Two Downtown Excelsior Springs Small Businesses To Receive $10,000 Backing Small Business Enhancement Grant
American Express and Main Street America have announced the recipients of the 2024 Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant, and two notable downtown Excelsior Springs businesses, Other Trails and Ray’s Lunch, are among the honored recipients. This prestigious grant awards $10,000 to each of the selected small businesses, aiding their growth and development.
The Backing Small Businesses grant program, launched in 2021, has awarded over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide, supporting economic recovery and growth post-COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s grant recipients include 500 small businesses from all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, the grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant, which will be awarded to 25 small businesses.
“We are truly thrilled to provide additional support to our country’s small business owners through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, along with our partners at American Express,” said Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes. “These grants are no small thing – and will go far in helping our neighborhood and downtown entrepreneurs build capacity, continue to innovate and grow, and make meaningful contributions in their home communities.”
Ray’s Lunch, a beloved local eatery, expressed their gratitude for the grant. Morgan and Dan shared their excitement: “Dan and I feel so fortunate to have been selected for a $10,000 Backing Small Business Grant. We are excited to use this grant to continue improvements to Ray’s Lunch so that it can thrive for years to come.”
Other Trails, a community-focused business, is equally thrilled about the grant. Phillip Scherer, owner of Other Trails, stated, “Our hope is that we continue to anchor ourselves in the community of Excelsior Springs as a hub to meet, work, and inspire personal interactions in a world that is increasingly becoming remote. This small business grant will help us become more energy efficient, improve overall appearance, and better adapt the available space inside our building.”
Lyndsey M. Baxter, Executive Director of Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), expressed her enthusiasm for the recognition of these local businesses. “We are incredibly proud to see two of our downtown businesses, Ray’s Lunch and Other Trails, receive the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant. This is a testament to how vibrant and vital these businesses are to our downtown. I look forward to seeing how these grants will allow these businesses to grow and become more prosperous in their endeavors, right here in Downtown Excelsior Springs.”
For more information about the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant, please visit the American Express and Main Street America websites.
About the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. is a nationally and stated accredited Main Street non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and growth of Downtown Excelsior Springs. Through collaboration with business owners, local government, and the community, DEP works to enhance economic development, cultural vitality, and the overall quality of life in the downtown area.
For more information about the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. and upcoming events, please visit VisitExcelsior.com.
Contact
Name: Lyndsey M. Baxter
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 816-719-9912
Email: exec@visitesprings.com
Website: VisitExcelsior.com
