Community Business Launch (CBL)
Forecasted
Community Business Launch (CBL) supports Virginia communities running business training and pitch competitions to help entrepreneurs open or expand ventures in vacant commercial spaces.
Funder: Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY27: up to $60,000 per applicant; projects complete within one year of contract signature
Summary: Supports local business-training and pitch programs that bring new or expanding ventures into vacant commercial spaces.
Key Information: Applicants must provide a 50% match, at least 40% of it in cash.
Description
Community Business Launch (CBL) is a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development program for place-based entrepreneurial development. It helps communities fill clusters of vacant storefronts or reactivate underused properties with start-up and expanding businesses. Local programs train entrepreneurs, creatives, producers, and small business owners in business planning and operations, then hold a judged pitch competition. Winners receive cash awards and community support services.
CBL emphasizes market analysis, outreach to potential business owners, and support after businesses open. Communities may use the program to build a broader pool of entrepreneurs and repeat the training and competition with local resources, strengthening business and job creation beyond the initial grant.
