How Small Businesses are Thriving

Inspiring Ways Small Businesses are Thriving in the TOV

By: Ashley Miller, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

It’s no surprise that COVID-19 has altered life as we know it. Despite the tough times, businesses of all sizes in the Top of Virginia and across the nation have found ways to fight back during the pandemic. Here are a few ways small businesses are continuing to thrive and stay top of mind. One of the neatest ways small businesses are thriving is by finding creative solutions to keep their business going. White House Foods pivoted their manufacturing lines to produce hand sanitizer. While the Shenandoah Arts Council, ShenArts produced and distributed over 1,000 masks to those in need in our community. Take out and delivery became a big commodity. As restaurants were forced to close their doors in early April, restaurants had to find ways to

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ShenArts distributed over 1,000 masks to community members in need. service their customers needs. Cafe del Sol of Winchester quickly pivoted and opened their drive though window. Business has been booming ever since. Lauri Bridgeforth, Bridgeforth Photographics brought the community together for Front Porch Portraits for both families and businesses. Instead of paying a session fee, Bridgeforth donated funds to a local nonprofit. Signet Marketing gave back to their local community by designing and selling a special Shop Local t-shirt. Proceeds went to 15 local small businesses. While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted commerce, disrupted economies, we have seen an extraordinary display of hope and how we continue to remain #StrongerTogether here in the TOV and across the nation.

Banks Maintain Community Presence During Pandemic

By: Ashley Miller, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

Many banks across the Top of Virginia stepped up to support the financial needs of individuals and businesses in their backyards, going above and beyond to help their customers during the pandemic. First Bank has been helping small businesses and their communities grow and thrive for over 100 years. Recently First Bank proudly helped over 600 business partners receive more than $78 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans from the SBA, saving hundreds of jobs across the markets we serve. First Bank also provides financing solutions custom-tailored to fit the small business’ needs. Their established business bankers blend hi-tech solutions with personal care and provide a uniquely personal customer experience. As trusted advisors, their bankers provide services that allow businesses to pay employees and vendors electronically through ACH, and receive payments safely and contact-free. Whether it’s a local non-profit, a family owned small business, a one person operation, or a large professional organization, First Bank’s technology enables safe, secure access to accounts with features that help businesses manage their money in the way that suits their businesses best. Their bankers are here to help! During the loan period, Bank of Clarke County closed 909 loans totaling, $88,518,250.00 in funding to local concerns. The efforts on the part of their staff to complete the extensive paperwork in a very tight timeline were incredible with many working around the clock to process governmental requirements and paperwork. Bank of Clarke looks forward to the forgiveness portion of the PPP program and to witness local businesses and organizations remove debt from their balance sheets, improving not only their financial position but improving the communities in which they operate.