Virginia's "Return to Earn" Grant Program

August 23, 2021 | By Marian Marquez

Two people seated at a table in a discussion

The Return to Earn grant program will match bonuses made by eligible small businesses up to $500 for new hires.

Unemployed Virginians are facing a variety of childcare, transportation and other barriers to returning to the workforce while some small businesses are struggling to find workers. To support Virginians in their transition back to employment, Governor Ralph Northam will invest $3 million to pilot the Return to Earn Grant Program.

The initiative will match up to $500 that a qualifying small business pays directly to a new employee hired on or after May 31, 2021 to support their transition back to employment. Funds will only be reimbursed for new hires in positions that pay at least $15 per hour and qualify as W-2 employment, either full- or part-time. Qualifying small childcare businesses, who may be facing particularly challenging workforce shortages, may qualify for up to $500 per new hire without the requirement to match.

To learn more and to apply, go visit the to Return to Earn site.