The City of Chesapeake Economic Development Authority (EDA) has established a grant program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Chesapeake Small Business Grants are accessible online and prioritize businesses striving to retain full employment during the crisis, small, women and SWAM certified businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and those located in low-moderate census tracts. The grant amount varies depending on the size of the business, ranging from $2,500 for businesses with 1-5 employees to $10,000 for those with 36-50 employees. Eligibility is based on recent payroll records, business continuity, operation since March 1, 2019, and current tax and registration status in Chesapeake.

Date and Recipients

June 9, 2020

MEMORANDUM

TO:                    SBDC HR Staff

FROM:              MD Austin

SUBJECT:           Chesapeake Small Business COVID-19 Grants

Grant Program Details

The City of Chesapeake Economic Development Authority (EDA) has created a grant program, that will be available until later this month.  The criteria include:

Eligible Businesses:

  • Small, for-profit businesses impacted by COVID-19
  • Preference for:
    • Businesses trying to remain open and retain full employment during crisis
    • Small, women and SWAM certified businesses
    • Veteran-owned businesses
    • Businesses located in low-moderate census tracts
    • Employees from low-moderate census tracts – a minimum of 50% of workforce

The application is online only

Grant Amounts and Criteria

Business size (based on employee number) impacts amount of grant:

  • 1-5 employees – $2,500
  • 6-20 employees – $5,000
  • 21-35 employees – $7,500
  • 36-50 employees – $10,000

Based on most recent payroll records

Other criteria:

  • The business stayed open and retained employees
  • Business has been in operation since 3/1/2019
  • Business must be current on Chesapeake taxes and be registered with the Commissioner of Revenue for 2020

Question & Answer

1. What is the Chesapeake Small Business Grant program?

The Chesapeake Small Business Grant program is an initiative by the City of Chesapeake Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the Chesapeake Small Business Grants?

Eligible businesses include small, for-profit businesses impacted by COVID-19, with a preference for those striving to remain open, retain full employment during the crisis, small, women and SWAM certified businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in low-moderate census tracts.

3. How much grant amount can a business receive under this program?

The grant amount varies depending on the size of the business, ranging from $2,500 for businesses with 1-5 employees to $10,000 for those with 36-50 employees.