Job fair highlights economic recovery efforts

Ten winners will be announced Dec. 1. You need to take a photo of your stamped card and upload it online.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner was in Lynchburg Thursday, leading a conversation with black, small business owners who have struggled during the pandemic.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – One year into the pandemic, and like everywhere else, the Hill City has seen its fair share of struggle. The Downtown Lynchburg Association released their 2020 annual report to show the impact. Kathy Shaw, owner of Beeswax Candle Co., relies heavily on online sales and says revenue jumped 50 percent at the start of the pandemic. When it comes to online sales, Ben Noyes can’t say the same. “A lot of it was people working from home instead of coming downtown to work,” said Noyes.

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. – Time is running out for some Virginia restaurant owners to apply for COVID-19 relief through DoorDash. The company’s offering 125 grants statewide, in the amount of $3,500 each. Nina Rezai, economic development manager for Campbell County, is one of many leaders in our area encouraging restaurant owners to sign up. “[The grants are] for businesses that have fewer than 50 employees and do less than $3 million in gross annual revenue. She adds if you’re not eligible, Campbell County still has $800,000 in CARES reimbursement funding to assist all small businesses.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Local businesses in Pittsylvania County can now apply for COVID-19 relief funding through the Small Business Assistance Grant Program. Nearly 20 businesses will receive up to $15,000 each to help with rent and mortgage payments and PPE. “The total grant amount is $300,000 from DHCD. That includes things like advertising and program operations,” said Susan McCulloch, project manager for Pittsylvania County Economic Development. You are still eligible if you’ve received CARES funding.