Purpose: The purpose of this program is to assist Small, Women- and Minority-owned, for-profit Newport News companies in growing their business through e-Commerce.

Overview: The Economic Development Authority of the City of Newport News, Virginia (EDA) has agreed to help Newport News Small, Women- and Minority-owned private businesses grow revenues and jobs through e-Commerce, and has set aside a business assistance grant fund for that purpose.

Funding is for eligible e-Commerce services benefiting Small, Women - and Minority-owned, for-profit businesses licensed and located in Newport News.  Funds are awarded on a per-case basis and must be provided by a registered licensed e-Commerce service provider.

e-Commerce services can include but are not limited to the following:

• Search engine optimization
• Website design and development 
• Shopping systems and email marketing 
• System database development 
• Other e-Commerce innovations and enhancements as approved by EDA staff

Availability: Grants are made on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to available funding.

Eligibility: Interested businesses should contact EDA staff for full program information.  Eligibility is determined at the discretion of EDA staff.

Grant Amounts: Awards up to $2,500 for most Newport News small private businesses, not to exceed 50% of total project cost.
Grant Amounts (Women- and Minority-owned Businesses): Awards up to $4,500, not to exceed 50% of total project cost.

Grant Process / How Program Works

1. Interested businesses can obtain full program information and application from the website noted below or can contact EDA staff at 757-926-3793. EDA staff review process will determine eligibility* - projects must be legal and commercially viable.
2. All businesses must obtain two (2) quotes from e-Commerce Service Providers that are properly registered and licensed that can provide references. 
3. Each grant award is subject to review and approval of EDA staff and/or their designees. 
4. Grant funds will not be awarded to projects which have been completed prior to approval of a grant application and execution of a Grant Agreement. 
5. Approved grant recipients should pay their portion of the project cost to the Service Provider and EDA staff must receive verification of payment prior to releasing grant funds. 
6. EDA funds are paid to the e-Commerce Service Provider for the approved portion of project cost at project completion.

Full e-Commerce program information and application can be found here.

Contact Tricia Wilson, Business Development Specialist, at 757-926-3793 or email twilson@nngov.com.  
 

* City of Newport News employees, employee spouses, EDA Board Members, spouses or other City officials and spouses are not eligible to participate in grant program.