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Botetourt EDA refers suspected Small Business Grant fraud to Sheriff’s Department after staff follow-up
Summary
Staff reported that follow-up on the Small Business Grant awards uncovered one or more fraudulent applications filed using local business names; staff turned the information over to the Sheriff’s Department, which opened an investigation. EDA said no funds were disbursed to the fraudulent applicants.
Luke Campbell, a staff member with the Botetourt County Economic Development Authority, reported that the Small Business Grant Awards process was nearly complete but one awardee had not yet submitted required documents.
During follow-up outreach, Campbell said staff discovered what appeared to be fraudulent activity: one or more individuals submitted grant applications under the names of several different local businesses. Staff turned the information over to the Sheriff’s Department for investigation. The minutes state that the fraudulent actors did not receive any EDA funds.
Kyle Rosner, a staff member who presented earlier agenda items, said the EDA will require in-person interviews for applicants in next year’s grant round to reduce fraud risk. The Authority did not take a formal vote on changes to the grant program at this meeting.
The staff update also noted media/marketing follow-up: Luke Campbell said he will coordinate with Brent Watts, the County communications director, to produce onsite video marketing at some of the winners’ businesses.
