Posted Feb. 27, 2025

Metropolitan Business League, Altria, and Dominion Energy, and EDA Form New Private-Public Partnership to Support Local Small Businesses

Tonight, Richmond's Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved a $250,000 grant to the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) for a new Small Business Recovery Grant Fund. The program will provide grants to small businesses significantly impacted by January's water emergency and will be seeded with a total initial investment of $500,000 provided by the EDA, Dominion Energy, and Altria. Fundraising efforts are ongoing.

"In the face of challenges, we are excited about this opportunity to provide financial relief and ongoing assistance needed to help the Richmond Business Community. It is our collective resilience and shared commitment that will guide us toward helping businesses sustain.  Together, with the support of the City of Richmond and our dedicated financial partners, we will continue to foster growth and prosperity within our community." said Floyd E. Miller II, President & CEO, Metropolitan Business League.

"The water emergency deeply impacted our small business community, and this partnership is an example of how when we work together we can overcome challenges," said City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille. "I want to thank the MBL, Dominion Energy, Altria, and the EDA for the hard work they've put into standing this program up and for leading on this effort. I also want to encourage members of our business and economic development community to consider supporting the program-we all know what a great impact small businesses have on the Richmond region."

Applications for the Small Business Recovery Grant Fund will open on Mar. 17 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Mar. 28, 2025. The MBL, in cooperation with the City's Office of Minority Development, will hold virtual Q&A sessions on Mar. 6 and Mar. 12. Businesses can sign up to attend online. More information about the program, including eligibility criteria, will be available on thembl.org in the coming days.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Richmond's economy, and many experienced significant hardship during the water crisis," said Ed Baine, President Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. "We're eager to help them recover, and we're grateful for the Economic Development Authority's leadership.

"The EDA is deeply committed to the success of Richmond's small businesses. The EDA thanks the MBL, Altria, Dominion, and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem for their efforts to help small businesses bounce back," said EDA Board of Directors Chair John Molster. The MBL will deploy the small business grants through the Capital Access Hub. The Hub is a collaborative program between MBL and Bridging Virginia (a Community Development Financial Institution) that aims to close the capital access gap for historically marginalized and underinvested small businesses through a combination of early-stage capacity building, technical assistance for capital access, and network growth.

Posted Feb. 25, 2025

Richmond's business owners now have until Mar. 31 to register with the RVA Business Portal and file Business Personal Property and Business Professional and Occupational License Taxes. Business owners who register and file before Mar. 31 will avoid late fees and interest.

In January, the City's Department of Finance introduced the RVA Business Portal (rvapay.rva.gov/bpp), an online system designed to make managing business taxes and licenses easier than ever.

With this portal, business owners can:

• file and pay business taxes online quickly and securely
• generate invoices and track payments with ease
• manage business licenses in one convenient location

"We're so excited to have launched the RVA Business Portal at the beginning of this year, and we want folks to have as much time as possible to access the new system. That's why we're giving Richmond's business owners until Mar. 31 to register in the Portal and file their taxes - and they will avoid late fees and interest." said Sheila White, Director of the Department of Finance.

Residents are encouraged to visit the RVA Business Portal today and set up an account. For questions, business owners can contact the Department of Finance's support team to reserve an appointment or submit an RVA 311 service request.

A full list of online payment options can be found on the Department of Finance's website: rva.gov/finance/online-payment

Posted February 24, 2025

~ Report potholes using the city’s RVA311 app, RVA311.com or Call 3-1-1 ~

RICHMOND, Va. – As temperatures rise, the city is transitioning from snow removal operations to pothole repair efforts. The natural process of the ground freezing and thawing can create potholes. In response, starting tomorrow, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will launch a pothole push to repair the streets. Roadway crews are diligently working to clear the current 600 service requests for pothole repairs in the city’s database. The push is expected to last two weeks with crews working on weekends.

Residents can report potholes by calling 3-1-1, visiting www.RVA311.com or downloading the RVA311 app.

Our crews are dedicated to improving the safety of Richmond streets, and we appreciate your patience as we make these repairs.

For information on DPW, go to www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov.

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA

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Posted Feb. 20, 2025

City of Richmond buildings will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow, Feb. 21. While inclement weather has ended and most roads are clear, residents are encouraged to use caution during the morning commute.

Visit rva.gov and follow the City of Richmond's social media channels for future updates on City operations.

Richmond Ready Alerts

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the new Richmond Ready Alerts system that can send information to users via text, e-mail, phone, or through an app about severe weather, fires, floods, missing persons, power outages, and other crucial public safety updates. Learn more: rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Taylor Fuqua
Public Information Officer
804-646-3542 (office)
804-709-4418 (mobile)
Taylor.fuqua@rva.gov

Richmond, VA — Due to the continued impact of severe weather conditions, all City of Richmond offices and courts will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 20. Some City services will be available virtually. The City is also urging the public to stay off the roads tonight to allow the Department of Public Works to continue treating and clearing city streets.

Residents should visit rva.gov and follow the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service.  

Inclement Weather Shelters 

To protect and shelter Richmond’s most vulnerable residents, the City’s Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army, will continue operations based on the weather.  

Additionally, a temporary inclement weather overflow shelter will be activated during this inclement weather event and will continue to operate as needed:     

• Marshall Plaza, 900 E. Marshall Street (single adult men and women/families)     

This location will serve in an overflow capacity only. Single adult men and women in need should prioritize sheltering at the Inclement Weather Shelter located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. Meals will be provided at all sites. 

Richmond Ready Alerts 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the new Richmond Ready Alerts system that can send information to users via text, e-mail, phone, or through an app about severe weather, fires, floods, missing persons, utility outages, and other crucial public safety updates. Learn more: rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts. 

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The city of Richmond’s Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response sustains citizen trust by providing reliable emergency preparedness management and communications services in a timely and efficient manner. DECPR is designated as the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the City of Richmond’s E-911 telephone system and is charged with the appropriate routing of all E-911 and non-emergency calls for service. The department is also responsible for the coordination of all emergency radio and telephone communications for public safety agencies in the City of Richmond.