Fairfax City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) today announced that 48 Fairfax City small businesses will receive enhanced ReConnected Grants in the amount of $10,000 after a competitive selection process for demonstrating innovative or creative new best practices and techniques to adapt to new health and safety procedures.  

Every business that met Fairfax City’s eligibility requirements and applied is receiving a grant of at least $5,000.  But these 48 businesses not only met the eligibility requirements; they are leading the way Fairfax City to get #BacktoBusiness.

Some of the more robust proposals discovered in the evaluation process include:

• Launching a new e-commerce infrastructure
• Establishing permanent outdoor dining
• Updating business models for minimal person-to-person service beyond COVID-19
• Providing online classes, workshops, and other consumer engagement opportunities
• Creating robust marketing campaigns to guarantee that customers are aware of health and safety guidelines

“Part of what makes Fairfax City so extraordinary is its vibrant and diverse local business community.  Thanks to the Mayor and City Council’s vision, the ReConnected Grant program will assist scores of the city’s businesses as they retool and reinvent themselves in the COVID era.  These businesses have developed innovative strategies to serve the public during a challenging time, and we look forward to watching them thrive,” said Kathleen Paley, Vice Chair of the Economic Development Authority.

“During this hectic and chaotic time, like many other local businesses, we were unsure of how we would sustain our operations during the pandemic.  With the enhanced ReConnected Grant, we are able to provide our staff the tools necessary to feel safe returning back to work, and to create a sense of normalcy for our patrons during a time of chaos.  For that, we are grateful to be chosen by the Fairfax City EDA and the ReConnected team for this generous grant,” said Wendy Wong, Owner of the Standard Barbershop.

The enhanced $10,000 ReConnected grants identify businesses that serve as leaders in the community.  In submitting their proposals for funding the recipients have identified how their projects go beyond the standard $5,000 award level with innovative new strategies, an intense focus on health and safety of their customers, and their commitment to supporting a broad business community in Fairfax City.  

“The $10,000 recipients have presented the strongest proposals deemed most effective for safe and healthy reopening of businesses.  These are pillar businesses within the community and their focus and commitment to building back stronger than ever does not go unnoticed.  I thank our Economic Development teams and in particular our committee of Commissioners for their leadership with this program,” said David Meyer, Mayor of the City of Fairfax.

The ReConnected grants are funded using CARES funds through the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority.  This initial round of ReConnected grants represents an investment of more than $1 million in support of Fairfax City’s small business base.  For more information on the City’s COVID-19 business resources visit fairfaxcityconnected.com.  

Businesses receiving enhanced $10,000 ReConnected Grants are:

• 29 Diner
• A to Z Dental Studio
• Affectionate Pet Care
• Alterna Wellness Centers, Inc.
• BACINI Photography
• Belleza Lase LLC
• Bellissimo Restaurant
• Carola Myers Makeup & Hair Artists LLC
• Charly’s Watch and Clock Shop
• Cinema Arts Theatre
• Corner Coffee House
• DC Dance Sport Academy LLC
• Declieu Coffee & Sandwich
• Epicure Cafe
• Excel Rehabilitation
• Fairfax Fine Violins
• Fairfax Gymnastics Academy
• Games and Comics Pair O Dice
• Have-A-Bite, Inc.
• High Side
• Hilltop Cleaners
• Huntington Learning Center of Fairfax
• Jenny’s Barber Shop
• Kim’s Pho
• Legend Barber
• Mara Hair and Mode Studio
• Mini Museum
• Moon School of Music
• NeuroSound Music Therapy LLC
• Organic Nail Bar
• Pacers Fairfax LLC
• Patriot Contracting LLC
• Patriots Pub &Grill
• