Augusta County expands business relief fund

The Augusta County Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced Tuesday it has expanded its Disaster Recovery Grant Fund to allow businesses that have previously received Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to apply for grants of up to $15,000.

“The expansion of our grant fund will allow additional Augusta County businesses to receive assistance as our local economy begins its recovery,” EDA Chair Randy Roller said in a statement. “We look forward to supporting the efforts of our local business leaders and seeing jobs return to our local workforce.” Augusta County received $6.5 million in federal CARES Act funding from the state on June 1, and the board of supervisors voted to allocate $200,000 to local business relief on June 24.

Eligible businesses in the county can apply for funding of $1,000 to $15,000 until 9 a.m. on Sept. 16 and disbursements will be made as soon as possible, according to the EDA. Businesses must be located in Augusta County, be locally operated and operate with one to 40 employees or be a sole proprietor. 

Applicants who have been awarded or have received PPP, EIDL or Virginia Rebuilds funds must demonstrate that the county funding would be used for different purposes from how the federal grants were used. Businesses may use the August County funding to reimburse costs for personal protective equipment, cleaning equipment and supplies, technology for e-commerce or virtual operations and construction that would allow for improved social distancing.

Awards will be granted by the Grant Review Committee based on the severity of impact that the pandemic has had on the business.

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