In partnership with the City of Petersburg, the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) hosted a celebratory “Success Walk” last month, embarking on a short guided tour of businesses that opened or expanded in Historic Old Towne Petersburg as part of MBL’s Petersburg Small Business Launch Program, which received a $100,000 Community Business Launch (CBL) grant in 2024.
Community Business Launch is a state-funded program focused on training entrepreneurs and creatives business best practices to fill vacant storefronts within a district and increase sales income for the community.
All entrepreneurs that completed MBL’s 10-week training program and were interested in occupying a brick-and-mortar space were eligible to apply for MBL’s $10,000 Storefront Grant. Those interested were also expected to pitch in front of a panel of judges. Out of the 27 businesses that completed the training, 12 submitted business plans to pitch, and five were selected for funding, including Cool Beanz, Chick N Crave, Soul Rebel, Haus on Market, and Muse Collective / Wax + Wink.
Business Features
Cool Beanz Café is a cozy, community-driven coffee shop that brings culture, creativity, and caffeine together in the heart of downtown Petersburg. Owned by duo William Jones and Nikki Harris, this Black and woman-owned business serves up coffee, tea, small bites, and good vibes — while also operating as a welcoming space for events, local artists, and entrepreneurs. With its warm atmosphere and growing presence, Cool Beanz has quickly become a hub for connection and collaboration in the city.
Chic N Crave is a flavorful addition to Old Towne, offering crave-worthy chicken dishes with a twist. Owned and operated by Tysean Ford at 16 N. Sycamore Street, this quick-serve restaurant specializes in bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and fast service — all with a side of southern hospitality. It’s a go-to spot for food lovers and a proud Black-owned business bringing culinary excellence to Petersburg’s restaurant scene.
Soul Rebel, located at 106 Old Street, began as a Caribbean-American Fusion Restaurant based in Northern Virginia. The owners, husband and wife duo Kofi and Shareem Annan, opened a brick and mortar restaurant in 2023 under the same name in Petersburg. Soul Rebel is a certified Small, Micro, Minority Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business serving island favorites such as curry chicken, oxtail, and jerk chicken.
Haus on Market is an art gallery and event venue committed to preserving Black arts, culture, and wellness through creative, place-based programming. Housed in a historic building in Old Towne Petersburg at 215 N. Market Street, this storefront serves as a multifunctional creative hub, hosting everything from artist residencies and educational workshops to pop-up markets and cultural events.
Muse Collective is the beautiful blend of two woman-led brands: Wax + Wink Beauty Bar and Muse Apparel. Together, they’ve created a shared storefront experience at 246 Sycamore Street that offers both luxury self-care services and curated fashion in one dynamic space. Owned by Bridgette Brundidge, Muse Collective is a statement of collaboration, creativity, and empowerment, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of two visionary Black women coming together to serve the community through style and self-care.
Click here for more information on how your community can participate in Community Business Launch!
Image Credit: Metropolitan Business League
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