Author: Department of Housing and Community Development

Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

January 18, 2021

In October 2020, Downtown Suffolk Business Launch winners and real estate brokers Domenick Epps and Danita Hayes launched Wall Street Café on Washington Street in downtown Suffolk. “Great food, great coffee, great conversation and [financial] education is what the atmosphere of Wall Street Café is all about!” – Danita Hayes Emphasizing the role of entrepreneurs … More Hybrid Business Whips Up Coffee with a Shot of Asset Building in Downtown Suffolk

Main Street America Announces Second-Round Recipients of HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program

January 15, 2021

Recently, Main Street America (MSA) and The Hartford announced the second-round recipients of the HartBeat on Main Street Grant Program. Across the country, 31 small businesses have received HartBeat awards to fund solutions that help merchants respond and better adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, one Virginia business, Curitiba Art Cafe (pictured left), will receive … More Main Street America Announces Second-Round Recipients of HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program

CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses

January 12, 2021

The pipelines for the second round of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding are opening now, and here are some quick facts to share with small businesses in your district: Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of forgivable loans opened on Monday, Jan. 11th, to first-time applicants. It will open … More CARES II: Program Fast Facts for Small Businesses

Local Entrepreneurs Save Hopewell Coffee Shop

January 11, 2021

Larry Hancock (left), owner of Legacy Roasting Company, and Crisman White (right), owner of Room ESC, have joined forces to save downtown Hopewell’s coffee shop and communal gallery space, Guncotton Coffee and Gallery, from permanently closing as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Having businesses only a few steps away, Hancock and White chose … More Local Entrepreneurs Save Hopewell Coffee Shop

Governor Northam Commits Additional $20 Million to Rebuild VA Grant Program!

January 8, 2021

On Dec. 29, 2020, Governor Northam allocated an additional $20 million to the Rebuild! VA grant program. The funds will help meet demand and fulfill pending grant applications, enabling more than 300 small businesses and nonprofit organizations that applied before the last round of funding was exhausted in early December to receive grants. “Small businesses … More Governor Northam Commits Additional $20 Million to Rebuild VA Grant Program!

Ashland, VA Business Spotlighted by Main Street America

January 6, 2021

A few months ago, Main Street America (MSA) announced the first-round recipients of the HartBeat of Main Street Grant, a program designed to fund solutions that help merchants respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the country, 67 brick-and-mortar small businesses, ranging from bakeries and boutiques to salons and museums, received grant awards. MSA … More Ashland, VA Business Spotlighted by Main Street America

Luray Downtown Initiative Seeks New Executive Director

January 5, 2021

Luray’s local Main Street program, Luray Downtown Initiative (LDI), has begun searching for a new program director! As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, LDI is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities … More Luray Downtown Initiative Seeks New Executive Director

Advancing the Gauntlet in 2021

January 4, 2021

The Advancement Foundation’s Gauntlet Business Program & Competition, a business development program that provides training and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to grow their business ideas, often in economically challenged places, is now expanding its service area to include not only the Roanoke Valley, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County; … More Advancing the Gauntlet in 2021

Town of Blackstone and City of Buena Vista Named Community Business Launch Grant Recipients

December 30, 2020

Recently, Governor Northam announced that the town of Blackstone and city of Buena Vista were awarded Community Business Launch (CBL) grants, totaling $90,000, to conduct business plan competitions and offer training to entrepreneurs that aligns with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in Virginia’s downtown commercial districts. Administered through the Virginia Department of Housing … More Town of Blackstone and City of Buena Vista Named Community Business Launch Grant Recipients