Local Small Business Resources
Policy & Tax Changes
What Is an Essential Business?
Virginia Governor Northam's order, issued March 23rd, details what businesses are effected and the restrictions in place.
- Governor Northam's Actions Taken on COVID-19 - Updates
- Governor Northam’s FAQs
- Virginia Department of Health FAQs
- Virginia Declaration of State of Emergency
- Fairfax County State of Emergency Declaration
Federal Economic Impact Payments
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced April 1, 2020 that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.
- Seniors who receive Social Security will automatically receive checks. However, those individuals that don’t receive Social Security and did not file a tax return last year will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
Tax Deadline Changes
Federal Tax Deadline Changes
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. It offers resources for tax return assistance and tips for the coronavirus.
Virginia Tax Deadlines Changes
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due tomorrow, March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties. The Governor has requested that the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individual and corporate income taxes.
While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020. Please note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines should do so.
Fairfax County Tax Deadlines Changes
The county is looking for ways to be flexible to accommodate residents and businesses. As this situation evolves, the county will continue to adjust, while maintaining public services.
- The filing deadline for personal property taxes for both individuals and businesses is extended to June 1.
- The deadline to pay the first half of real estate taxes was extended to August 28.
Loan & Grant Assistance Programs
Fairfax County businesses can take advantage of several assistance programs through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The federal government has created a helpful summary and infographic highlighting key programs available to small businesses.
For questions about the loan programs or help with the application process, you may contact the Community Business Partnership (CBP) or the George Mason Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
- Watch a recorded webinar on how to apply
- Small Business Owner’s Guide to the Cares Act
- Contact the SBA Customer Service Center
- Virginia Small Business Development Center Overview of SBA Loans
Loan Programs
Note that in many cases you can apply and qualify for more than one loan program.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program
Provides low interest loans up to $15,000 to support small businesses and eligible nonprofits to pay payroll and operating expenses due to COVID-19 emergency. Loan application is made through the SBA website. Originally, the available loan amount was up to $2M, however, on April 9, 2020 SBA announced new changes to this program.
The SBA’s EIDL Program also provides for an emergency grant up to an additional $10,000 for small businesses and eligible nonprofits and is legislated to respond within three (3) days of applying for a disaster loan. To access the grant, businesses must first apply directly to the Small Business Administration for an EIDL and then request the advance. Businesses may receive this advance even if they are turned down by EIDL and does not need to be repaid. Available through December 17, 2020.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans to Assist with Cash-flow
PPP is a short-term loan designed to provide an incentive for small businesses and eligible nonprofits to keep their workers on the payroll. These loans will help small businesses meet operating needs, including payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities, for eight (8) weeks. The SBA is offering the potential to forgive loans if requirements are met. Application is made through an approved SBA lender (see below). Available through June 30,2020.
- Q&A from Virginia Small Business Development Center
- FAQ for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the PPP and EIDL Loan Programs
- Treasury Department PPP Information
Apply for a PPP Loan Through an Approved SBA lender
The PPP program is open to small businesses, nonprofits with 501(3) and 501(c)19 veteran’s status, independent contractors, self-employed individuals and sole proprietorships.
Find a Lender
Most banks are preferred SBA lenders; businesses can reach out to their primary bank and ask for help with PPP 7(a) loans.
Virginia SWaM Business Microloan
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority's SWaM Business Microloan can assist existing small businesses across the Commonwealth. Short-term loans are provided to help established businesses create new jobs and retain existing “at risk” jobs in Virginia. Loan requests are encouraged to be coupled with technical assistance provided by the Virginia Small Business Development Center network and additional funding can be requested for those who evidence having worked with Virginia’s SBDC’s.
FAIRFAX RISE Offers Grants to Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Fairfax RISE (Relief Initiative to Support Employers) is a grant fund that will offer financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits adversely affected by the Coronavirus shutdowns. The grant program will offer up to $20K to qualified small businesses and nonprofits with at least one full-time- equivalent (FTE) employee. Learn more about the grant and eligibility on the website. The grant is expected to open for applications in early June – sign up for our email list to receive notification it goes live.
Fairfax County Microloans for Small Business
** Application for entering the lottery for the microloan program has closed**
If you have questions about the process visit our FAQ page.
If you have questions about your status, contact Community Business Partnership at (703) 768-1440.
CONTINUE TO CHECK THIS PAGE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEW UPCOMING PROGRAMS.
Fairfax County has established a $2.5 million fund to support small business recovery, which will be administered by the Community Business Partnership. Loans for small businesses of up to $20,000 with 0% interest and up to six year term will be available. Applications closed at midnight April 30th.
- Details about the Microloan program, including terms and restrictions.
