Office of Economic & Industrial Development |
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Monthly newsletter designed for business leaders and entrepreneurs operating in Wise County, Virginia. Content includes resources, opportunities, and updates relevant to the county's business community. |
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New Virginia Statewide Measures to Contain COVID-19 Announced
Governor Northam announced new measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Virginia on November 13, 2020. How will these affect business operations?
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Reduction in public and private gatherings: All public and private in-person gatherings must be limited to 25 individuals, down from the current cap of 250 people. This includes outdoor and indoor settings.
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Expansion of mask mandate: All Virginians aged five and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces. This expands the current mask mandate, which has been in place in Virginia since May 29 and requires all individuals aged 10 and over to wear face coverings in indoor public settings.
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Strengthened enforcement within essential retail businesses: All essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning. While certain essential retail businesses have been required to adhere to these regulations as a best practice, violations will now be enforceable through the Virginia Department of Health as a Class One misdemeanor.
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On-site alcohol curfew: The on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol is prohibited after 10:00 p.m. in any restaurant, dining establishment, food court, brewery, microbrewery, distillery, winery, or tasting room. All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms must close by midnight. Virginia law does not distinguish between restaurants and bars, however, under current restrictions, individuals that choose to consume alcohol prior to 10:00 p.m. must be served as in a restaurant and remain seated at tables six feet apart.
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COVID-19 Financial Resources for Businesses |
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Did you take out a Paycheck Protection Program Loan?
You may be eligible for loan forgiveness.
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In a Capital Crunch?
Need funds to start or grow your business in Wise County? Look locally.
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The Wise County Industrial Development Authority's Small Business Revolving Loan Fund offers low interest micro loans to small businesses establishing or expanding in the county.
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The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority's Seed Capital Matching Fund helps entrepreneurs grow their small business with a $10,000 matching grant.
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Virginia Community Capital (VCC) specializes in flexible financial products for small businesses and real estate developers. In addition to their lending options, VCC offers free advisory services to ensure the success of the projects they support!
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Ready to Grow Your Business?
A company's most valuable resource is its people! Before expanding your business, give some thought to how you plan to retain and attract new talent. These resources can help.
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"An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and the future of every economy." - Brad Henry |
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Much of Wise County is located in a Virginia Enterprise Zone (VEZ). VEZ State Incentives, like the Job Creation Grant, are available to businesses that create permanent, full time jobs within the zone boundaries.
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Small Business Saturday is on November 28th! |
A Big Day for Small Business! Is your business ready?
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Establish Your Business' Online Presence
Did you know 81% of shoppers research products online before deciding to make a purchase? If your business is missing a website, you're missing customers!
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Your Wise County Economic Development Team! |
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Looking to grow or establish your business in Wise County? Contact us! |
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Michael Hatfield
Wise County Administrator &
Economic Development Director
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Natalie Chapman
Economic Development
& Grants Supervisor
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Brian Falin
Industrial Development Supervisor
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