Downtown Greensboro Inc. (DGI), with support from the Guilford Merchants Association (GMA) began awarding grants of up to $1,500 each to downtown businesses affected by both COVID-19, as well as the civil unrest in late May. The grant money can be used for storefront repairs, lost inventory, new business plan initiatives, inventory growth, marketing, rent assistance, job retention and other related business expenses.
“While our initial grant program was squarely focused on retailers who were forced to close because of the pandemic, last weekend’s vandalism on the heels of peaceful protests led us to reevaluate our mission,” says Zack Matheny, President and CEO of DGI. “I’m thankful that we are able to award this money to help any of our downtown business owners who are struggling right now.”
First Round Grant Recipients are:
- Area Modern Home
- Baked Downtown
- Boho Salon
- Carolina Theatre
- Cheesecakes by Alex
- Chez Genese
- Cincy’s
- Community Theatre of Greensboro
- Crafted Art of the Taco
- Crooked Tail Cat Café
- Deep Roots Market
- Flaviano’s Mexican Restaurant
- Gate City Candy Company
- Greensboro Downtown Yoga
- Kingdom Creative Counseling
- Krave Kava Bar
- La Facial Hair and Nail Salon
- Machete
- Scuppernong Books
- Something BARowed
- Stolen Skateshop
- The Bodega
- The View on Elm
- Vintage to Vogue Boutique
- Vivid Interiors
- Zeto Wine Shop
With a goal to help as many downtown businesses as possible, DGI is raising money via a GoFundMe account to assist with additional rounds of grants. An anonymous gift of $5,000 has been pledged if DGI and GMA can secure matching gifts equaling that amount before June 15.
“An additional $10,000 towards our grant program will help another six businesses in the heart of our community. What an impact we can have on our small businesses,” Matheny says.
Start-up money for the Retail Revitalization Grant Program in the amount of $30,000 is being provided by DGI, with GMA stepping in to support the initiative with an additional $25,000. The Greensboro Virus Relief Fund, established by United Way of Greater Greensboro, City of Greensboro and Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, awarded the program $24,000.
More information about the DGI Retail Revitalization Grant Program, including the grant application and donation information, can be found by clicking here.