The Hampton Roads Workforce Council has received “Rapid Response” funding from the Governor to assist employers striving to remain open during this emergency. 

Individual funding awards are $2,000 per business and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 3. For more information, visit insidetheisle.com

Funds are reserved for small businesses (250 employees or less) and may be used to support layoff aversion tactics and activities designed to prevent or minimize the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs due to COVID-19. This can include sanitizing facilities, purchasing new technology to assure worker distancing, and supporting emergency needs. (Businesses may not use the funds for payroll or benefit support, among other specific restrictions.)

Priority will be given to businesses meeting one or more of the following characteristics:

•Delivering essential services/goods to the community

•Still open for business even with reduced hours and/or alternative work arrangements

•Application Process

1.  Submit the draft application.

2.  Work with the HR Workforce Council representative to complete the final application and discuss funding reimbursement specifics.

3.  Sign the grant award agreement.

4.  Implement the project.

5. Work with the HR Workforce Council representative to report performance outcomes.

Questions can be directed to:

Southside, Hampton Roads Region:

Jackie Rondeau, 757-629-4695

jrondeau@vcwhamptonroads.org