Augusta County announces first-ever Small Business Loan Fund

Augusta County announced Thursday the launch of a Small Business Loan Fund. The county’s first-ever loan fund program is aimed at boosting ideas to reality by supporting entrepreneurial activity in our growing economy.

Born out of the Augusta County Economic Development Authority’s enthusiasm to help small business and supported by the Board of Supervisors, the program will offer loans up to $10,000 for terms of 1-5 years.  Applications will be open for acceptance on May 1.

“The Economic Development Authority is here to help all Augusta County industries, large and small,” said H. Joseph Williams IV, chairman of the Augusta County Economic Development Authority. “We saw this as the perfect opportunity to give entrepreneurs and small businesses a helping hand.”

“The Board of Supervisors has continuously made it our policy to support business in the County,” said Mike Shull, chairman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. “We’re proud this opportunity is available for Augusta County small businesses.”

The Staunton Creative Community Fund will be administering the program in conjunction with Augusta County.  “We are thrilled to be working with Augusta County on this opportunity to help local small businesses,” said Christina Cain, executive director of the Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF).  “SCCF assists companies and entrepreneurs throughout the Shenandoah Valley region, and we are so glad to have another loan fund available to support Augusta County businesses and make their dreams a reality.”

Interested applicants need to have a completed business plan and a future or current business located in Augusta County.  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), with a convenient location at the Augusta County Government Center, is available to assist individuals wishing to complete a business plan.

Applications are now available at www.AugustaVABusiness.com for download and will be open for acceptance beginning May 1, 2015.  Interested applicants can contact Augusta County Economic Development at 540-245-5619 or [email protected].