How do I get Financial Assistance?
The Virginia SBDC has business advisors that can help you with loan package preparation. If you have questions about the process or need assistance in gathering information or filling out application forms contact us and we will get you connected with a business advisor as soon as possible.
Contact your SBDC advisor. Request advising here.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. The Service Center is open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call SBA’s Customer Service Center via the Federal Relay Line by calling (800) 877-8339. You may also email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. The Service Center is open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Some local cities and counties throughout Virginia have begun to make loans and/or grants available to their local businesses. Check your local county sites to see if there is one in your locality. You can find a list of county websites here:
Town of Leesburg Phase II of Leesburg Business Infusion Grant
State resources for small businesses navigating the coronavirus crisis
Roanoke County COVID-19 Business Grant
York County CARES Act Grant and COVID-19 Small Business Grant
Amherst County Back in Business Grant and CARES Act Business Grant
Many banks have offered deferment and forbearance to business loan customers having trouble making payments. Search for your bank on the American Bankers Association’s ongoing A-Z list of coronavirus response programs.
Avoid COVID-19 scams!
Scammers are using the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) name to con small businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 crisis through phone calls, emails, text messages and letters.
Please note:
- If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.
- Emails from SBA or other legitimate government agencies will always end in .gov.
- There is no cost to apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and SBA will never ask you to provide a credit card.
- Do not release any private information (social security number, date of birth, etc.) or banking information in response to an unsolicited caller, letter, email, or text.
- If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with your application number.
- An SBA logo on an email or webpage does not guarantee the information is accurate or from the SBA.
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors in an email and be wary of clicking on any links or attachments.
- For help with applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. You can also use a text telephone (TTY) by calling 1-800-877-8339.
- For inquiries regarding support for small businesses, send an email to answerdesk@sba.gov
- Visit the Small Business Cybersecurity site to learn more about small Business Cybersecurity tips, common threats, training, and best practices. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/small-business-cybersecurity
- Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Infrastructure site for small business resources. https://w.gov/publication/stopthinkconnect-small-business-resources
- Trust your instincts! If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.
- Please report any suspected fraudulent emails, texts, and/or phone calls to the SBA Office of the Inspector General
As businesses begin to look at reopening and/or planning to transition to the ‘new normal,’ there are a number of factors to consider and decisions to be made. The Virginia SBDC recommends using the process below no matter what stage you are in to determine your next steps. This checklist is meant to help guide you through those important questions as you look to reimagine your business and find success in the post-crisis world. Wherever your business may be currently, we suggest starting at the very beginning of the checklist and working your way through.