Several months ago, Main Street America partnered alongside The Hartford to support small businesses through the HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program as they work to reopen safely. The program sought to assist brick-and-mortar businesses in commercial districts across the nation, funding solutions that help merchants respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, grant recipients from across the nation have been announced, and nine Virginia businesses will received grant funds to aid recovery efforts!

“As COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on the small businesses that make our downtowns thrive, these locally-owned businesses need our support now more than ever! We are thrilled to assist these small businesses owners as they work to not only address challenges related to the pandemic, but also support the resilience of older and historic Main Street and commercial districts.” – Patrice Frey, President & CEO, NMSC

The following Virginia small businesses were named Hartbeat recipients:

• Center of the Yarniverse, LLC | Ashland, VA
• Foode | Fredericksburg, VA
• Lineage Goods, LLC | Harrisonburg, VA
• The Frame Factory | Harrisonburg, VA
• Charlee Rose, LLC | Harrisonburg, VA
• House Mountain Yarn Co. | Lexington, VA
• Walkabout Outfitter | Lexington, VA
• Spearman Artisanry, LLC | Lynchburg, VA
• Oshun Organics, LLC | Lynchburg, VA

“The Hartford is proud to have worked with Main Street America to provide these exceptional businesses with grant funds. Small business owners are at the heart of every community, and I have been even more inspired than usual by their resilience, innovation and hard work.” – Stephanie Bush, The Hartford

In total, $78,823 was awarded to Virginia small businesses through the Hartbeat of Main Street Grant Program, and, according to MSA, these businesses will utilize grant funds to create digital / print marketing campaigns, develop an eCommerce website, hire additional staff, purchase equipment to aid production during the holidays, cover rent and more!

If you or a business you know didn’t receive funding through round one, MSA announced that a second round of the Hartbeat on Main Street Grant Program will open on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Applicants should review MSA’s program website and FAQ before completing an application, paying careful attention to eligibility questions that offer guidance for those that already applied. Applications will be due Oct. 29, 2020 by 4:59 p.m. PT.

Click here to view the full list of grant recipients from across the nation!

Lead Image: Small Biz Ahead – The Hartford