Historic storefronts in downtown Chase City

Small Business Grants & Loans in Chase City, VA

Finding capital is often less about locating one perfect program and more about matching the need to the right source. A Chase City retailer buying equipment, a home-based firm moving into commercial space, and a company planning an expansion may all need different funding. For owners searching for Chase City small business grants or loans, the resources below organize the main local, state, and federal options in Mecklenburg County.

Mecklenburg County offers several assistance grants that can reduce the cash burden of a qualifying project. The Chamber’s mission centers on strengthening local businesses and the community, so these programs belong in a practical financing guide for members. The four grant options address different growth needs:

  • Business Growth Grant — provides up to $50,000 in 1:1 matching funds for one-time investments that expand capacity, sales, services, or job creation. Eligible costs can include equipment, tools, professional services, and business software or hardware. Applicants generally need a current business license active for at least one year, local ownership, and 5 to 50 employees.
  • Home-Based Business Transition Grant — offers up to $15,000 in matching funds to eligible county businesses moving from a home location into commercial space. It can support equipment, furnishings, inventory, certain property costs, renovations, or utility connections. The business must have operated in Mecklenburg County for at least one year.
  • E-Commerce Grant — provides up to $10,000 in 1:1 matching funds for a new online store, mobile application, online ordering, payment processing, or another improvement that adds meaningful e-commerce capability. Cosmetic redesigns and recurring hosting or maintenance costs do not qualify.
  • Commercial Property Demolition Grant — can provide up to $50,000 in matching funds for demolition and cleanup of qualifying blighted or underused commercial structures.

For the 2026 grant round, applications are due November 30. Reviews take place in December, with awards announced in January.

Grants are competitive and reimbursement-based, so businesses that need larger amounts or upfront capital should also review loan programs. Together, these options form an important part of Mecklenburg County business financing.

Mecklenburg County lists the Lake Country Development Corporation Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. Its current financing page shows loans of up to $250,000, generally priced 3% below prime with a 5% floor. Funds may support land, buildings, machinery, renovations, new construction, and working capital, especially where financing helps create jobs and leverage other investment.

The Commonwealth of Virginia Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund can provide up to $1 million, or up to 40% of total project cost. Terms are negotiated by project and are typically at or below market rates. This Virginia revolving loan fund is aimed at larger economic-development projects.

Mecklenburg County is also within Virginia’s tobacco-producing region. The Tobacco Region Opportunity Fund supports job-creating investment projects through performance-based grants or loans to eligible localities. Businesses considering a significant expansion should discuss eligibility with Mecklenburg County Economic Development rather than treating TROF as a standard direct business loan.

The Chamber’s member directory includes Benchmark Community Bank and Carter Bank. They are useful local starting points for conventional credit conversations, but rates, collateral requirements, and products should be confirmed directly with each lender.

Federal SBA programs broaden the financing menu when conventional credit does not fit. The 7(a) program can support working capital, equipment, real estate, refinancing, or ownership changes. CDC/504 financing focuses mainly on major fixed assets. SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000 through approved nonprofit intermediaries.

Businesses apply through participating lenders or intermediaries, not directly to SBA for ordinary 7(a), 504, or Microloan financing. A lender-matching resource can help identify participating lenders and compare financing options. It is a useful starting point for owners researching SBA loans in Virginia.

For planning support, Mecklenburg County businesses can use the Longwood University SBDC location at the South Hill Chamber of Commerce, 201 S. Mecklenburg Avenue. Virginia SCORE also provides free mentoring and workshops. These services can help owners strengthen projections, business plans, and loan packages.

Start by defining the project: what you need to buy, how much it will cost, and what business result it should produce. That determines whether a grant, revolving loan, SBA-backed product, or bank loan is the better fit.

Next, check program-specific eligibility before spending money. Mecklenburg County grant projects generally cannot begin before approval. Several programs require at least one year in operation, an active business license where applicable, quotes, and a signed IRS Form W-9. The demolition grant has different property-based requirements.

Then prepare a complete application file with quotes, ownership or lease documents when relevant, licenses, tax information, and a short explanation of how the project will increase capacity, sales, employment, or commercial activity. For the 2026 county grant cycle, submit by November 30.

Finally, contact the Mecklenburg County Economic Development & Tourism Office at 350 Washington St., Boydton, VA 23917, or call 434-738-6388 to confirm eligibility. For SBA financing, speak with a participating lender and use the SBDC or SCORE if you want help reviewing projections before submission.