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

Ecolab – Has a variety of cleaning and sanitizing products available (list for hospitality and list for foodservice); Contact Carey Friedman at [email protected] or 804.840.3943.
Safeguard Promotional Products – facemasks 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]
Margin Edge offers help with automated invoice processing, inventory management, food cost management, and more. To learn more, contact Jill Fountain at [email protected] or 540.287.388.
EMR – Commercial Kitchen Equipment & Industrial Services agency. The company has a maintenance list for closed kitchens here. Visit www.ewww.emrco.com/mrco.com for more info.
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.
Open Table – Their Open Door program offers new solutions and reduced or eliminated fees. Learn more here.

Workforce Opportunities & Employment

Return to Earn Grant Program to Help Virginians Transition Back to Work ; and FAQ sheet.
Free Hospitality Training to restaurant and hotel/lodging employees. The program is administered through VRLTA. Available to people who live OR work in the following locations in Virginia: cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond; and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex. To see a list of specific zip codes, Click HERE.
State of the Workforce: 2022 Challenges and Opportunities. Join Gallup’s Chief Scientist of Workplace Management & Wellbeing, Jim Harter, for a presentation that explores the current workforce environment, what is driving the challenges and how we can implement recommendations for fueling a stronger future. Thurs., Jan. 20 at 1 pm Est.
VRLTA offers Free ServSafe and ServSuccess training courses, available through a grant from GO Virginia. Available to people who live or work in the following locations in Virginia: cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg, and Richmond; and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry, and Sussex. Sign up today!
LinkedIn Learning – LinkedIn Learning is now available at no cost to Northern Virginia jobseekers (while licenses last).
How to Recruit Talented Workers & Keep Them: A Workforce Roundtable Webinar. Presented by Richmond Region Tourism and VRLTA (Recorded Oct. 15, 2021).
Innovative Workforce Solutions Resources Page – VRLTA
Job Board – VRLTA
Jobs and Employment Resources Page (VIFRL)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Visit the IRS website and the WOTC website for more information.
Virginia Employment Commission and upcoming VEC Job Fairs List
Virginia Workforce Connection

Virginia Chamber Blueprint for Getting Virginians Back to Work

- Blueprint Virginia 2030

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
American Express Celebrates the 12th Annual Small Business Saturday Bringing a Digitally Integrated Holiday Shopping Experience to Communities.
Amazon put $1 Million toward COVID Relief
Amber Grant for Women
Better Business Bureau: How to Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis
Black Entrepreneurs, Visit the Hub created by SCORE.
BackTo.Biz. Your one-stop resource to get your business back on track. Free online classes taught by innovative entrepreneurs; tools and how-to-guides.
Campgrounds Information from VDH regarding COVID-19
Comcast RISE. A multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to small businesses owned by people of color.
Commonwealth History Fund. Presented by Dominion Energy.
Coronavirus Small Business Guide
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Page
Dominion Energy Small Business Relief Program
Economic Equity Fund. Provides low-cost financing for small business owners who are women and/or Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and were affected by the pandemic.
EDA American Rescue Plan Programs: TRAVEL, TOURISM, & OUTDOOR RECREATION Grants Program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor sectors and
TRAVEL, TOURISM & OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL GRANTS – Webinar (Pre-recorded, Aug. 11, 2021)
EDA GRANTS Fact Sheet Fact Sheet
EDA Grant Opportunities Summary List
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 – Invoice Fast Track Program. Have your small business invoices paid by Facebook and help your cash flow.
Facebook – Supporting Small Businesses Resources
Google Pledges $340 Million in Google Ads Credits to small businesses as part of $800 Million COVID-19 relief package
Grow by Invoice2go Program. For eligible small businesses owned by people from underrepresented communities.
Hampton Roads SBDC Small Business Resource Books’ Website
Hello Alice. A navigation tool to source funding, new customers, and community of fellow business owners.
Host Your Space on Airbnb Sprint. To learn how to help fund your small business through hosting, we invite you to join our free.
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
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program national grant competition funding instructions, pre-application guide and pre-application materials; Questions related to application process can be emailed to [email protected]
“Real-Time Mentoring.” Brought to you by SCORE. Now’s the time to secure your mentor and achieve your business goals in 2022. A SCORE mentor can help you get started on your business idea, overcome challenges, and grow your business. This is a free resource.
SBA Celebrates Black Business Owners
SBA Celebrates Hispanic Entrepreneurs
SBA Celebrates Native American Small Business Owners
SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and Grant funding opportunity
SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
SBA Cross-program eligibility on COVID-19 relief options
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance for business, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters and SBA Disaster Loan Assistance application forms
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Step-by-Step Video
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (COVID EIDL) is no longer accepting new applications but will continue to accept requests for increases, reconsiderations, and appeals.
SBA Express Loans
SBA Targeted Advance (COVID EIDL) is no longer accepting new applications for loans or advances. Traditional SBA loans continue for small businesses.
SBA Lenders in Virginia (page 29) and SBA Lender Match. Connecting you to potential lenders offering SBA-backed funding.
SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness; Fact Sheet and Application Portal. Also, watch video on how to use the portal.
SBA provides recorded presentation on filling out the Economic Industry Loans
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant sets aside $15 billion for entertainment venues that were forced to close during the pandemic. Many of the provisions are similar to those found in the PPP loan program; but this is a grant fund with no repayment being required. As of August 20, 2021, SVOG is no longer accepting new applications.

The SVOG portal remains open to all active applicants and awardees. Later in August, SBA will open the program for supplemental SVOGs for 50% of the original award amount, capped at a total of $10 million (initial and supplemental combined). Details will be announced at a later date.

