Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development division offers more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Many of these programs can also support community-based entrepreneurial planning and growth. The Rural Development division partners closely with community…

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White Stone Revitalization

The Town of White Stone received a $1,000,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to revitalize its business district based on the White Stone Business District Revitalization Plan. Planned Activities 1 – Business District Revitalization Façade improvements centered at the intersection of Route 3 (Rappahannock…

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Septic Pump-Out Project

Since 2005, the Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) has administered grants through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to provide financial assistance to low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and allow them to comply with septic-tank pump-out requirements. As part of the application process, the NNPDC must verify an…

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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $365,000 in the Northern Neck

$365,000 in CARES Act Funding to Boost Economic Development Programs Critical to Helping the Northern Neck Region of Virginia Respond to Coronavirus Thursday, July 2, 2020 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $365,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Northern Neck…

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Working Waterfronts

They are properties that support commercial and recreational fishing, boat building, shipping and rail yards, aquaculture, national defense, public safety, marine research, offshore energy production, and other water-related commercial and recreational activities. Tour the Story Map View the Video How to Start a Shellfish Aquaculture Operation in Virginia Learn More…

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COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Are Virginia Small Companies Eligible?  YES What is it?  The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). EIDL loans are 30 year…

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Northern Neck Hub-Zone Companies Among Recipients of Seaport Contract

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 17, 2018 Warsaw, VA —The U.S. Navy has awarded spots on a potential ten-year, $50 billion contract to 1,870 businesses for project management and engineering-support services. Three Northern Neck companies were awarded contracts in this announcement: MTEQ in Kilmarnock; Digital Dynamics, LLC, in Kilmarnock; and…

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A Growing Industry in the Northern Neck

Craft breweries are beginning to attract the attention of economic developers in the Northern Neck of Virginia. They are part of a vibrant industry of dedicated entrepreneurs who go beyond the business model of attracting customers just to buy drinks. “They are becoming part of the fabric of many communities,”…

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Opportunity Zones

The Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 included provisions for a new revitalization tool, the Opportunity Zone and Opportunity Fund. The designated zones and funds allow investors to receive tax benefits on currently unrealized capital gains that are invested through Opportunity Funds in eligible census tracts designated as…

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Living Shorelines Initiative

Throughout the Northern Neck and coastal plain, homes and businesses are experiencing increased erosion from winds, waves, currents, tides and recreational activities making homes and businesses more vulnerable. To minimize long-term damage, an updated Shoreline Management Handbook is available from the Virginia Coastal Policy Center (VCPC), the Center for Coastal Resources…

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