COVID-19 - Visit VBR Partner Resources

Virginia's Blue Ridge is home to many organizations that are dedicated to serving the local and regional business community on a regular basis, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Virginia's Blue Ridge Tourism Impact Survey - let us know how your business has been impacted >

Virginia's Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge

We encourage all businesses and individuals to commit to the Virginia's Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge as a way to work together to ensure the health and safety of our community.

The pledge follows recommended guidelines from the CDC and public health experts on the best ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help Virginia's Blue Ridge stay safe as a region for local residents, businesses, and visitors.

We're encouraging all local businesses and partners to join this initiative by taking the pledge. Complete our short form to let us know you're participating! Stay Safe Pledge Business Form >

Learn more about the VBR Stay Safe Pledge >

COVID-19 - Industry Resources on Best Practices & Guidelines for Reopening

There are also many resources from trade organizations and agencies related to best practices and guidelines for various hospitality and travel industries as they move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• American Hotel & Lodging Association: Enhanced Industry-Wide Hotel Cleaning Standards - Safe Stay Guide
• FDA: Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide for Event Professionals
• CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• U.S. Travel Association: Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health & Safety of All Travelers
• Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce - Business Reopening Toolkit
• Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center - Recovery Resources
• VRLTA - Virginia Restaurant Promise Poster - 8.5x11 Version | 11x17 Version

To help you get an idea of the funding and financial support that may be available to you, please consider the following business resources below. Keep in mind that many of these entities may be experiencing a high volume of inquiries at this time:

Visit VBR Updates & Alerts

• REBUILD VA! - Small Business Grant Program Announced - 7/27/20
• Virginia Begins Phase Three of the Forward Virginia Reopening Plan Today - 7/1/20
• Virginia's Blue Ridge is Open for Groups & Meetings Business - 6/25/20
• Adopt the Virginia's Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge - 6/12/20
• Announcing Virginia's Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge - 6/9/20
• Forward Virginia: Phase Two Opening Resources Impacting Tourism Businesses - 6/4/20
• NEW Reopening Resources for Businesses & Events - 5/20/20
• Forward Virginia: Phase One Opening Resources & Call for Visit VBR Partner Updates - 5/12/20
• Kicking Off & Sharing the Importance of National Travel & Tourism Week - 5/1/20
• Showcase VBR with These New Worth the Wait Campaign Tools & Resources - 4/23/20
• NEW Virginia's Blue Ridge Marketing Campaign Launched - "Worth the Wait" - 4/17/20
• Take ACTION Today to Support Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge - 4/15/20
• Recently Added Visit VBR Partner Resources - 4/9/20
• Virginia's Blue Ridge Takeout Maps - 4/7/20
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Tourism Impact Statement from Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge - 4/3/20
• Updates & Resources from Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge - 4/1/20
• COVID-19: Virginia's Blue Ridge Tourism Impact Survey - 3/25/20
• COVID-19: Visit VBR Partner Resources - 3/20/20
• COVID-19 Visit VBR Landing Page with Partner & Visitor Resources - 3/19/20

Virginia Tourism Corporation: COVID-19 Industry Response Toolkit

• CARES Act Guidance
• Research - Traveler Sentiment, Tourism Industry Statistics, Economic Impact 
• Messaging & Content Strategy
• Brand Response & Marketing
• International Marketing
• Business Assistance Resources
• Case Studies
• Additional Resources
• Sign up to join VTC's weekly industry briefings call (Mondays - 3:00 p.m.)

Regional Resources

• Roanoke Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Roanoke SBDC - SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans - Eligibility & Application Requirements
• Roanoke Regional Partnership - Roanoke Region Responds
• Get2KnowNoke - COVID-19 Resources
• The Advancement Foundation
• Virginia Career Works - Blue Ridge
• RIDE Solutions - Telework Resources
• Roanoke Valley Virtual Tip Jar
• Carilion Clinic - PPE & Medical Supplies Donations Information

Local Governments - Business Information & Updates

• City of Roanoke - COVID-19 Business Assistance
• Roanoke County Economic Development - COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
• City of Salem - COVID-19 Official Updates
• Botetourt County - COVID-19 Business Resources
• Franklin County - Coronavirus Updates for Business
• Town of Vinton - Coronavirus Updates

Local Chambers of Commerce

• Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce
• Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce
• Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce
• Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce

State Resources

• REBUILD! VA - Small Business Grant Program
• Commonwealth of Virginia: Forward Virginia Guidelines
• Virginia Small Business Development Center
• Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
• Virginia Tourism Corporation Industry Website: COVID-19 Industry Response Toolkit 
• Virginia Restaurant Lodging & Travel Association
• Virginia Unemployment Commission
• Governor of Virginia - FAQs on Unemployment
• Virginia 30 Day Fund - Forgivable Loans for Virginia Small Businesses
• Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Virginia ABC Adjusts Licensing Regulations
• Virginia Department of Taxation - Option to Request Extension of Sales Tax Deadlines

National & Related Resources

• Small Business Administration - Disaster Loan Assistance Program
• CARES Act - Paycheck Protection Program
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Employer Paid Leave Requirements
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Chamber of Commerce - Coronavirus Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide
• Facebook Small Business Grants Program
• Yelp - Relief for Restaurants & Bars
• United States Bartenders Guild Foundation - Relief Grants
• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation - Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
• CORE - Children of Restaurant Employees
• CDC Resources for Businesses & Employers

Mental Health & Self Care Resources

• CDC - How to Manage Stress & Anxiety
• CDC - Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• SAMHSA - Disaster Distress Helpline - 1 800 985-5990