Commonwealth’s grant program allows a fresh start after the pandemic
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.—Today, Delegates Alex Askew (HD-85) and Nancy Guy (HD-83) announced the total of the Commonwealth’s investments in Virginia Beach small businesses through the RebuildVA program. In Virginia Beach, 101 businesses received more than $3.5 million in grant relief.
The press conference was held at 360 Vintage Designs, a vintage clothing store in Del. Askew’s district and a RebuildVA grant recipient.
“The pandemic has made life incredibly difficult for so many of us — and this has been especially true for small business owners,” said Del. Askew. “That’s why I’m proud to announce that, through RebuildVA, 26 small businesses have received more than $700,000 of relief funding in the 85th district alone. This crucial relief stream has helped so many community institutions stay afloat in our district — from frozen yogurt shops and bagel cafes to mental health service centers and even the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Without the grants like those provided through RebuildVA, these businesses would be at risk of closing — thus changing the spirit of our neighborhoods.”
The portion of Virginia Beach that Del. Guy represents, House District 83, has 25 businesses that received a total of $706,425 in grants. The business included restaurants, salons, a conservation nonprofit, and a home care provider.
“The RebuildVA recipients in my district provide jobs and invaluable services in the community. As public servants, we must do all we can to make sure these businesses receive the help they need during the pandemic so they can stay in business for years to come,” said Del. Guy. “We are grateful that the American Rescue Plan will help enhance our efforts to provide pandemic relief to small businesses, showing that Democrats at every level are working together to build a better Virginia Beach.”
During the General Assembly’s Special Session II, House Democrats allocated $250 million of federal American Rescue Plan relief to fully fund the RebuildVA program, to reinvest in our economy and to take strides to build a better Virginia.
“We also invested even more in our small businesses through the RebuildVA Program. We launched RebuildVA a year ago to give grants to small businesses and nonprofits that were affected by the pandemic,” said Governor Ralph Northam, who also spoke at the press conference. “Earlier this month, the General Assembly approved $353 million to help small businesses rebuild and get back on their feet. This investment is making a big difference, and small businesses here have Delegates Alex Askew, Kelly Convirs-Fowler, and Nancy Guy to thank for taking bold action.”