The City of Williamsburg, in collaboration with York County and Poquoson, presents a new Startup Grant Opportunity in Williamsburg, a $5,000 grant for local businesses. Eligible expenses include the purchase of PPE, property improvements for social distancing, software/hardware for online operations, marketing costs, and rent or mortgage payments during business closure. To qualify, businesses must have been affected by Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, employed fewer than 20 FTEs during the pandemic, be located and licensed in Williamsburg, be in good standing with local taxes and licenses, and not have received reimbursement from other relief programs for the same costs. Home-based businesses can apply if expenses are business-related. Non-profit agencies are not eligible. To learn more, visit www.yeswilliamsburg.com/cdbggrant.

CDBG Business Grant

The City of Williamsburg has teamed up with York County and Poquoson to offer local businesses a new $5,000 grant.

Use of Funds
The following costs are reimbursable for purchases made after the Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency on March 13th:

  • Purchase of PPE (protective supplies, tools, equipment or inventory) and/ord cleaning services or supplies
  • Property improvements or renovations of commercial location to accommodate social distancing and/or outdoor dining, recreation, services, etc.  
  • Software/Hardware expenses to accommodate delivery, online payments, online reservations, etc. 
  • Signage, advertising, marketing expenses, etc. to promote that your business is open and/or operating under modified conditions
  • Payments for rent or mortgage during times of required business closure and/or modification

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a for-profit business impacted by Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53
  • Must have, at some point during the pandemic, employed fewer than 20 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
  • Must be an active business located and licensed in the City of Williamsburg. Business must be open for business in some capacity as of the application date.
  • Must be in good standing with all local taxes, licenses, permits, etc. Currently not in default or non-compliance with any City programs or ordinances.
  • May not have already received reimbursement from any other local, state, or federal relief programs for the same items the business is applying for reimbursement for under this program.
  • Home-based Businesses may apply, but must clearly show that the expenses are business related, not residential in nature.
  • Non-profit agencies are not eligible for funding.

To learn more about this grant program, visit www.yeswilliamsburg.com/cdbggrant. 

Question & Answer

What is the CDBG Business Grant offered by the City of Williamsburg?

The CDBG Business Grant is a $5,000 grant available to local businesses in collaboration with York County and Poquoson.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement through the CDBG Business Grant?

Eligible expenses include the purchase of PPE, property improvements for social distancing, software/hardware for online operations, marketing costs, and rent or mortgage payments during business closure.

What are the eligibility requirements for businesses to qualify for the CDBG Business Grant?

Businesses must have been affected by Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, employed fewer than 20 FTEs during the pandemic, be located and licensed in Williamsburg, be in good standing with local taxes and licenses, and not have received reimbursement from other relief programs for the same costs.