COVID-19 Business Assistance Resources - Virginia Tourism Corporation

The Virginia Tourism Corporation realizes that our travel industry partners have been impacted by COVID-19. Below are resources that will be updated as they become available. If you have a resource that is not included on this page, please email Angela Wiggins at [email protected]

Health

PPE Resources

Sysco – currently in stock: masks, gloves in a variety of sizes, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, surface sanitizers, and bleach – contact your sales rep for the latest product availability and pricing
Ecolab – Has a variety of cleaning and sanitizing products available. Contact Carey Friedman at [email protected] or 804.840.3943.
Safeguard Promotional Products – face masks and shields, hand sanitizer, gloves, gowns, acrylic shields (for checkout stands) – visit https://www.safeguardjack.com/ or contact Anne Meagher Watson at 804.355.2679 or [email protected]
OlleyMay (part of ProForma) has masks, goggles, face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, gloves, and safety kits. Click here for more information and for a current listing. Contact Bill Dietz at [email protected] or 805.575.8824
KO Distilling in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has re-tooled the distillery from crafting award-winning spirits to producing much-needed hand sanitizer (Bare Knuckle Hand Sanitizer). More information can be found here
BMS Direct Inc – for printing of restaurant placemats and menus, including washable menus. VRLTA members get discounted pricing. Visit this link for more information or email [email protected] for inquiries.

Workforce Opportunities & Employment

Virginia Chamber Blueprint for Getting Virginians Back to Work

Blueprint Virginia 2030
“Blueprint Virginia 2030 Regional Tour.” To Register, get info and see all dates.

Travel Research

Visit this section of the COVID-19 : Industry Response Toolkit for the latest Travel Research.

CARES Act Information

State Agency COVID-19 Resource Links

General Business Assistance

Altria commits $1 Million to Coronavirus relief efforts
Amazon put $1 Million toward COVID Relief
Amber Grant for Women
Better Business Bureau: How to Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis
Campgrounds Information from VDH regarding COVID-19
Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant
Coronavirus Small Business Guide
DHCD Community Revitalization Grant Opportunities
Economic Development Administration (EDA) will provide $3 billion in grants to eligible entities to respond to economic effects of the pandemic. Fact Sheet.
Entrepreneur starts fund to help Virginia businesses until federal aid arrives
Facebook announces $100 million dollar program to help small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus
Facebook – Supporting Small Businesses Resources
Free Software that Businesses and others can use during COVID-19
Google Pledges $340 Million in Google Ads Credits to small businesses as part of $800 Million COVID-19 relief package
GO Virginia Economic Resilience and Recovery Grant Program
Hampton Roads SBDC Small Business Resource Books’ Website
International Economic Development Council (COVID-19 Resources)
Law enforcement agencies create Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force
Longwood SBDC – Business Solutions in COVID-19 with Link
Magic Johnson’s Life Insurance Company Funding $100 Million in Small Business Loans
Opportunity Fund. Assistance for Small Business Owners Affected by COVID-19
SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
SBA Debt Relief for New and Existing Small Business Administration Loans
SBA Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19. For more information.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance for business, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance application forms
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Step-by-Step Video
SBA Express Loans
SBA Launches Supplemental Targeted Advance for Small Businesses Hardest Hit for COVID-19
SBA Lenders in Virginia (page 29)
SBA Makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agriculture Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Process and PPP Fact Sheet
SBA provides recorded presentation on filling out the Economic Industry Loans
SBA Cross-program eligibility on COVID-19 relief options
SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund Applications are now open. See How to apply for more details. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. Sign up to receive email alerts from SBA as additional information about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund becomes available.
In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, by:
- Register for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov . If you are working with Square or Toast, you do not need to register beforehand on the application portal.
- Review the sample application, program guide and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options.
- Preparing the required documentation.
- For assistance preparing your application, you can access the following, RRF knowledge base support documentation ; Application portal screenshots and Call center support: 1-844-279-8898
- Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting sba.gov to submit an application when the application. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
  - Trainings/recordings are posted on SBA’s YouTube channel. Also the recording links via email and on SBA’s social media channels.
    - Webinar: Learn how to apply for RRF
    - Webinar: Special briefing on RRF with SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute
    - For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants.
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant SBA Shuttered Venue Operator Grant Application Portal is open. The site includes updated documents and guidance. Interested applicants should register for an account in advance through the SVOG portal. Applicants will also need a smartphone and a multi-factor authenticator app to register and apply.
Eligible entities are able to start their SVOG application via the SVOG application portal. Once you begin, remember to save along the way and refer to SBA’s SVOG website – www.sba.gov/svogrant – for reference materials as you go through the process. Visit SVOG portal
The SBA has also added the following updated resources.
Applicant user guide and FAQ: For help with the application process, refer to the applicant user guide and FAQ.
Checklist: Use the checklist to make sure you have everything you need to complete your application.
Call Center: For Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance. The call center will be open 24 hours a day through Monday evening at 8 p.m. EDT. For additional information and to review applicant resources, visit www.sba.gov/svogrant. And, to Learn more.
**Need additional assistance? SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE business mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide individual guidance on applications. *SVOG applicants local assistance providers
SVOG Application and PPP Guidance Livestream (Pre-recorded)
- SVOG Information Session Webinar. (Pre-recorded, 3-30-21)
- SVOG Eligibility Requirements (updated 03-16-21)
- SVOG Tutorial on Eligibility for Museum Operators(posted 03-05-21)
- SAM.gov Entity Registration Training Tutorial
- SVOG Use of Funds (posted 3-24-21)
- SVOG – All Video Tutorials (Long and Short Form)
SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (COVID-19)
SBA to Provide Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Up to $2 Million in Loans
SBA Women-owned Business Resources
Shop Small Resources to Help Support Your Business
Support Materials for Marketing Professionals During COVID-19 Crisis
Sweet Relief (Musicians) COVID-19 Fund
T-Mobile Hometown Techover Contest
Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund
USBG National Charity Foundation COVID-19 Relief and Response
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Response & Resources
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide
Veteran COVID-19 Resources – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Virginia 30 Day Fund. Forgivable Loans for Virginia Small Businesses
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
Virginia Chamber COVID-19 Resource Center
Virginia Community Capital (COVID-19 Information and Resources)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation Grants for Public Open Space
Virginia SBDC Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis
Virginia SBDC Recovery Resources for Small Business and local SBDC’s
VSBFA Economic Development Loan Fund