Supplemental Funding: Recipients of first, second, and third priority round awards who suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter (as of April 1, 2021, or later). On Friday August 27th, the SBA announced it will begin sending invitations for supplemental awards for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. For more specific information on the program visit the SBAs webpage on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.
SBA Women-owned Business Resources
Shop Small Resources to Help Support Your Business
Small Business Growth Fund by Hello Alice
Small Business Resilience Hub by SCORE
START SMALL
Support Materials for Marketing Professionals During COVID-19 Crisis
Sweet Relief (Musicians) COVID-19 Fund
T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant Program
Travel Industry Relief Resources Page
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Response & Resources
Veteran COVID-19 Resources – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Verizon Launches a Slate of Free Tools for Small Businesses, with Help from LISC
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 is making $1.7 million available for open-space projects, including projects that increase access to public open space in Virginia’s communities and Main funding page
Virginia SBDC Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis
Virginia SBDC Recovery Resources for Small Business and local SBDC’s
Virginia Small Business Finance Authority Microloan Fund
Virginia Small Business Resiliency Program

Upcoming Webinars

“Anatomy of a Murder: How Hackers are Killing Small Businesses – *Webinar (Live)* – PW.” When you read about cyber scams, do you ever think, “I would’ve never fallen for that!”. In this webinar, you will learn to see your blind-spots and how they can be used to compromise your business. This presentation is designed for small businesses that want practical help with cybersecurity. Topics to be covered: BEC (Business Email Compromise) and how it’s bankrupting small businesses, What’s BEC and the psychology behind it, Why is BEC so effective and dangerous, Trends in BEC attacks, Examples – Learn to recognize BEC, and What you should do to protect against BEC attacks. Wed., Jan. 26 at 10 am Est.
“Ask the CPA 2022 – Tax Advice for Your Small Business.” Tax season will be here sooner than you think! If you have tax questions, we have tax answers. Join us for this LIVE Q&A session with certified CPA and small business tax expert Micah Fraim. A whole hour dedicated to answering your tax-related questions and concerns, offering tax advice you can implement throughout the year. Thurs., Feb. 3 at 1 pm Est.
“Black Enterprise & Chase – Small Business Webinar.” JPMorgan Chase: Advancing Black Pathways:
Marketing in a Digital World. In partnership with Black Enterprise, the National Urban League, the U.S. Black Chambers, the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Boss Network, Advancing Black Entrepreneurs is launching a new education session — Marketing in a Digital World — for insights into how you can help increase brand awareness and build your community — both in-person and online. Thurs., Jan. 20 at 4 pm Est. Register HERE. And, To learn more, visit: jpmorganchase.com/ABE.
“Coronavirus Travel Sentiment Survey Findings – Week 83.” 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 bi-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., Feb. at 11 am Est.
“Getting the Most Out of a SCORE Mentorship to Help Your Business Soar.” Mentoring allows people to grow and improve themselves. Goals are so much more attainable with mentorship and will leave a lasting impact in your local business community. In 2020, SCORE mentors helped start 45,027 businesses, create 74,535 non-owner new jobs and 119,562 total new jobs. In celebration of National Mentor Month, Certified SCORE Mentor Suzanne McGrath will share insights into mentorship, best practices for working with and becoming a mentor, as well as discuss the challenges and successes she and mentee, Stephan Beauchene, work through together. Thurs., Jan. 27 at 1 pm Est.
“Launching a Craft Beverage Business.” Presented by the Virginia SBDC’s Craft Beverage Assistance (CBA) Program. Key Considerations for New and Planned Production Companies. It takes a lot of expertise to open and operate a successful alcohol production business. From state and federal licensure and taxation to product labeling and inspections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this educational webinar, Virginia SBDC Craft Beverage Assistance Manager Chris Van Orden will ask Janine Aquino, President at Aquino Baron Consulting, about the key issues that new and planned Virginia-based wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries (including farm-based producers) need to manage and how entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success. Wed., Jan. 26 at 10 am Est. Register by Clicking HERE.
“Noon Knowledge Lunch Series through 2022.” Bring your lunch and join us as we offer practical, inspiring, and interactive webinars. The Noon Knowledge series is a FREE professional development program presented by the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Community Capital, and the Town of Abingdon. It is designed for all entrepreneurs and professionals interested in building skills in a variety of areas. Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes. Also, view past webinars.
“Retail 3.0 Thriving in the Next Normal.” Does it feel like your small business is constantly pivoting? We hear you! Join retail expert Marc Willson with VSBDC as he unpacks the pivots that will continue to serve Virginia’s small retailers and restaurants beyond the pandemic, meet the ever-changing demands of diverse customers, and build resiliency against future disruptions. Thurs., Jan. 27 at 8:30 am Est.
“State of the Workforce: 2022 Challenges and Opportunities.” Where is the sustainable intersection of work and home life? In a changing world, there is no industry left untouched by the workforce crisis—certainly not tourism and hospitality. As our industry battles employee burnout, rising wages, career misperceptions and challenges surrounding flexibility, it has never been more important to dive deep into the data and extract practical solutions from telling insights. Join Gallup’s Chief Scientist of Workplace Management & Wellbeing, Jim Harter, for a presentation that explores the current workforce environment, what is driving the challenges and how we can implement recommendations for fueling a stronger future. A bestselling author, researcher and expert in building resilient and thriving teams in organizations, Jim will walk us through the data while giving a glimpse into the effects of workplace culture, tips for tackling burnout and a macro-view of the crisis across industries. Thurs., Jan. 20 at 1 pm Est.
“The Latest on American Travel Trends & Enlightening Conversation with Traveling Consumers – Coronavirus Travel Sentiment Survey Findings – Week 82.” 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 bi-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., Jan. 18 at 11 am Est.

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