House Democrats highlight impact of the Commonwealth’s small business grants
CENTREVILLE, Va.—Today, House Democrats including Delegates Dan Helmer (HD-40), Elizabeth Guzman (HD-31), and Danica Roem (HD-13) held a press conference in Centreville, VA, to announce how the 1,091 businesses in Northern Virginia received almost $40 million in RebuildVA grants. The event was held at Centreville Dance Academy, a RebuildVA grant recipient, which is located in Del. Helmer’s district.
District-specific information shared during today’s announcement included:
- House District 40, which is comprised of parts of Prince William and Fairfax counties, has 32 business recipients receiving $1.2 million in RebuildVA aid. This district is served by Del. Helmer.
- House District 31 that encompasses parts of Prince William and Fauquier counties, has 4 businesses receiving $80,000 in aid through the RebuildVA grant program. Del. Guzman serves as the 31st district’s representative in the House of Delegates.
- House District 13 that covers Manassas Park and parts of Prince William, has 34 businesses and is receiving almost $1.4 million in grant funding. Del. Roem represents this district.
During the General Assembly’s Special Session II, House Democrats allocated $250 million of federal American Recuse Plan relief to fully fund the Rebuild VA program, to reinvest in our economy and to take strides to build a better Virginia.
The delegates gave the following statements in support of the RebuildVA funding in their districts:
“House Democrats worked hard after the COVID-19 outbreak to bring critical relief to Virginians who need it,” said Del. Helmer. “Small businesses like Centreville Dance Academy help keep this district running, and this funding is exactly what we need to reinvest in our economy and take strides to build back stronger than ever. As a staunch advocate for this community, I am incredibly proud to have helped make this happen.”
“Fully funding RebuildVA means that all the eligible 31st district businesses and nonprofits in the pipeline will receive funding to not just ride out the pandemic, but to thrive,” said Del. Guzman. “Grantees in my district include two martial arts schools, a dance studio, and a childcare center. These businesses are central pillars of our community, and we are grateful for RebuildVA’s help in keeping their doors open.”
“While small businesses have faced unique setbacks under COVID-19, they remain the backbone of our economy throughout Virginia, Prince William County and the City of Manassas Park. With the right support, small business can lead Virginia’s economic recovery,” said Del. Roem. “Here in the 13th District, grantees include 12 food businesses, seven fitness and martial arts studios, a barbershop, salon, and a dentist office, among 11 others. These businesses aren’t only essential parts of the Commonwealth’s economic engine; they’re also part of our communities’ character and enhance our quality of life. I’m proud Virginia Democrats are supporting them.”