Upcoming Webinars

“A Digital Workshop Series For Modern Business Owners.” Presented by Black Enterprise & T-Mobile For Business. Class Is In Session with Magenta Edge. Due to popular demand, you can catch all of our workshops again this month. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a small business workshop series taught by successful business leaders. Learn practical tactics and strategies you can act on today to grow your business. Sessions are from 2-3 pm (Edt). To register, for dates and more details, click HERE.
“Blueprint Virginia 2030 Regional Tour.” As part of the Blueprint Virginia 2030 development process, the Virginia Chamber Foundation has announced it will host a series of virtual meetings throughout Virginia, in partnership with its network of local, regional, and other chambers of commerce; and GO Virginia. These meetings will serve to foster greater regional collaboration by bringing together leaders in business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other community representatives from across the Commonwealth to provide input for Virginia’s next statewide strategic plan. Participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from Barry DuVal and our partners from GO Virginia for an exclusive economic update presentation from both the statewide and regional perspectives. The initial results for the Regional Tour survey will be reviewed during each meeting. Most importantly, participants will have the opportunity to participate in an open dialogue to discuss policy recommendations for the final plan. Agenda and additional event details coming soon! Dates are from May 5 – Aug. 11 and begin at 12 pm to 1 pm (Est). For questions, please contact: [email protected] To Register and see all dates.
“Building Resilience and Reimagining Tourism.” Miles returns in 2021 with a new take on our webinar series, “Clarity in a Time of Change: Rebuilding Travel.” As the industry continues to recover and build back from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re continuing to spotlight thoughtful and fact-based insights and recommendations on how destinations can and are managing change and the new normal. It’s time to turn aspiration into action and ideas into practical steps. With the recovery of travel already underway, don’t miss this essential webinar on the critical steps you need to take to build resilience in your destination and to reimagine the future of your tourism industry. Global leaders in destination management and sustainability will join Miles’ Laura Libby to present critical steps every destination should be undertaking now. Then, Miles’ Chris Adams will moderate a panel of destination leaders to discuss what this process has been like in their destination and the lessons and best practices they’ve learned. Join us for global insights and 10 practical ways to “build back better” in your destination. Tues., May 25 at 2 pm (Est).
“Building the Foundation for Your New Business.” Presented by the Virginia SBDC. Some of the most popular reasons to start a business include-having a unique business idea, designing a career that has the flexibility to grow with you, working toward financial independence, and investing in yourself. Not every small business is positioned for success, so you may be in for a real challenge when you decide to take the plunge, ditch your day job, and become a business owner. The stage is often set in the beginning, so make sure you start with a strong foundation. Tues., May 18 at 10 am (Est).
“Coronavirus Travel Sentiment Survey Findings – Week 61 – The Latest on American Travel Trends & A Conversation with Latinx Travelers.” Presented by Destination Analysts. With the global spread of COVID19, the travel industry is facing an unprecedented crisis. To help industry leaders navigate their response strategy and communicate to their stakeholders and communities, Destination Analysts is fielding a weekly survey of 1,200+ American leisure and business travelers, representing each region of the U.S. These timely insights into feelings and behaviors related to travel will provide important data to gauge the pandemic’s changing impact on travel as a lifestyle priority, as well as when travel demand will rebound—and from which traveler segments and to which types of destinations first. Tues., May 11 at 11 pm (Edt).
“Creating Marketing on a Shoestring Budget.” Need ways to market your business when money is tight? These days, especially if you are a smaller business or solopreneur, you and your customers may have fewer resources on hand to spend on marketing. There are resources out there to help you implement your marketing goals at minimal cost. This webinar aims to share these techniques and provide a forum to share your own low-cost marketing strategies with speakers and peers via polls. It walks you through an overview of SEO (Search Engine Optimization and its potential to make your business more visible on the web. Two SCORE NYC mentors–seasoned marketer Tim Contado and sales consultant Lee Simonson–will lead you through this informative session. Mon., May 24 at 2 pm (Edt).
“Creating Your Social Media Toolbox.” Do you struggle to promote your business on social media? Do you post without a strategy? Whether you sell products, services, or experiences, our panel of local professionals will show you how to leverage social media for your business. Straight-forward advice to leverage social media for your business. You’ll hear from panelists Gari-Ann Kia of Kia & Co, Robby Willey of The Virginia Beer Company, and Tyler Adams of The Vacation Channel. Wed., May 12 at 2 pm (Edt).
“Crisis to Opportunity: Building Back the Tourism Workforce.” Presented by U.S. Travel Association. In every crisis, emerges opportunity. Join us for a timely discussion around the challenges facing the hospitality workforce today—a result of unforeseen employee shortages in a time of returning demand. As the industry navigates this issue, many travel businesses are uncovering opportunities to foster a new generation of travel and tourism professionals, finding ways to diversify and cultivate new resources that will build back stronger, more productive and more innovative teams. During this webinar, glean actionable takeaways from hiring professionals and travel organizations as they expose the current challenges and how they have redirected their hiring strategies as a result. Thurs., May 13 at 12 pm (Est).
