Virginia organizations partner to launch the new Small Business Boost Program

Henrico, Virginia, July 11, 2023

The Henrico Economic Development Authority (EDA) is excited to announce its partnership with the Henrico Citizen, resulting in a unique opportunity for twenty small businesses and organizations in Henrico. Through the Henrico Small Business Boost program, these selected companies will receive complimentary three-month advertising packages with the Henrico Citizen, offering exposure and visibility across various platforms.

The advertising packages will encompass Henrico Citizen’s online presence, including email newsletters, social media channels, podcasts, and sponsored content platforms. This collaborative initiative addresses small businesses’ challenges in gaining exposure to their products and services. By reaching out to the broad audience of over 65,000 monthly visitors on HenricoCitizen.com, along with the additional 40,000 followers through email and social media platforms, the program seeks to generate new business opportunities, thereby fortifying the thriving small business climate in the county.

Anthony Romanello, the Executive Director of the Henrico EDA, emphasized the significance of supporting the small business community and nurturing a vibrant ecosystem. “We deeply value the exceptional talent and dedication of our small business community, and the Henrico Small Business Boost program has been designed to fulfill a need and foster a vibrant ecosystem,” he stated. “We believe in the power of supporting our locality’s small businesses and helping them thrive. This initiative will not only boost the visibility and growth of these businesses but also contribute to the overall economic prosperity for all in Henrico.”

We are delighted to provide this valuable exposure opportunity to twenty deserving small businesses in Henrico,” expressed Tom Lappas, Publisher of the Henrico Citizen. “As someone who has experienced the difficulties of operating a small business firsthand, I understand the challenges involved in spreading the word about one’s offerings. Our program aims to bridge this gap by connecting these businesses with our engaged readership, enabling them to expand their reach.

The twenty businesses selected for the program represent a diverse range of industries in Henrico County, showcasing the breadth and depth of small business ventures. From refuse companies to restaurants, coffee shops to ice cream trucks, and power washing companies to marketing agencies, the program celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in the community.

Notably, ten of the twenty participating businesses are owned by individuals of color, while thirteen are held by women—a testament to the program’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Furthermore, in a spirit of community support, each participating business will also “pay it forward” by offering a minimum of $250 worth of in-kind products or services to a Henrico nonprofit, further strengthening the ties within the county.

The twenty companies selected for the Henrico Small Business Boost program are:

  • Anchor 6:19
  • B&B Refuse
  • Brick Road Coffee
  • Disco Sports
  • Elite Treats and Eats
  • Emerge New Unlimited
  • Floyd’s Powerwashing
  • Forward Foundation
  • Ja’Nosha & Company
  • Makeup by Holly
  • Miracles in Motion
  • My Empanada
  • RAW Affects
  • Revel Market
  • Richmond Birth and Baby
  • Richmond Volleyball Club
  • Sonny’s Painting
  • Speech Connections
  • Women’s Business Center RVA
  • Wellspring Chiropractic Center

As an additional feature of the program, the Henrico Citizen will launch a weekly article series spotlighting other small businesses in Henrico County. This ongoing series will further promote the diverse range of enterprises within the community, highlighting their unique stories and contributions.

For more information, please visit the Henrico EDA website at henrico.com or the Henrico Citizen website at henricocitizen.com

About the Henrico EDA

Located in the heart of the Eastern Seaboard, Henrico is an AAA-bonded county adjacent to Virginia’s capital city of Richmond. The EDA is your single point of contact for business development and site selection services. Find properties and run reports with our GIS tool, HenricoProperties.com. Learn more about White Oak Technology Park, a master-planned high-tech manufacturing center, at whiteoaktechpark.com. Visit Henrico.com for the latest news and to sign up to receive our Property Now and Henrico Now newsletters.

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A headshot of Anthony J. Romanello

Anthony J. Romanello

Executive Director