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
Comcast RISE. A multi-year commitment to provide marketing, creative, media, and technology services to small businesses owned by people of color.
Coronavirus Small Business Guide
EDA American Rescue Plan Programs: TRAVEL, TOURISM, & OUTDOOR RECREATION, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor sectors.
EDA Grants Fact Sheet Fact Sheet.
Employee Retention Tax Credit. Certain businesses and nonprofits are also eligible through the end of the year.
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
Google Pledges $340 Million in Google Ads Credits to small businesses as part of $800 Million COVID-19 relief package
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
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]
SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and Grant funding opportunity
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 Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to agricultural businesses impacted by COVID-19 (EIDL); Fact Sheet.
SBA provides recorded presentation on filling out the Economic Industry Loans
SBA Cross-program eligibility on COVID-19 relief options
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant; Fact Sheet. 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 Information Session Webinar. (Pre-recorded, 3-30-21)
- 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
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 Land Conservation Foundation opens $7.5 million grant round
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
Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant Fund

Upcoming Webinars

“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 the Foundation for Your New Business.” Presented by 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., Aug. 17 at 10 am Edt.
“Coronavirus Travel Sentiment Survey Findings – Week 71.” 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 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., Aug. 10 at 11 am Est.
“Finance 101 – Small Business Webinar.” Presented by Tory Burch Foundation. Learn how to choose your cost structure, build a profitable business and prepare for tough situations. Wed., Aug. 11 at 1 pm Edt.
“Getting Back on Track: Help is Here – Educational Webinar Series.” The Small Business Administration (SBA) & Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) are providing several educational opportunities for you to learn more about programs that will help your business get back on track. This is part of an effort to ensure that American small businesses know about the many resources to help their business grow and thrive! Please join us for a webinar hosted by the SBA and PPSI to Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBA; Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration; Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership & small business experts; Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community; and Discover tools and resources you can use to take your business digital. These sessions are open to any small business owner & leader. Thurs., Aug. 5 at 2:00 pm Edt, the General Information Session: Mid-Atlantic Region, Serving Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and West Virginia will be held. Register HERE. For more info, click here.
“Perfecting Your Social Media Strategy.” Join CO— on Thursday, August 5 at 12pm Est for the next episode of CO—  Roadmap for Rebuilding, focused on tailoring your social media content. This week’s discussion will help you choose a platform, build your plan, and make the most out of your social media marketing strategy. Host Jeanette Mulvey, Editor-in-Chief at CO—, will lead the session, combining expert advice with personal insight from small business owners, like you. 
“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.

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