Clifton Forge Offering Grants To Businesses Hurt By Virus

CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge is offering an Economic Resiliency Grant Initiative to help small local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The initiative will provide relief for small businesses that are struggling due to economic shutdown or modification of traditional service methods. 
The funding support is driven by the Coronavirus Relief Fund under section 601(a) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). 
To be eligible, a  business must be physically located in Clifton Forge, employ 25 or fewer employees, must have been in operation prior to March 15, and currently “open for business” as of the date of application. 
Relief is specific to reimbursement of expenses associated with the Coronavirus pandemic beginning March 15 — the date of an  emergency declaration by  Gov. Ralph Northam. 
Businesses must have a current business license and be in good standing with all local ordinances including, but not limited to, being current on all required taxes.  
Sole proprietorships and individuals who are self-employed and earning income directly from one’s own business profession are eligible for grant consideration. 
Examples of eligible expenses include personal protective equipment; cleaning services and supplies; technology enhancements for telework; services, materials and labor related to modification of the facility to promote physical and social distancing; marketing or advertisements; utilities; mortgage, rent or lease payments; accounting; and website development or updates. 
To qualify for reimbursement, expenses must have been incurred and paid after March 15. The maximum amount of funds you can request is $5,000.
Grant funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis only.  Funds will be awarded on a first come-first-served basis for businesses that document and provide eligibility and qualifying reimbursement expenses.
Complete program guidelines and applications are available at Clifton Forge Town Hall, 547 Main St., Clifton Forge, and at the website www.cliftonforgeva.gov.  
For more information, contact rmohler@cliftonforgeva.gov or call 540-863-2500.