JOINT NEWS RELEASE: Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg, and Town of Christiansburg Announce Small Business Recovery Grant

JOINT NEWS RELEASE: Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg, and Town of Christiansburg Announce Small Business Recovery Grant 

Application Deadline (extended to): September 30, 2020

Montgomery County and the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg have established a grant fund to support small business recovery in response to COVID-19.  One-time grants of up to $27,500 are being provided to offset business impacts during the pandemic. The grant program will be administered by all three localities in partnership with the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Blacksburg Inc., Downtown Christiansburg Inc., and the Blacksburg Partnership. Funding for the Small Business Recovery Grant is provided by the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

To be considered for funding, small businesses must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide required documentation. Businesses not eligible include banks and financial services, non-profits, franchise businesses (except those locally owned and operated) and businesses that are permanently closed or not currently in operation. Future recovery grant opportunities may be available for childcare centers and non-profit organizations. 

There are a number of eligible grant uses, including but not limited to, payroll expenses, lease and mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, equipment purchases, and more. Expenses incurred before March 15; those reimbursed by other federal or state funds; or items not deemed ‘necessary’ are ineligible. 

Grant Guidelines:

1. Completion of the grant application outlining the use of funds by September 30.
   For full details, and to complete the online grant application visit one of the following sites:
   www.blacksburg.gov/smallbizrecovery
   www.christiansburg.org/smallbizrecovery
   www.montva.com/smallbizrecovery
2. Maximum amount of grant ranges from $500-$27,500
3. One (1) application per business establishment
4. Funds will be reviewed by a grant review committee and awarded at one time
5. Grant distribution is scheduled to begin in October or November 2020, but the distribution timeline may vary depending on the locality administering the grant and on demand.

Need Help? Have Questions? 

• For additional information or questions, please email grants@blacksburg.gov.

• Businesses may also contact one of the following community partner organizations:
  Downtown Blacksburg Inc., director@downtownblacksburg.com, (540) 808-7550
  Downtown Christiansburg Inc., info@downtownchristiansburg.org
  The Blacksburg Partnership, info@blacksburgpartnership.org, (540) 443-2008
  Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, sscott@montgomerycc.org, (540) 382-3020

Joint News Release PDF

Jennifer Tatum Harris
Public Information Director
Montgomery County
540-381-6887
harrisjt@montgomerycountyva.gov

Melissa Demmitt
Public Relations Director
Town of Christiansburg
540-382-6128
mdemmitt@christiansburg.org