New Grant Program Designed to Help Small Businesses Improve Physical Space or Add Equipment

February 22, 2021

The City of Virginia Beach Development Authority is taking applications for a new grant program that offers small businesses located in certain areas of the city up to $10,000 in matching funds for improvements.

The District Improvement Program (DIP) provides support to new or existing small business owners with less than 50 employees. The property and applicant must be current on all City of Virginia Beach licenses, fees and taxes. In addition, the businesses must be located within the boundaries of the SGAs, SEGAs, SFAs, other Council-adopted districts or any valid business associations in the City.

"This program offers our small, locally owned and operated businesses much-needed support to upgrade their spaces, equipment or processes," said Economic Development Director Taylor Adams. "We are targeting work above and beyond routine maintenance and supplies. This is about making substantial improvements to the physical space or processes that will enhance the business environment."

The proposed improvements must meet the goals of the adopted plans of the qualified designated district and the funds must be used for building repairs or improvements, equipment expansion, business modernization, or interior/exterior building improvements. Electrical and plumbing repairs, security lighting, windows, doors, landscaping, signage and fencing are just some of the examples of improvements eligible for grant funding. Details on the District Improvement Program's funding requirements are posted on the website.

A maximum of $100,000 and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a competitive first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. Business owners who meet the criteria can complete an application here. If the applicant needs to submit large files in support of their application, they should contact Economic Development at ecdev@vbgv.com or call (757) 385-2901.