York County, in partnership with the cities of Williamsburg and Poquoson, is launching Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to reimburse small businesses for rent or mortgage expenses during the coronavirus pandemic.
This new iteration of the grant offers up to $15,000 for businesses in the three participating localities who had 20 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees at some point during the pandemic. The program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant through the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, which York County and the cities of Williamsburg and Poquoson secured for a second year.
York County's Department of Community Services — which led the effort and will administer the program with support from economic development staff of each locality — applied for the new round of funding in April. They were awarded $1.4 million, topping their 2020 allotment of $1.23 million.
"By working together as a region, we improved our chances of receiving the Community Development Block Grant for a second time. We're all one team working together to help the citizens," said Abbitt Woodall, manager of York County's Division of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization.
Applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Grant will be available online at the following websites beginning Thursday, July 1.