- Want to know more including information about how loan applications will be prioritized, geographic eligibility and documentation required to apply? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Additional Programs
Small Business Debt Relief Program
This program will provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, in particular 7(a), 504 and microloans. SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans - including principal, interest and fees - for six months. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out loans within six months of President Trump signing the bill into law.
Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit
This provision would provide a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The credit is available to employers, including non-profits, whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order limiting commerce, travel or group meetings. The credit is also provided to employers who have experienced a greater than 50 percent reduction in quarterly receipts, measured on a year-over-year basis.
Delayed Payment of Employer Tax Credit
This provision would allow taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022.
Small Business Owners' Guide to Federal CARES Act
A guide to the major programs and initiatives available from the SBA and also discusses some tax provisions outside of the scope of the SBA, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the emergency cash grants as part of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL).
Small Business Owners' Guide to Federal CARES Act (PDF)
Artist Relief Fund
The Artist Relief Fund is a $10 million national emergency relief fund for artists and creative workers affected by COVID-19, offering $5,000 no-strings-attached grants for those earning income from creative or artistic practice. Learn More.
Virginia 30 Day Fund
The nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Virginia-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding. Virginia-based businesses that having been operating for at least one year with 3 to 30 employees, and owned and operated are eligible to apply. Please visit the online application to apply. Learn More.
Main Street Lending Program
The Federal Reserve designed a program to help banks support small and medium sized businesses that were unable to access the PPP or that require additional financial support after receiving a PPP loan. Main Street loans are not forgivable. To obtain a loan under the Program, borrowers must contact their local bank.
Health, Labor & Safety Guidance
Prepare Your Workplace to Keep Your Employees Safe
Businesses should do their part to stop the spread of germs and protect employee health.
This flyer provides 6 simply ways you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Additional resources:
- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published info on preparing workplaces for COVID-19.
- OSHA flyer with information on how to keep you and your employees safe.
- OSHA flyer with information on how to keep you and your employees safe.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers important guidance to businesses on how to reduce virus transmission among employees, how to maintain operations and keep workplaces healthy.
- Webinar: Keeping Your Workforce and Business Healthy During (and After) the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Whole Community Approach
Employee/Employer Paid Leave, FMLA, and Other Wage Questions
U.S Department of Labor - Wage and Hour discusses common issues employers and employees face when responding to influenza, pandemics, or other public health emergencies, and their effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Counseling & Mentoring
For direct small business counseling opportunities, please contact the Community Business Partnership. The Community Business Partnership (CBP) is a non-profit organization working in collaboration with a number of local, regional and national organizations, educational and support services to small businesses in Fairfax County.
CBP staff are now pivoting to provide full time and virtual in-person counseling. Sign up for information and counseling sessions.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is partnering with the Northern Virginia Pro Bono Law Center and Start Small Think Big on the COVID-19 Pro Bono Collaborative, an initiative to provide free legal assistance to small businesses in Northern Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including help with federal assistance, grant and loan programs, leases and employment issues.
The George Mason University Small Business Development Center (Mason SBDC) is available to assist businesses with questions and information regarding preparing and understanding what is needed for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans now that Virginia is approved by the SBA.
SCORE, a non-profit resource funded by the U.S. Small Business Association, offers free confidential business counseling via phone, email and a variety of video and chat services. They also offer free, live and recorded webinars as well as interactive courses on demand.
Business Continuity Webinars (Video)
Many organizations are hosting webinars focusing on business continuity. Here are a few upcoming opportunities:
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Fairfax County EDA
Beyond COVID-19: NOVA Business Resiliency Webinars - Funding and Financing In-Depth
Thursday, April 30, 2:00 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KeI1THCySpqF35OLj562cA
Reston Chamber of Commerce
Moving Beyond COVID-19 - EEOC/DOL/IRS Guidance and Getting Back to Business
Friday, May 1, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
https://www.restonchamber.org/events/details/webinar-moving-beyond-covid-19-9374
On-demand webinars:
Food Establishments
ABC Licensing
Already providing food pick-up/delivery options? 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. click here for details: https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/get-a-license/retail-licenses/on-and-off-premise
For the latest food establishment owner/operator information and tips, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus.
Childcare
The Fairfax County Office for Children has a host of resources for Child Care providers and programs.
Visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/office-for-children/ofc-covid-19-updates
LOCAL efforts to support LOCAL business
Are you in the Richmond Highway Corridor? Add your information to the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation’s COVID business directory: https://sfdc.org/
Are you in Herndon? Add your info to the Restaurant & Grocery Store Directory: https://www.herndon-va.gov/departments/communications-economic-development/restaurants-open-for-business
Fairfax First provides a continually updated collection of interesting events and resources for residents to engage with local businesses and keep themselves entertained, like the FXVA Take Out Trail, which provides coupons and updates on local restaurants, breweries and wineries.
