Post Content

Alexandria considering a $500,000 boost to local minority-owned businesses

Black-owned businesses in Alexandria (image via Visit Alexandria)

At an upcoming meeting, the City Council will consider releasing $500,000 in funding for a program to help incubate Black, indigenous and people of color-owned small businesses.

The funding is considered as part of the BIPOC-Owned Businesses Grant Program, which can then award a one-time grant of up to $7,000.

According to the docket:

Consideration of the release of $500,000 in FY 2023 Contingent Reserve Funding set aside for Minority Business Incubation for programs that support black, indigenous and people of color (“BIPOC”) owned small local businesses that enable the City to retain and grow existing businesses, recruit new business, and/or assist with start-up activities.

The summary of the program says that for businesses to be eligible, they must demonstrate they meet defined criteria around BIPOC ownership, license to conduct business in the City of Alexandria, and compliance with City fiscal and regulatory policies (“in good standing”).

The summary said that grants are awarded by tiers based on the business maturity — including factors like years in operation, brick-and-mortar presence, the number of employees — and the business’ needs. The average grant size is expected to be $5,000.

Businesses that did not receive funding as part of the various Covid recovery programs will be prioritized. According to the summary:

“It is anticipated that the number of eligible applicants may exceed the total funding currently available,” the summary said. “Businesses that did not receive prior Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”)/American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) grants… through the City (business grant programs administered by AEDP/ACT for Alexandria) will be prioritized.”

The proposal is scheduled for review at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 25. If approved, the program would launch in December with review and selection in January and grants awarded starting in March.

Image via Visit Alexandria

Recent Stories

It’s spring and the musical lineup at Arlandria’s The Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Avenue) is heating up. Folk/bluegrass band The Wailin’ Jennys is headlining next month in two — unfortunately…

Alexandria’s DASH bus system has been going through a pair of ambitious, headline-grabbing overhauls, but city leaders are still working out how to pay for them. In 2021, DASH went…

Discover the difference between market, appraisal, and assessment values in Ask McEnearney.

  Anyone that’s a sucker for a good book sale might want to head to the Beatley Central Library (5005 Duke Street) at some point this week. The Friends of…

Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.

Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM  to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.  

Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts. 

You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Press Release:

EDBS Dental Billing Solutions is pleased to announce that it has achieved compliance with the federally mandated standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) through the use of Compliancy Group’s proprietary HIPAA methodology, The Guard® compliance tracking software, and HIPAA Seal of Compliance®.

The HIPAA Seal of Compliance is issued to organizations that have implemented an effective HIPAA compliance program through the use of The Guard, Compliancy Group’s proprietary compliance tracking solution.

Clients and patients are becoming more aware of the requirements of HIPAA compliance and how the regulation protects their personal information. Forward-thinking providers like EDBS Dental Billing Solutions choose the HIPAA Seal of Compliance to differentiate their services.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour

The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list