Small Business Water Recovery Grant

The Small Business Recovery Grant Fund provides financial assistance to eligible small businesses in the City of Richmond that have been adversely affected by a water outage. The grant aims to support businesses that rely on water for their operations, helping them recover from financial losses incurred during the disruption. This funding opportunity is designed specifically for small businesses operating in commercial spaces within Richmond, Virginia, that can demonstrate economic impact due to the water outage. Eligible businesses must have an annual revenue of less than $3 million and must operate from a physical commercial location within the City of Richmond. Home-based businesses are not eligible. Additionally, applicants must belong to a water-dependent industry, such as restaurants, bars, personal services (e.g., salons, gyms, spas), laundromats, event facilities, pet services, car washes, breweries, water-dependent medical services (e.g., dentists), childcare services, and florists. To qualify, applicants must submit a statement (250 words or less) describing the impact of the water outage on their business operations and revenue, along with supporting financial documentation demonstrating revenue loss. This should compare revenue data from the affected period with either the same timeframe from the previous year (for businesses operating more than a year) or a comparable timeframe following the outage (for newer businesses). Applicants must be legally registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission as of January 1, 2025, and hold a valid City of Richmond Business License. The application process requires businesses to submit proof of registration, proof of business location (lease, certificate of occupancy, or proof of ownership), financial documentation (sales reports, income statements, bank statements, or POS transaction reports), and a written impact statement. The application period and funding details are not specified in the eligibility document, but applicants must submit a complete application within the designated timeframe and provide necessary documentation, including a W-9 form and banking information, to receive funds if selected. For more information, applicants can visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission website or the City of Richmond’s business license portal.