Bath County EDA Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses

Bath County EDA Opens Small Business Grant Program for First Time Since COVID

After years of informal and ad-hoc funding requests, the Economic Development Authority has put formal guidelines in place — and says the process is now open to everyone.

By Danny Cardwell  |  May 3, 2026  |  Allegheny Mountain Radio

WARM SPRINGS, Va. — Bath County’s Economic Development Authority is officially accepting small business grant applications for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the board member who spent months building the program from the ground up says the goal is simple: make sure every eligible business in the county knows the door is open.

Linda Cauley, who represents the Williamsville District on the seven-member EDA board, sat down with Allegheny Mountain Radio to explain how the program works, who can apply, and why it took this long to get here.

“We’ve had several off-the-cuff grant requests, most of which we honored. But there was no policy in place, and so it became kind of almost personal.”

— Linda Cauley, Bath County EDA

Cauley said the absence of a formal policy meant that requests came in without any consistent framework — no set limit on how much could be asked for, no clear criteria for who qualified, and no standard process for how decisions were made. Some projects received EDA funds based on little more than a presentation and a board vote. The new program is designed to change that.

“I thought it would be a good idea that we have a policy in place,” Cauley said. “Some guidelines. So it’s crystal clear to everybody — this is what we can do, this is what we’re willing to do, and this is how you access the funds.”

GRANT PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

• Annual pool: $50,000 — up to 5 or more grants per year
• Maximum award: $10,000 per application
• Who can apply: For-profit businesses with fewer than 12 employees
• New businesses: Eligible — must have all required licenses and permits
• Non-profits: Not eligible
• Deadline: June 1, 2026
• Notification: September 1, 2026
• How to apply: bathcountyva.gov — navigate to the EDA page
• Questions: linda.cauley@bathcountyva.gov

The grants are reimbursement-based and project-specific, meaning applicants must identify exactly what they intend to purchase or build, submit vendor quotes or cost estimates, complete the work after the award is made, and then be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the total project cost — with the EDA’s contribution not to exceed $10,000.

Applications opened May 1st on the Bath County website. The EDA has posted two documents: the application form itself, and a detailed narrative guide that walks businesses through what the board is looking for. Cauley said applicants should be specific.

“You need to have a specific budget because this is sort of project-based,” she said. “What exactly is it you want to accomplish? Be very specific on how these items or this service will help your business grow.”

The program covers existing businesses looking to expand or renovate, and new businesses working to get established. Eligible uses include equipment purchases, facility improvements, and marketing — but not ongoing operating expenses like utilities or phone bills.

One notable addition to the eligibility language reflects deliberate outreach to a part of the local workforce that might not have known to apply. The guidelines specifically name cottage industries, trades, retail, and restaurants — an inclusive framing that Cauley said came directly out of board discussion.

“Deborah Mills made the point that we should specifically mention this,” Cauley said, “because perhaps an electrician wouldn’t think that they could apply to get new tools or new equipment. It doesn’t matter what your small business is — you are eligible to apply for these funds.”

The program also carries accountability provisions. A clawback clause requires repayment if a business is sold or closes within 36 months of completing the grant work. Businesses that receive funding will be required to provide follow-up reports to the EDA on how the money was used.

Housing remains the EDA’s top stated priority — the board has been actively working on developing affordable workforce housing options across the county — but Cauley said small business support is a close second, and one she has pushed for throughout her time on the board.

“People can make a better living than maybe they were before. And that partially came about because we’re always being approached and asked for money.”

— Linda Cauley, Bath County EDA

The Bath County EDA meets the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at The Hub, 12291 Sam Snead Highway in Warm Springs. The board is composed of seven members appointed by the Board of Supervisors, each representing one of the county’s magisterial districts or serving at-large.

Grant applications are available now at bathcountyva.gov. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026. Awards will be announced on or around September 1, 2026.