“Grow with Google. Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps – Presented by Grow with Google Trainer, Randi F. Penfil.” Thanks to SCORE Central Virginia, Central Virginia Small Business Development Center, Greater Williamsburg Business Council, The GAUNTLET Business Program and SCORE Williamsburg for hosting today’s webinar. Want your business to be found online? Need to figure out how to manage your business on Google Search and Maps? This is the workshop for you. Spend an hour with us to explore Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Tues., May 11 at 9:30 am (Edt).
“Grow with Google. Make Better Decisions with Analytics with Dave Delaney.” Brought to you by your friends at Clinton Chamber of Commerce, Cynthiana Harrison County Chamber Commerce, Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Gulf Coast SBDC, Tempe Chamber Of Commerce, Covington-Tipton County Chamber of Commerce, and Tougaloo College. Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions. The more the merrier. Please help us promote our webinar by sharing it via email and social media. See you soon. Thurs.. May 13 at 2 pm (Edt). Don’t forget to install the free GoToWebinar app if you plan to attend via a mobile device. iOS – https://apps.apple.com/app/gotowebinar/id1244921300 Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logmein.gotowebinar.
“Legislative Speaker Series: Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK).” Presented by U.S. Travel Association. PLEASE NOTE: Due to delays on the Senate floor, this webinar must be postponed. The rescheduled date and time are as follows: May 17, 2021, 6:00 p.m. (Est). If you are already registered to attend, you do not need to re-register. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to you joining us then. The Legislative Speaker Series provides monthly opportunities to hear from elected officials on issues related to the travel industry. Join us this week for a discussion with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Senate lead for the Visit America Act and a key travel champion in Congress. Senator Sullivan has been a leader in the advancement of significant pro-travel policies, supporting legislation to dedicate funding for destination marketing from the EDA, to extend Brand USA and preserve our national parks.
“Lower Your Cost of Doing Business with a Solid Supply Chain Management Strategy.” Hosted by SCORE. During these unprecedented times, many small businesses are struggling to survive. The focus for many of these business owners is to return to profitability and to develop a plan for continuous improvement. In this webinar, presented by Wilbert Long Jr (CEO, Strategic Supply Chain Solutions) and Christopher Cox (President, Strategic Supply Chain Solutions), we will discuss the impact that the cost of your goods purchased will have in the area of profitability, your plan to continuous improvement, and the road to recovery. Thurs., May 13 at 1 pm (Edt).
“Noon Knowledge Series.” The Noon Knowledge Series is a professional development program designed for entrepreneurs and professionals interested in building skills across a variety of focus areas. We present this series with the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and the Town of Abingdon. All Sessions begin at 12 pm (Est) and are as follows: “Workforce System – What It Can Do For Your Business Noon Knowledge” on Mar. 3, register Here; “How to Make the Most Online with a Limited Budget Noon Knowledge” on Mar. 17, register Here; and “Refocus & Rebuild – Series 3 Technology/IT Needs” on Mar. 4 – June 10, register Here.
“Real-Time Mentoring.” Brought to you by SCORE. The coronavirus pandemic has affected small businesses across the nation. It has changed the way we do business and small businesses need support as they work to survive and recover from the recent challenges. SCORE stands ready to provide personalized advice for all your business questions. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5 pm. This is a free resource.
“Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Info and Webinar Series.” The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Learn More. Series Dates/Times are as follows: Wednesday, May 12, 9:00 am EDT
“The State of the American Traveler: Technology Edition.” Presented by Miles Partnership and Destination Analysts. The State of the American Traveler, Technology Edition, will share the latest research and trends on technology use by U.S. travelers as the recovery from COVID-19 continues. Tune in to hear how travelers are using technology to plan, book and travel. Thurs., May 20 at 3 pm (Est).
“Why you Should Not Go it Alone: Legal, Accounting, and Insurance for your Business.” Would you skydive without a parachute? Start a new business or sustain your small business without the services you need to thrive? This webinar will feature a panel that will help you sort out and select the financial, insurance and legal resources you need to consider as a small business owner. In partnership with Spectrum Small Business, this SCORE webinar session showcases three experts, one each from the legal, accounting and insurance industries, who will help you understand the options you need to start, protect and grow your small business. Mon., May 10 at 2 pm (Edt).

Archived Webinars/Podcasts

Arts Organizations

Destination Marketing Organizations

The coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency is having an unprecedented impact on the travel industry and the entire economy. Now more than ever, the travel and tourism community must come together, support each other and remind our country that even through the most difficult times, the Spirit of Travel cannot be broken.

Meeting Planner and Meeting Site

Group Tour Industry and Sports Marketing

Lodging

Main Street

Museums

American Alliance for Museums COVID-19 Resources and Information
- Museums and the Pandemic: Data Story #1 (by Wilkening Consulting)
- Museums and the Pandemic: Data Story #2 (by Wilkening Consulting)
- Museums and the Pandemic: Data Story #3 (by Wilkening Consulting)
Virginia Association of Museums COVID-19 Resources

Restaurants

Restaurants/Employee Assistance/Brewers/Distillers

Wineries/Agriculture

Retail

Local Assistance Programs

Federal Government