COVID-19 Resources & Support

Fairfax City Resources

• (Updated 5/12) Reopening Resources (*Resources should be used in accordance with the Governors orders, health official recommendations, and detailed City response.)
  • Retail store blueprint for shopping safe and reopening from the Retail Industry Leaders Association and National Retail Federation.
  • Restaurant and bar toolkit for relaunching from Streetsense and the National Restaurant Association.
  • Office Workplace published by Cushman Wakefield on recovery readiness.
  • Personal Services toolkits from:
    • International Spa Association
    • American Medical Association
    • American Dental Association
• (Added 4/24) Business Impact Survey
  • Fairfax City businesses are encouraged to take the Fairfax City Business Impact Survey to evaluate the potential impacts to Fairfax City businesses caused by COVID-19 and determine what resources may be necessary to aid in the resiliency and recovery of all businesses citywide. Please note that the survey will close on Friday, May 1, 2020.
• (Updated 5/4/21) Webinars
  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund webinar hosted in partnership with the Town of Vienna and SBA.  Topics include an overview of the program, how to apply, available funding, eligibility requirements and more.
  • Fairfax City ReConnected – Business Reopening Resources and Guidance webinar presentation and video.
  • NOVA EDA Beyond COVID-19: NOVA Business Resiliency Webinars include a 12 session webinar series at NO COST.  Register or download the presentations here.
  • Marketing in a Pandemic: Customer Engagement in a Socially Distant World on 4/30 at 11:00 am.  Access the presentation here.
  • CAREs Act Webinar presentation and video with Mason SBDC in partnership with the city in regards to CAREs Act details on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Emergency Economic Injury Grant, Express Bridge Loans, Small Business Debt Relief, Payroll Protection Program, and Small Business Tax provisions on Friday, April 10, 2020.
• (Added 4/2) GRAB & GO Banners
  • Fairfax City restaurants, the EDA has created GRAB & GO banners to help amplify your takeout and carryout messaging.  Provisions, have been made to allow for “announcement signs” to be hung on a building where a wall mounted sign is located per the example.  The banners are FREE for city restaurants and can be requested at EDAInformation@fairfaxcityeda.org.
• (Added 4/1) Meals Tax & Transient Occupancy Tax
  • Fairfax City businesses, yesterday the City Council voted to enact the ordinance to formalize the deferral and allowance of time for the payment of meals tax and transient occupancy tax.  Businesses within the restaurant and hotel industries will be granted a 90 day extension to the March, April and May due dates for remittance of the tax on meals, and for the April due date for the transient occupancy tax.  While the ordinance does allow for payment extension dates, information filings are required.  Details on the changes to meals tax and transient occupancy tax can be found here.
• (Added 3/26) COVID-19 Social Distancing & Business Guidelines 
  • COVID-19 guidelines for city businesses to combat the spread of coronavirus via the Executive Order from the Governor.
  • Social distancing flyer for city businesses to encourage patrons to adhere to recommendations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
• (Added 3/25) Sale of Provisions for Restaurants
  • Restaurants expanding on their services to include the sale of provisions similar to a grocery store and/or market such as meat, dairy seafood, and household items by the pound, case, or unit must contact Code Administration at 703-385-7830 to schedule an inspection to provide guidance on fire and life safety practices.  Expansion of services are only during the State of Emergency and Local Emergency Declaration time period.  Normal business operations to occur after the declaration has been lifted.
• (Added 3/23) Fire Code Inspections
  • Routine Inspections – Until the State of Emergency and Local Emergency Declarations have been lifted, routine Fire Prevention Code Inspections for: Child Care & Daycare Facilities, Rentals, Use Inspections, Group Homes, Assisted Living Facilities will be suspended.
  • Deferral of Payment – New businesses may elect to defer payment of Use Inspection fees.  Payment is not eliminated only deferred until the Stated of Emergency has been lifted.  Please fill out a Request to Defer Payment Form and email to permits@fairfaxva.gov.
• (Added 3/20) Temporary Signage 
  • The city has issued provisions for “announcement signs” and “outdoor retails sales events and promotions” to allow businesses to communicate changes in their operations in response to COVID-19.

Mason Small Business Development Center

• (Added 3/24) SBA FAQ’s
  • The Mason SBDC offers an FAQ page on the SBA EIDL program.
• (Added 3/18) One-on-One Counseling
  • The Mason SBDC is available to assist city businesses with questions and information regarding preparing and understanding what is needed for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.  All Mason SBDC counseling sessions are one-on-one and conducted virtually via Zoom.

