Governor Ralph Northam has allocated an additional $20 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Startup Boost VA Economic Recovery Fund, also known as Rebuild VA. This allocation is intended to meet the demand for the program and fulfill pending grant applications, bringing the total program funding to $120 million. The additional funding will enable over 300 small businesses and nonprofit organizations that applied before the last round of funding was exhausted in early December to receive grants. To date, Rebuild VA has awarded more than 45 percent of the available funding to nearly 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities, and about $50 million was awarded to women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses.

Allocation of Additional Funds

Governor Ralph Northam today allocated an additional $20 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Rebuild VA economic recovery fund to meet demand for the program and fulfill pending grant applications. This new funding will bring the program total to $120 million and will enable more than 300 small business and nonprofit organizations that applied before the last round of funding was exhausted in early December to receive grants. Eligible applicants that are still in the pipeline have been notified via email that their applications have been re-opened.

Previous Funding and Impact

Earlier this month, Governor Northam announced that Rebuild VA had fully committed the $100 million in federal funds previously allocated to the program, which provided grants to 2,500 small businesses and nonprofits whose normal operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 45 percent of the available funding was awarded to nearly 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities and about $50 million was awarded to women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. To date, Rebuild VA has received nearly 20,000 applications and the average grant award was $35,636.

Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

“Small businesses and nonprofits are among those hit hardest by the pandemic, and many are bracing for an uncertain few months ahead as the virus surges and we await the widespread availability of the vaccines,” said Governor Northam. “Virginia’s small business community remains diligent in protecting the health and safety of their employees and customers, and we must continue to support them in every way we can. With Congress finally acting on a long-overdue relief package, I am also grateful that Virginia businesses will now have another opportunity to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program in the near future.”

Program Expansion and Eligibility

Administered by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD), Rebuild VA launched in August with $70 million in CARES Act funding. Governor Northam directed an additional $30 million to the program in October and SBSD expanded eligibility so that businesses with less than $10 million in gross revenue or fewer than 250 employees could apply.

Commitment to Financial Support

“Getting these dollars to more small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by COVID-19 is a top priority for our administration,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “The large number of applicants still in the pipeline for Rebuild VA funding demonstrates the tremendous need for this and additional financial support.”

Additional Information

For additional information on Rebuild VA, please visit governor.virginia.gov/RebuildVA.
###

Question & Answer

What is the purpose of the additional $20 million in federal funding allocated by Governor Ralph Northam?

The additional funding is intended to meet the demand for the Rebuild VA program and fulfill pending grant applications from small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

How much total funding will the Rebuild VA program have after the allocation of the additional $20 million?

The total program funding will be $120 million after the allocation of the additional $20 million.

How many small businesses and nonprofit organizations are expected to benefit from the additional funding?

Over 300 small businesses and nonprofit organizations that applied before the last round of funding was exhausted are expected to receive grants.

What percentage of the available funding has been awarded to small businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities?

More than 45 percent of the available funding has been awarded to nearly 1,000 small businesses and nonprofits located in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities.