From Ideas to Impact: Blackstone’s Growversity Program Bolsters Local Business Growth

Posted on by Department of Housing and Community Development

In late 2023, the Town of Blackstone was awarded a $50,000 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant (VBDRG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This funding enabled the Town to collaborate with Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (DBI) – the local Main Street organization – to develop and implement a comprehensive small business support program within the community, with a particular focus on Blackstone’s Historic Business District (HBD).

The community’s entrepreneurial support program, Growversity, offered an eight-week training series designed to provide established businesses with essential tools and strategies for growth. Developed and executed through a partnership between the Town, DBI and Letterpress Communications, the program featured a robust curriculum. The Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) further supported the initiative by assisting with program administration and delivery.

The following classes were offered:

  • Week 1 – Back to the Basics: Find Where to Focus
  • Week 2 – Marketing Mastery I: Owned Channels
  • Week 3 – People Management Essentials
  • Week 4 – Marketing Mastery II: Paid Channels
  • Week 5 – Doing Business With the Government
  • Week 6 – Financial Nuts & Bolts
  • Week 7 – Navigating Access to Capital
  • Week 8 – Pitch Night (Showcase Your Business)

“Over the span of eight weeks, this partnership established a program centered on the principles of effective communication, relationship-building, camaraderie, and education, all aimed at fostering the growth of local businesses. Feedback from participants has indicated that while the program provided numerous ideas for business growth, the most noteworthy benefit was the relationships formed among participants.” – Chastiddy Bryant, Community Development Director for the Town of Blackstone

Upon program completion, participating businesses located within the HBD were invited to submit grant proposals to the Town to support their growth initiatives. A review committee, comprising representatives from the Town, DBI and other key stakeholders, evaluated the proposals and selected grant recipients.

Initially, 13 local businesses registered to participate in the Growversity program, representing both in-district and out-of-district enterprises. Ultimately, five businesses successfully completed all program requirements, making them eligible for grant funding. On Tuesday, November 12th, these businesses presented their proposals to a panel of judges consisting of representatives from the Town and DBI. Following a thorough evaluation, all five businesses were awarded mini-grants to support their growth and development.

Here are a few examples of businesses / projects that were supported by the Growversity program:

  • Acapulco Mexican Grill (left) was awarded $11,000 to enhance its dining experience by installing new flooring in the dining room and kitchen areas. This improvement will elevate the ambiance and functionality of the space, creating a more inviting environment for patrons while supporting the operational needs of the restaurant.
  • Blackstone Emporium (middle) received $9,500 to modernize its business operations by implementing new software systems for inventory management, point-of-sale (POS) and accounting. This upgrade will improve efficiency, streamline processes and enhance the customer shopping experience, reinforcing the furniture store’s role as a key retail destination in the district.
  • Blackstone Counseling & Behavioral Health, LLC (right) was granted $6,000 to expand its service offerings by acquiring specialized training and equipment to provide Autism testing. This initiative will enable the mental health clinic to address critical community needs, offering needed resources and support to families in the region.

“The Growversity program has been a powerful catalyst for economic growth and community engagement within Blackstone’s Historic Business District. By providing small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive, it directly strengthens the vitality of our downtown areas. This program has already shown great promise, and as we move forward, we are committed to expanding it, offering an even broader curriculum and reaching more participants. We envision Growversity becoming an annual initiative, helping to nurture the next generation of business leaders while fostering a more vibrant, connected community.” – Jim Archambault, DBI Executive Director

The Growversity program exemplifies Blackstone’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of local businesses. By providing tailored training, funding opportunities and a collaborative platform, the program has empowered business owners to implement impactful projects that enhance their operations and contribute to the vitality of the community. Through initiatives like Growversity, Blackstone continues to cultivate a thriving downtown that balances preservation with progress, reinforcing its role as a hub for commerce and community engagement.

Photo Credit: Field Green