ALX B2B Grant Program

Geographic Scope: City of Alexandria, Virginia (all seven zip codes)

Overview:
The ALX B2B grants program was created to provide critical financial support to Alexandria's small businesses. The program was initially established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses experiencing significant revenue loss. According to the most recent announcement (July 2, 2020), 309 Alexandria small businesses received funds totaling approximately $3.5 million.

Award Amounts (2020 Round)

• 76% of successful applicants received $10,000
• 17% of successful applicants received $15,000
• 7% of successful applicants received $20,000

Amount based on: Business size

Funding Source

• Federal CARES Act appropriations ($2.4 million)
• Alexandria Investment Fund ($2.0 million)
• Total initial funding: $4.4 million
• Additional funds expected from subsequent CARES Act disbursements
• City's American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds for future rounds

Focus Areas

• Small business recovery and relief
• Support for businesses across all industries and demographics

Eligibility Requirements

• Licensed and Located: Must be licensed and located in the City of Alexandria
• Operational Status: In operation as of March 1, 2019
• Legal Structure: For-profit entity
• Good Standing: Business must be in good standing with the city
• Permanency: Intend to remain in Alexandria
• Employees: 2-100 W2 employees (full- or part-time)
• Ownership: Locally owned and operated
• Revenue Loss: Must demonstrate revenue loss of 25% or more due directly to COVID-19
• Sustainability: Business must be able to recover and remain sustainable post-COVID
• Tax Status: Cannot be delinquent on city business taxes

Diversity Outreach

Marketing conducted in four languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, and Amharic

Demographics of Recipients (2020 Round)

Race/Ethnicity:

• 49% White
• 22% Asian
• 8% Hispanic or Latin American
• 6% Black or African American
• 15% chose not to disclose
• 38% self-reported as Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, or Asian American

Gender:

• 49% Male
• 40% Female
• 1% Transgender or gender non-conforming
• 10% preferred not to disclose

Special Categories:

• 9% registered as Small, Woman-Owned, and Minority (SWaM) business
• 8% active duty U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard

Contact

Address: 1940 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Application Process

Application Period (2020 Round): June 4-8, 2020

1. Submit Application: Complete application with required documentation
2. Independent Review: Applications reviewed by independent third-party consultant to determine eligibility
3. Notification: AEDP notifies applicants of results
4. Publication: Grantee list published on AEDP website
5. Fund Disbursement: Funds delivered to qualifying applicants

Required Documentation

• Proof of business license and City of Alexandria location
• Documentation of business operational status as of March 1, 2019
• Proof of good standing with the city (no delinquent taxes)
• Financial documentation demonstrating 25% or more revenue loss due to COVID-19
• Business plan or statement demonstrating ability to recover and remain sustainable
• Proof of W2 employee count (2-100 employees)

Note: For information on future application rounds, contact AEDP directly.