Government

Economic Development

NOTICE:  Because of prolonged drought conditions throughout 2023, Clarke County farmers are eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loans. Assistance for farmers includes Farm Service Agency emergency loans. For more information about available assistance and the application process, call (804) 287-1500, or read this USDA “Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance” brochure. The Shenandoah and Northern Counties Farm Service Agency office in Strasburg can provide more information; contact the office at (540) 465-2424. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations with economic losses because of this year’s drought. The EIDLs are available for some counties in Virginia, including Clarke. The program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities; however, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers. 

 

 

The Economic Development & Tourism office aims to attract new businesses that fit Clarke County’s character and assist existing businesses by connecting state, local, and private sector agencies. Go to YesClarkeCounty.com for more economic development information. Clarke County also has an Economic Development Advisory Committee.

The office also promotes tourism and maintains experienceclarkecounty.com.

The Economic Development & Tourism office is located in the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center (second floor) at 101 Chalmers Ct. in Berryville, Va.

Hours
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Michelle Ridings
Director of Economic Development & Tourism
(540) 955-5107
(540) 277-7567 (cell)
(540) 955-5180 (fax)
mridings@clarkecounty.gov

 

On Dec. 13, 2022, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center gave a half-day “Rural Development” presentation in Berryville for farmers, agri-business owners, and others interested in expanding their businesses and/or purchasing new equipment. Here are their presentations from the “Rural Development” program: