Funding Amount

$5,000 per award

Deadline

July 18, 2026

101 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Business Development Grants

Funder: United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce

Status: Active; accepting applications for 2026

Geographic Scope: Greater Charlottesville area

Focus Areas: Small business development, empowerment, and sustainment

Award Details:

  • Up to 10 grants available per cycle

  • $5,000 per award

  • 2026 Application deadline: July 18, 2026, 12:00 PM (Noon)
  • Eligible Uses of Funds:

  • Equipment and supplies purchase

  • Hiring staff

  • Operational investments

  • Promotional investments

  • Critical business expenses needed for growth and/or sustainment
  • Eligibility Criteria:

  • Small business owner in Greater Charlottesville area

  • Must attend 30-minute virtual info session (required)

  • Must have active email account
  • Program Overview:
    The Business Development Grants program aims to empower and sustain local entrepreneurs and their small businesses in the Greater Charlottesville area. The program recognizes that strong, long-standing local businesses have a positive impact on communities and local families by providing services, employment, and economic opportunity.

    Partnership:
    Made possible through UWGC's partnership with the Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.

    Why Apply:
    UWGC is committed to helping uplift local businesses that shape the vibrancy of the Greater Charlottesville region and offer much-needed services, employment, and community benefit.

    Contact Information:
    Dabney Coleman
    Email: dcoleman@unitedwaycville.org
    Phone: (434) 972-1701

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Required Info Session Attendance:
    Attendance at one 30-minute virtual informational session is required to apply. Each session has its own Zoom link:

    2026 Info Sessions:

  • Info Session #1: June 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM

  • Info Session #2: June 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM

  • Info Session #3: June 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM
  • Application Submission:
    1. Attend one of the virtual info sessions listed above
    2. Obtain Zoom link specific to chosen session
    3. Complete online application form
    4. Provide business information:
    - Business name and description
    - Business location/address
    - Owner information
    - Business registration/license details
    5. Describe intended use of funds
    6. Explain how grant will support business growth or sustainment
    7. Submit application through online portal

    Application Deadline:
    July 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon)

    Required Materials:

  • Email account

  • Business documentation (registration, license, etc.)

  • Description of critical business expenses/needs

  • Plan for fund utilization
  • Contact

    Dabney Coleman Email: dcoleman@unitedwaycville.org Phone: (434) 972-1701

    Any questions about the application process or requirements should be directed to Dabney Coleman.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businessesminority-businesses

    Categories

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