The ReConnected Grant Series 1 awarded over 150 grants to Fairfax City small businesses. The ReConnected Grant Series 2 application will open on October 5, 2020, and is open to Fairfax City small businesses and nonprofits. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and $5,000 grant awards will be made until grant funds have been depleted. Reimbursement request processing for Series 2 is anticipated to begin January 1, 2021, however, contracts must be finalized by December 1, 2020.
The Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) continues to offer the Fairfax City ReConnected Grant (FCRG), in collaboration with the Fairfax City Economic Development Office (EDO), in order to provide essential financial support to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Grant funds will reimburse businesses for their costs incurred by responding to and adapting their services during the Commonwealth’s declaration of a State of Emergency. In accordance with Governor Northam’s “Forward Virginia” plan and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, grant monies can be used to cover eligible expenses incurred beginning on March 12, 2020.
The ReConnected Grant Series 2 program, which will provide $700,000 of CARES Act funding to eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by COVID-19, was approved by the City of Fairfax City Council at its September 22, 2020, meeting. The decision to allocate the funding for the grant program demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the city’s business community and is a recognition of the jobs created within the city by its nonprofit and for profit businesses.
Applications will be accepted beginning October 5, 2020, and completed applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until grant funds have been depleted. Eligibility requirements and resources will be available on the Fairfax City EDA website. To ensure timely processing, applicants are asked to submit a thorough application and include all requested documentation. Incomplete applications may result in delays that could result in ineligibility.
After entering into a grant agreement, businesses will be eligible to submit reimbursement requests for items and activities such as:
- Reconfiguring space to comply with social distancing guidelines;
- Creating new/ innovative marketing campaigns;
- Purchasing new protective equipment and cleaning supplies;
- Hiring specialized sanitization services;
- Supporting a portion of employee salaries;
- Reimbursing businesses for eligible expenses occurred during the initial shutdown.
The following expenditures are ineligible for ReConnected Grant funding:
- Damages covered by insurance;
- Reimbursement to donors for donated items or services;
- Severance pay;
- Workforce bonuses;
- Legal settlements;
- Rent and utilities other than telecommunications;
- Construction, other than minor modifications necessary to meet public health safety recommendations.
Business owners should email ReConnectedGrant@fairfaxcityeda.org with any questions. More information will be shared as it becomes available and on the EDA’s social media accounts.
Fairfax City Economic Development Authority
The Fairfax City Economic Development Authority’s mission is to empower local businesses, create sustainable business growth, promote community involvement through economic development, promote honesty and integrity in the community, and foster close ties between people, business, and government. To receive the latest business and economic development news from the EDA, please subscribe to the Business Bulletin.