Wheeling Heritage Awards 34 COVID-19 Grants to Wheeling Small Businesses
WHEELING, W.Va. – Feb. 18, 2020 – Wheeling Heritage announced today that 34 Wheeling businesses have received assistance through its latest Small Business COVID Support Partnership Grant. In total, $64,000 in funds were given to Wheeling small businesses, made possible through CARES Act and Wheeling Heritage funding. Based on need and desired use of funding, awards ranged from $900 to $4,000.
Proposals were evaluated based on the business’s location within Wheeling city limits, the owner’s efforts to creatively adapt during the pandemic, and how the requested funds would positively impact the business and community. Many applicants’ needs included additional PPE for employees and customers, new equipment to adapt to changing circumstances, and business-related expenses that have been difficult to cover due to COVID.
“While we certainly would have loved to award the full amount requested to each business, we had to carefully consider how to distribute the funds in a way that could do the most good for the most businesses,” said Chris Villamagna, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.
Wheeling Heritage received more than $200,000 of grant requests, which underscores the current challenges small businesses are facing, said Chris Villamanga, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.
“It’s been remarkable to see how many of our local businesses have adapted during an unprecedented year,” said Alex Weld, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “We look forward to seeing these businesses serve our community for years to come, and we encourage everyone to continue shopping local and supporting our small businesses.”
This is the second COVID-related grant Wheeling Heritage has announced in the last year. In April of 2020, the organization awarded more than $25,000 to 41 artists, small business owners and entertainers through a COVID-19 Emergency Grant. That program, which preceded state and federal assistance programs, gave awardees up to $1,000, with priority given to those with immediate needs of shelter, food and other essentials.
Recipients include:
● Airport Limousine Service
● Attention to Detail
● Braun’s Custom Framing
● Bridge Tavern and Grill
● Bullfrogs and Butterflies
● Cirque de Cheveux
● Clientele Art Studio
● East Wheeling Clayworks
● Edgington Studio LLC
● Empress Emporium
● Gypsy Lace Café
● Healthy Vibes for You
● High Grade Audio
● Honeycomb Salon
● Island Mould & Machine Co
● Later Alligator
● Making Magic, LLC
● Nail City Record
● OV Power Yoga
● Rachel’s on 16th
● Rayzor’s Barber Shop
● Re’Decorate Consignment
● Sarah’s on Main
● SMART Centre
● Sport Your Colors Inc.
● Table 304
● The Auto Shop
● The Vagabond Kitchen
● Thrive Wheeling
● Tripp’s Fun Zone
● Under the Elder Tree
● Uniglobe
● Valley Cheese
● Wheeling Brewing
About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.
