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


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