COVID-19 Updates | Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc.

A Message To Our Business Community From Franklin Southampton Economic Development

Franklin Southampton Economic Development and the Franklin Business Center are open to the public. The FSEDI staff are available to assist you. You can reach us at (757)-562-1958 or info@franklinsouthamptonva.com.

Please make sure to follow us on Facebook for timely updates.

Other helpful Facebook pages to follow are below:

Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Franklin Association

City of Franklin

Governor of Virginia

Hampton Roads Workforce Council

grant

CARES Act Small Business Grant

Through Southampton County funding from the CARES Act, Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) is distributing a Reimbursable Grant to assist with the financial burden of COVID-19. This grant is open to Southampton County businesses only. We encourage you to seize this opportunity to strengthen your business and continue to move forward through these uncertain times with confidence.

This grant is a one-time financial assistance program for eligible, for-profit small businesses (fewer than 50 full-time employees) to reimburse the costs of business interruption directly or indirectly related to Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53 and Order 55. Grants are available for an amount up to $5,000 per business.

For complete details, please review the guidelines.

Funds may be used to reimburse the cost of business interruption caused by required closures which may include the following: fixed-cost expenses (i.e., payroll, rent, supplies, utilities, insurance, etc.), business adaptations in response to new market conditions (i.e., develop or expand online sales/e- commerce, delivery or take out; develop new product line, etc.), deep cleaning services, PPE, protective barriers, etc.

There is a limited amount of funding for this program. Grant applications will be processed and funded on a first-come, first-served basis upon submission of a complete application and all supporting documentation.

Click here for the Application.

Department Of Community Development Is Allowing TEMPORARY SIGNS In The City Of Franklin And Southampton County For Retail And Service Businesses.

Beginning March 20, 2020, you may install one temporary sign on your property to let the public know you are open and providing service to the community. Please send an email to Beth Lewis, Zoning Administrator, at blewis@franklinva.com, or call 757-562-1003 to indicate where the sign will be located and how large it will be. This will be available as long as Franklin and Southampton County are under a declaration of emergercy. Please note these signs nay not be located in public right-of-way, and MUST be removed when the emergency declaration ends.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Effective May 8th, the SBA has reduced the maximum EIDL loan from $2 million to $150,000, and they are only accepting new applications from agricultural enterprises.

Click here for a step-by-step video and FAQ.

Click here for the Three Step Process for the Disaster Loan.

Click here for the SBA Fact Sheet on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.

Click here for the Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act.

Click here for the US Chamber's Small Business ELA Loan Guide.

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

Support Our Local Restaurants

Click here for a list of local restaurants that are ready to serve you.

Better Business Bureau: How to Navigate the Coronavirus Crisis

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21714-business-tips-how-to-navigate-the-coronavirus-crisis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

City of Franklin Website

https://www.franklinva.com/

Commonwealth of Virginia: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/?fbclid=IwAR01_qF5iOG8kg1h97tFRzTxFxCszfxlc_932gEot8Inw53KtaTE-CO1x-g

Cybersecurity Expert: How to Best Protect Your Business Online

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVqC0-mus9c&feature=youtu.be

Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses