On March 18, Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye sent the letter below to Governor Ralph Northam, in support of the effort to seek an economic injury declaration that would make Prince William County eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. He also made the Governor aware of County efforts to solicit impact statements from Prince William businesses through an online survey.
“Our small businesses are the bedrock of our local economy, and we must do whatever we can to help them weather the negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. In working in collaboration with our state and federal government, we can provide small businesses in the Occoquan District and Prince William County the resiliency that comes with emergency access to capital. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment,” said Supervisor Boddye, of these efforts.
The Honorable Ralph Northam
Governor of Virginia
P.O. Box 1475
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Dear Governor Northam,
In response to the unprecedented negative impacts facing our small business community as a result of the current pandemic, I am writing to you today to commend you in having the Commonwealth of Virginia seek an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) from The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Such a declaration will allow qualified small businesses access to low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital. This infusion of capital would help shore up our local economy and assist these businesses in retaining their workforce.
As you know, under revised guidelines released by the SBA yesterday, the criteria for seeking such a declaration has been loosened, and the scope for its application broadened. Currently, the only counties in Virginia that have access to this relief are those immediately contiguous with Washington, D.C.
Your swift action will change that disparity and give small businesses in Prince William County – and throughout the commonwealth – an additional means of weathering the economic disruption caused by this pandemic.
Prince William County’s Economic Development Department has provided outreach to members of the business community in our county and is encouraging them to complete the survey provided by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. It is our hope that the participation of our business community assists your efforts.
As always, I appreciate your attention and efforts in addressing the needs of Prince William and Virginia families.
Best,
Kenny Boddye
Occoquan District Supervisor