Town of Ashland Announces New Rental Assistance
& Safety Enhancement Grant Programs for Small Businesses
Grants will provide economic support to small businesses
as they continue to weather the impacts of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
ASHLAND, VA (January 28, 2021) – The Town of Ashland is now accepting applications from qualified businesses for two grant programs aimed at providing continued economic support for local businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Both grant programs are being made possible by a $460,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
“Our goal is to provide timely assistance and demonstrate our commitment to helping our local businesses weather the pandemic,” said Joshua Farrar, Ashland’s Town Manager. “We hope every eligible business will apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”
RENTAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The Rental Assistance grant program will provide rent assistance for small businesses with a physical presence or location in the Town of Ashland who rent or lease their primary business space. Grants of up to $10,000 per eligible business can be used to cover up to six months of rent payments for businesses that fall into one of 10 categories:
- Tourism
- Accommodations
- Restaurants/food service
- Professional services
- Cultural & educational services
- Arts
- Recreation
- Retail
- Health practitioners
- Personal care
SAFETY ENHANCEMENT GRANTS
Building on the first round of $2,000 Safety Enhancement grants offered in 2020, a second round of funding is now available to further assist businesses with the purchase of PPE and/or to help make safety enhancements to their physical location. The expanded grant program makes up to $5,000 per eligible business available to first-time applicants and at least $3,000 for businesses that applied and received funding in the first round of grants in 2020. Any business in the qualifying categories located within the Town’s corporate limits is eligible to apply.
Applicants for both grant programs must have a valid Town of Ashland Business License, employ no more than 20 employees, and must be up to date on all town taxes. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis and all funds must be expended by December 8, 2021. While DHCD is providing the funding, administration will be managed by Town of Ashland staff.
Click here for full details on eligibility criteria and application for both grant programs.
For questions or additional information, please contact Joe Topham with the Town’s Economic Development Department at: jtopham@ashlandva.gov or (804) 798-1073.
----
ABOUT THE TOWN OF ASHLAND
Affectionately referred to by locals as the "Center of the Universe," Ashland is situated approximately 15 miles north of Richmond and home to over 7,700 residents. A small town with a big personality, railroad tracks run the length of Ashland's historic main street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, a historic inn, a brewery, and the campus of Randolph-Macon College. The Town of Ashland operates under the council-manager form of government, which combines the strong political leadership of an elected town council with the professional managerial experience of an appointed town manager. The Town of Ashland prides itself on providing efficient and effective government services that support our community and enhance our quality of life. Learn more about the Town of Ashland here.