Virginia Main Street

In 2021, American Express and Main Street America (MSA) created the Backing Small Businesses grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. In its first year, the program provided $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners across the country. Now in its second year, the program increased the number of grants awarded to 350 and total funding to more than $2.3 million to further support small business owners.

Of the small businesses awarded this year, nine grantees are located in Virginia and found in communities that are active within the Virginia Main Street (VMS) network at various levels of participation:

• Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca | Cape Charles, Virginia
• Batter Bar | Lynchburg, Virginia
• India K’ Raja Restaurant | Henrico, Virginia
• Jon Henry General Store | New Market, Virginia
• River Rock Outfitter | Fredericksburg, Virginia
• Salon Eleven | Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Tiller Strings | Harrisonburg, Virginia
• Sugar It Up | Clarksville, Virginia
• The Foundry Pop-Ups | Staunton, Virginia

Each of these small businesses were awarded a $5,000 grant to address an acute business need or help implement innovative solutions to build economic vitality and foster a thriving community.

This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative. Other initiatives such as the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants are helping to provide financial support and resources to small business owners in the country and around the Commonwealth.

Click here to learn more about the second annual “Backing Small Businesses” grants!