Envision Enterprise Grants

Funder: United Way of Greater Charlottesville in partnership with City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County Economic Development Authorities

Geographic Scope: Greater Charlottesville area (Charlottesville and Albemarle County)

Focus Areas: Small business growth and expansion

Award Details:

• FY25 cycle: $40,000 total awarded to 4 small businesses
• $10,000 per award
• Funds intended for growth and expansion of local small businesses

Eligible Uses of Funds:

• Equipment and supplies purchase
• Staff hiring
• Operational investments
• Promotional investments
• Other critical business expenses needed for growth and/or sustainment

Eligibility Criteria:

• Small business owners in Greater Charlottesville area
• Limited access to capital
• Commitment to community economic development

Program Overview:
These grants support local small business owners with limited access to capital by providing funds for growth and expansion. The program aims to strengthen the local business community and economy.

FY25 Grant Recipients:

1. Monster Cleaning Services, LLC
2. Sisters Who Care, LLC
3. SVN7VII Brand, LLC
4. Black Roses, LLC (DBA: Black Roses Landscaping)

Partnership:
Made possible through partnerships with City of Charlottesville Economic Development Authority and Albemarle County Economic Development Authority.

Application Process

General Requirements:

• Submit application by announced deadline (typically mid-July)
• Attendance at 30-minute virtual info session required
• Email account required

Application Components:

1. Complete online application form
2. Business information and documentation
3. Description of intended use of funds
4. Business plan or growth strategy overview
5. Evidence of limited access to capital or need for funding

Submission Process:

• Online application portal
• Application deadline announced annually (FY25 deadline: July 18, 2025, 12:00 PM Noon)
• Up to 10 grants may be awarded per cycle

Required Information Session Attendance:

• Virtual informational sessions provided
• Session duration: approximately 30 minutes
• Separate Zoom links for each session
• Example FY25 sessions: June 11, June 18, June 24
• Attendance required to be eligible to apply

Contact

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

Additional Notes

• Grants awarded to support growth and/or business sustainment
• Funds may be used for operational and promotional investments