Backing Small Businesses in Salem, VA

The City of Salem‘s small business community has been thriving, and much of that success can attributed to local entrepreneurs like Robin Ferguson, owner of The Knittin’ Coop. Reflecting on her long-time dream of being a business owner, Robin stated the following:

“The seed was planted 39 years ago when I worked in Salem’s first and only yarn shop. I knew that this is what I wanted to do – create a space for like-minded individuals to gather and create.”

– Robin Ferguson, Owner of The Knittin’ Coop

After opening her shop six months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Robin’s focus on community, Virginia farms, and indie dyers helped the Knittin’ Coop survive challenging times. With additional support from the Main Street America and American Express Backing Small Business Grant program, her vision has grown even further.

“Being awarded this grant has opened up more opportunities for me to offer many new and different products that I have wanted to bring to the shop since the beginning. In addition, I am adding a beautiful new sign to the side of the building since many people are still either coming in saying they didn’t know I was here or they couldn’t find me. I cannot thank Main Street America enough for giving me the opportunity to spread more joy and love to the community through the fiber arts.”

– Robin Ferguson, Owner of The Knittin’ Coop

Robin’s success is just one example of how Salem is experiencing a downtown renaissance.

“We are excited to be engaged with the Virginia Main Street program. The city, residents, and our businesses are beginning to see the fruits of their combined labor from comprehensive planning nearly a decade ago. Downtown has seen significant investment in streetscape beautification, facade improvements, murals, and numerous new businesses. Support of programming and grant funding from Virginia Main Street has been invaluable. Congratulations to Robin with the Knittin Coop and Savannah with Wonderous Books & More for being recipients of the Backing Small Business Grant.”

– City of Salem Economic Development

As Salem continues to grow and evolve, its downtown is poised to benefit even more from the support of local businesses and programs like Virginia Main Street (VMS). By fostering this strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, Salem is creating economic and cultural vitality.