Community Business Partnership (CBP)

• (Added 3/24) One-on-One Counseling
  • The CBP provides one-on-one counseling to small businesses and may be able to assess specific situations and provide information.  Please contact CBP at 703-768-1440 or submit your questions online.

Local Utilities

• (Added 3/18)
  • Dominion Energy has suspended all service disconnections and is offering payment arrangement or energy assistance funds.
  •  Washington Gas is waiving late fees and suspending disconnections.

Northern Virginia of Commerce

• (Added 3/25) Webinar – Business Continuity
  • The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free three-part webinar series focused on business continuity to share knowledge on what employers will need to maintain business during this time and after.

Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC)

• (Added 3/25) The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has a site dedicated to information and access to local resources.

Old Town Fairfax Business Association (OTFBA)

• (Added 3/25) The Old Town Fairfax Business Association has a page identifying Fairfax City businesses that are offering “Fairfax City To Go” options to meet new demands.

Communication from Governor Northam

• Reopening Plan 
  • (Added 6/10) Phase II Business Operating Status
    • Snapshot of operating status for businesses in Phase II
  • (Added 5/14) Phase I Business Operating Status
    • Snapshot of operating status for businesses in Phase I
  • (Added 5/5) Forward Virginia Blueprint
    • Governor Northam’s blueprint to help guide the Commonwealth in easing public health restrictions in a phased approach.
• Executive Orders
  • (Added 6/3) #65 Phase II Easing of Certain Temporary Restrictions Due to Novel COVID-19
    • Executive Order-65 allows for Virginia to enter into Phase II of the Forward Virginia Blue Print.  Excluded from entry into Phase II includes the City of Richmond and the Northern Virginia Region.
  • (Added 5/12) #62 Jurisdictions Temporarily Delayed from Entering Phase One in Executive Order 61 and Permitted to Remain in Phase Zero in Northern Virginia Region 
    • Executive Order-62 allows specific localities in Northern Virginia to delay entering Phase I of the “Forward Virginia” plan to ease restrictions on certain business operations.
  • (Added 5/10) #61 Phase I Easing of Certain Temporary Restrictions
    • Executive Order-61 identifies the easing of business restrictions and continue restrictions for certain businesses, and guidance/direction.
  • (Added 3/30) #55 Stay-At-Home Order
    • Executive Order-55 in regards to the Temporary Stay At Home Order due to the novel coronavirus.
  • (Updated 5/4) #53 Business Restrictions
    • Executive Order-53 second amendment extension of temporary restrictions until Thursday, May 14, 2020.
    • Executive Order-53 from Governor Northam in regards to Temporary Restrictions on Restaurants, Recreational , Entertainment, Gatherings, Non-essential Retail Businesses, and Closure of K-12 schools Due to COVID-19
  • (Added 3/20) #51 Declaration of  Public Health Emergency
    • Governor Northam’s Amended Order of the Governor and State Health Commissioner Declaration of Public Health Emergency.  The amended order has information in regards to social distancing as it pertains to restaurants, fitness centers, and theatres.
  • (Added 3/20) Actions to Address COVID-19
    • Governor Northam announced additional actions to address COVID-19 to include deferment of state sales tax due March 20, 2020 for 30 days.  Businesses must request the deferment and when granted, will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.

Virginia Department of Taxation

• (Added 3/20) Extension of Due Date of Payment for Income Taxes
  • The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending the April 15, 2020 due date of payment for state income taxes.  Filing deadlines remain the same the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020.  Please note, interest will still accrue, if you are able to pay by the original deadline please do so.

Virginia 30 Day Fund – Grant

• (Added 4/9) The Virginia 30 Day Fund targets businesses with between three and 30 employees for gap funding.  The fund offers up to $3,000 to businesses owned by Virginians who have been in business for more than a year.  Funds do not have to be repaid, instead recipients are asked to “pay it forward” to another Virginia small business in need.

Rebuild! VA Small Business Grant Program

• (New 7/24) The Rebuild! VA Grant Fund is a program to help small businesses and non-profits whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, including restaurants, brick and mortar retail, exercise and fitness facilities, personal care and personal grooming services, entertainment and public amusement establishments, and campgrounds. Businesses and non-profits that are approved for a Rebuild VA grant may receive up to 3 times their average monthly eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000.   Applications will be available starting August 10, 2020.  More information and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Virginia Guidelines by Business Sectors

• (Added 5/26) Forward Virginia Guidelines in regards to the Safer at Home: Phase I mandatory requirements and best practices are available by sector here.

