01 a.m. Monday, December 14. That will exclude those going to work and other essential travel. Limits on gatherings will go down to 10 from 25. Read the...
Starting a Business in Loudoun County
The following list summarizes the steps for establishing a new company in Loudoun County. The first step is to go to the Virginia State Corporation Commission web site and search for the name you want to use for the company. If the name is in use by someone else, then...
ALERT: Phishing Scam Targeting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Borrowers
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has discovered an email scam originating from sba-attorneys.com that seeks to create alarm among Paycheck Protection Protection (PPP) loan borrowers. The email falsely warns that PPP funds were issued to the recipient in...
Phase II of Leesburg Business Infusion Grant Opens September 8
The Town of Leesburg will begin accepting applications for a second phase of business relief grants, using federal CARES Act funding, beginning Tuesday September 8 at noon E.T. The application period will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2020. For Phase 2...
Virginia Introduces Rebuild VA Grant Program
The state of Virginia is launching a new grant program for small businesses and nonprofits called Rebuild VA. The program will provide grants of up to 3 times the applicant’s average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum award of $10,000. The application will...
Effectively Manage Your Remote Workforce
Managing a remote team can be a challenge. Learn some tips and best practices to make it easier from the Virginia SBDC.
Virginia Becomes First State to Adopt Statewide Emergency Workplace Safety Measures
On July 15, Governor Ralph Northam announced the adoption of statewide emergency workplace safety measures for Virginia. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board voted today to approve an emergency temporary standard requiring the...
Leesburg Business Infusion Grant Application Walk Through
As part of the CARES Act the Town of Leesburg has initiated a grant program for small businesses operating in the town to assist with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants are available to licensed, for-profit businesses operating in the town limits...
Can I Reinstate an Old Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
We recently got a question from a client at the SBDC about an older Limited Liability Company (LLC) that was created but never really launched. The person had filed the registration paperwork and officially formed the LLC but had then let the registration lapse after...
Northern Virginia Enters Phase Two Reopening on Friday, June 12
Governor Ralph Northam announce Tuesday, June 9, that Northern Virginia can enter reopening phase two on Friday, June 12 as metrics on the spread of the coronavirus continue to improve. Phase Two expands the number of people...
VA Phase One Guidelines for Businesses
The Governor's office released guidelines for businesses to follow during Phase One of reopening. These guidelines include best practices and requirements for all business sectors as well as for specific industries. You can read information about the Phase One...
Virginia SBDC Network Business Recovery Resource Page
A Process to help you navigate how to move forward with your business during and after the COVID-19 pandemic The Virginia SBDC network has developed the Business Recovery webpage to help owners carefully plan for and execute their businesses’ new strategy. Reopening...
How Do I Prepare for PPP Loan Forgiveness?
Webinar replay from Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, May 5th 2020: https://www.facebook.com/247053305067/videos/2659714751019223/ Description from original webinar: You secured an SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan. Take a minute to breathe; you earned it. Now,...
¿Dónde puedo acceder a las versiones en español de los recursos y documentos de la SBA?/ Where can I access Spanish-versions of SBA resources and documents?
Nos damos cuenta de que muchos de ustedes son hispanos y prefieren la información que se les proporciona en español. Para satisfacer sus necesidades, hemos creado un enlace al sitio web SBDC Puerto Rico, www.prsbtdc.org, para que puedan beneficiarse de la información...
What are the eligibility requirements for the Main Street Lending Program?
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday April 30 announced it is expanding the scope and eligibility for the Main Street Lending Program. As part of its broad effort to support the economy, the Federal Reserve developed the Main Street Lending Program to help credit...
What relief funds are available for women-owned businesses?
In addition to the various government relief loans and grants available to small businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, many more are available for women-owned businesses. Below are links to available funding resources currently available to...
Are agricultural businesses eligible to apply for SBA relief programs?
Effective Monday April 4, 2020, agricultural businesses are eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. The legislation provides additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by...
Who Qualifies For Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)?
PUA provides unemployment benefits to those traditionally not eligible for unemployment benefits due to the inability to work because of the coronavirus health crisis. These workers include: self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history,...
How Do I Apply For Loudoun County’s COVID-19 Business Interruption Fund?
NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THE BUSINESS INTERRUPTION FUND WERE DUE SATURDAY, MAY 2nd. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING REVIEWED The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved more than $1 million in grant funding for the COVID-19 Business Interruption Fund to...
If I am Self-Employed or a Sole Proprietor how do I file for Unemployment Insurance Benefits under the CARES Act?
New Benefits for Previously Uncovered Workers Affected workers, like the self-employed, who are not eligible under traditional unemployment insurance may be eligible under a brand new federal program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). To be eligible for...
What are the differences between the EIDL and PPP loan programs?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocates $349 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the current circumstances they are encountering. The CARES Act provides funding for the...
Which banks are accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications?
The Small Business Association (SBA) has launched a tool for businesses to find lenders in their area. Click here to use the tool. Note: Lenders are not required to participate.
Can a business receive both a Paycheck Protection Program loan and an EIDL?
Generally, a business can apply for loans under both the Paycheck Protection Program and the EIDL program but must use the EIDL for a purpose other than covering payroll costs. To determine whether to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan or EIDL, businesses...
How do I apply for the Paycheck Protection Program?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed...
What Do My Employees Need to Know About the Shelter-in-Place Order?
On March 30, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam issued a executive stay at home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order remains in place through June 10, 2020. As part of the order, “essential” businesses remain open. This generally includes grocery stores,...
Are There Any State Loan Programs Available for Small Businesses?
Note: Currently VFA is suggesting small businesses use the SBA EIDL and PPP loans for COVID disaster assistance (at least at this time.) The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s business and economic development...
Can I Get a Bridge Loan While I Wait for a Disaster Loan?
SBA Express Bridge Loans Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small...
How Do We Communicate with Customers, Employees and Partners?
How do I communicate with my employees? My customers? My vendors? During a crisis, it is important to keep messages concise and brief as possible while still sharing important info. Here are four steps to effectively communicate during a crisis: Gather the Facts....
Is There Assistance for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Applying for Loans?
Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call SBA’s Customer Service Center via the Federal Relay Line by calling (800) 877-8339. You may also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. The Service Center is open 7...
Where Can I Find Out About Other Resources for My Business?
There are many partners working to provide information, guidance and resources during this crisis. Here are some links to some valuable sites that we hope help: Loudoun County Department of Economic Development COVID-19 Page Visit Loudoun COVID-19 Webinar Update...
Cómo puede alguien obtener más ayuda con los préstamos en español?/ How Do Non-Native English Speakers Get Assistance with Loans?
Los solicitantes también pueden llamar al Centro de Servicio al Cliente de la (Small Business Administration) SBA al (800) 659-2955 o enviar un correo electrónico a disatercustomerservice@sba.gov para obtener más información sobre la asistencia por desastre de la SBA....
How Do My Employees File for Unemployment if They are Let Go?
Q&A on Claims Related to Coronavirus from the following site: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/qa-coronavirus UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROCEDURES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 Q: When should I file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits? A: You should file your claim...
Can I Get Help with the Loan Preparation Process?
Yes! The Loudoun SBDC has coaches that can help you with loan package preparation. f you have questions about the process or need assistance in gathering information or filling out application forms contact us and we will get you connected with a coach as soon as...
Where Can I Get Information About the Coronavirus?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wrribDZEGA&feature=youtu.be What you need to know about COVID-19 The above video is from Dr. Lisa Park, executive director of Mason's Student Health Services, who answers questions about coronavirus/COVID-19 As the outbreak...
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