Applications open for Small Business Recovery Grant Fund following impact of water crisis
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The City of Richmond has announced that applications have opened for the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund following January's water crisis.
According to a press release shared by the city just after noon on Tuesday, March 18, applications have opened for the fund, which is administered by the Metropolitan Business League (MBL), a nonprofit, membership-based business association.
The city said the program will provide grants to small businesses that were significantly affected by January's water crisis.
According to MBL's website, eligible businesses must make less than $3 million in revenue each year and be located within a commercial space -- not a home -- in the city.
PREVIOUSLY: Richmond leaders explain criteria for small business recover fund
In addition, eligible businesses must "belong to an industry or sector that is dependent on water for its primary functions," including but not limited to:
- Restaurants, bars and caterers
- Personal services like hair and nail salons, barbershops, private gyms, spas and massage therapy
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
- Event facilities
- Pet-related businesses like groomers and veterinary service providers
- Car washes
- Water-dependent manufacturers like breweries
- Water-dependent medical services like dentists
- Childcare services
- Florists
The business association said eligible businesses must also submit a statement of 250 words or less demonstrating how the business was impacted by the water outage.
Further information, including business registration and documentation, is required.
Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 28, according to the city. For additional information on eligibility requirements and to apply, visit MBL's website.
Anyone needing technical assistance can email Lisette Johnson of the city's Office of Minority Business Development at lisette.johnson@rva.gov to schedule an appointment.