Virginia Career Works – Grant

• (Added 3/26) Virginia Career Works offers Rapid Response COVID-19 Business Support Grants.  The grants are intended to support job retention and support other operational needs.  Eligible businesses can receive up to $25,000 to reimburse expenses related to COVID-19 that help retain employees.

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority

• (Added 5/14) ABC Response to Temporary Approval of Outdoor Dining Areas
  • Topic #16 on page 25 identifies the accelerated process for receiving and processing requests for outdoor dining areas.
• (Added 4/10) Cocktails To Go
  • License FAQ’s
• (Added 4/10) Deferral of ABC License Renewal Fees
  • The Virginia ABC Authority has deferred ABC license renewal fees for 90 days from the original expiration date for establishments with licenses expiring in March, April, May and June.

• (Added 3/19) On- and Off- Premises License
  • With an on- and off-premise retail license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, you can add beer or beer and wine to you pick-up/delivery menu.

Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

• (Added 3/24) Video – How to Navigate SBA EIDL Application
  • The SBDC has identified resources for small businesses including a video on how to navigate the SBA EIDL application system.
• (Added 3/18)  Business Resiliency Toolkit
  • Virginia Small Business Development Center included a business resiliency toolkit on their website to help businesses plan for business interruption.

Virginia Employment Commission

• (Added 3/25) Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  • Governor Northam has directed that the one week waiting period and requirement to conduct a weekly job search be suspended for unemployment insurance benefits.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

• (Added 10/12) SBA & Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50k or less
  • Simpler loan forgiveness application
  • Instructions for completing the simpler loan forgiveness application
  • Interim Final Rule on the simpler loan forgiveness program for loans of $50,000 or less
• (Updated 4/24) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
  • Portal – Fairfax City now qualifies for the U.S. Small Business Administration EIDL.  Apply for the EIDL program here.
  • Items needed to apply:
    • Loan application (SBA Form 5)
    • Tax Information Authorization Form (IRS Form 4506-T)
    • Federal Income Tax returns – copies and schedules
    • Personal Finance Statement (SBA Form 413)
    • Schedule of Liabilities listing all fixed debts (SBA Form 2202 may be used)
  • Step-by-Step application process via video and PowerPoint slides.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus.  The EIDL offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome temporary loss of income.
• (Added 3/30) Emergency Economic Injury Grants
  • Emergency Economic Injury Grants – The CARES Act included funding to provide advance emergency grants of $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that also apply for the SBA EIDL.  To access the grant, you first apply for an EIDL then request the advance.  Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application and the advance will not have to be repaid.  Apply here.
• (Updated 5/7) Paycheck Protection Program
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides cash-assistance for  employers to retain their employees and near-term operating expenses.  Learn more about the PPP program here.
    • (Added 4/24)  Eligible Lenders – Not sure which banks are eligible lenders for the PPP program?  The SBA has created a tool to find eligible lenders by state here.
    • (Added 4/24) How to apply
      • Reach out to financial institutions to verify if they are accepting applications or participate in the PPP program.  A list of lender can be found here.
      • Download and complete the PPP form.
        • To apply you will need:
          • Tax forms from 2019 and 2018
          • Payroll records to verify amount requesting
          • Legal documentation of business structure
          • Demonstration on how COVID-19 has impacted your business
    • (Added 4/3) Flowchart PPP vs. EIDL – The PPP is now operational and you can apply here.  We’re also including a flow chart that describes the PPP and EIDL programs and a Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act to help clarify the resources that are available.
    • (Added 5/7) PPP Funding to date – The SBA has provided data on that identifies PPP funding by state per each round of funding.  First round funding and second round funding.
• (Added 3/30) 7(a) Loans
  • SBA 7(a) loans is one of the SBA’s primary programs for providing financial assistance to small business concerns. The CARES Act includes a $349 billion package for the SBA’s 7(a) loan program through December 31, 2020. These 7(a) loans would be 100% guaranteed by the federal government through December 31, 2020, and are subject to loan forgiveness up to the entire loan amount subject to certain restrictions discussed below. The 7(a) loans take about 5-10 business days to process.  Learn more about the loan from the SBA here.
• (Added 4/6) Express Bridge Loans
  • Express Bridge Loans allow small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.  For more information on the program and how to apply click here.
• (Added 3/25) SBA Resources
  • Webinars – The SBA is providing free webinars for those that need assistance with applying for an EIDL.
  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers – provides interim guidance that may help prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19 and planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks
  • Directory – The SBA provides local assistance on counseling, mentoring, and training for small businesses.  Use the SBA Local Assistance Directory to find a local office.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• (Added 5/3/21) Restaurant Relief Fund
  • The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. Details about the program can be found here and the application portal here.
• (Added 3/28) CAREs Act Guide and Checklist
  • Congress has approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  Here’s what businesses need to know about the largest financial assistance bill from the Chamber as well as a guide and checklist.

Federal Reserve

• (Added 4/9) Main Street Lending Program
  • Main Street Lending Program is designed to deploy loans to “small and mid-sized businesses” by offering 4-year loans to businesses employing up to 10,000 workers and revenues of less than $2.5 billion.  Businesses will apply directly with a lender but details have not been released.  It’s typically recommended to apply for a loan at the bank you currently work with.

National Restaurant Association

• (Added 4/21) Employee Relief Fund
  • Restaurant Employee Relief Fund are grants made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19.  The grant is a one-time grant of $500.
• (Added 3/23) Information and Resources
  • The National Restaurant Association has coronavirus information and resources specific to the restaurant industry.

Treasury and IRS

• (Added 3/24) Tax Relief
  • Coronavirus tax relief information is updated as it becomes available on news releases, guidance, statements, and online resources.
• (Added 3/20) Tax Payment Deadline Extended
  • IRS extends federal tax payment deadline.  Individual income tax payment deadlines are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020 for up to $1 million of their 2019 tax due.  This payment relief applies to all individual returns including self-employed individuals and all other entities other than C-Corporations.  For C-Corporations, income tax payment deadlines are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020 for up to $10 million of their 2019 tax due.

Grants

• (New 9/4) Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program has partnered with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Eligible small businesses may receive a one-time of up to $1,000 on their electric bill balances.  Applications open Tuesday, September 1 and are review on a rolling basis until the $500,000 fund is exhausted.
• (New 9/4) Loew’s-LISC Partnership is offering grants of $20,000 to small business owners affected by COVID-19 with a focus on underserved communities, businesses owned and led by minorities and women plus those located in hard-hit rural communities.  Applications must be submitted by September 7 here.
• (Added 8/10) The ReBuild VA grant program focuses on small businesses and nonprofits facing economic distress due to COVID-19.  Applicants are eligible to receive up to $10,000 with grants awarded on a first come basis.  Apply here.
• (Added 5/22) FedEx is offering #SupportSmallGrants for U.S. small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Recipients will get a cash grant of $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx office credit.  Applications can be submitted beginning May 25 here.
• (Added 5/15) The Salon & Spa Relief Fund and Aveda have partnered to offer grants for salon and spa owners.  Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000.  For more information or to apply click here.
• (Added 5/7) Alice the intelligent business advisor, is administering grants up to $50,000 to support business growth, including $10,000 emergency “COVID-19 Business for All Grants” to help small businesses in crisis. Applications for COVID19 Emergency Grants close on July 16, 2020, at 11:59 PM.  Here you can find more information or apply.
• (Added 5/7) The Red Backpack Fund is an initiative started by The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation in partnership with GlobalGiving.  The fund will be making at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. and its territories. Applications open on May 4, June 1, July 6, & Aug. 3.  More information here.
• (Added 4/27) **2nd Round! Verizon and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has established a Small Business Recovery Fund for grants up to $10,000 for businesses facing immediate financial pressure due to COVID-19.  Read more about the grant and apply here.
• (Added 3/31) Google is offering $800+ million to help support small businesses and crisis response.

COVID-19 Public Health Resources

Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) – The FCHD has a COVID-19 webpage that is continually updated and provides information on what is occurring in Fairfax County as it evolves as well as resources and materials on how to stop the spread, symptoms, and facts.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) – The VDH has offered interim guidance for individuals as well as businesses regarding COVID-19.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The CDC has issued guidelines for community mitigation strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19.  The CDC guidelines offer caveats so that social-distancing measures can be scaled up or down based on local situations.

• Guidance for Large Community Events and Mass Gatherings
• Definitions Used in Guidance

Community Resources

Fairfax City – Our city site at FairfaxVA.gov is updated as needed with information that is specific to our community.

Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (EDA) – The EDA works closely with the city to support our business community.   We have written additional blog posts on our site and posted on Facebook and Instagram with @FairfaxCityEDA.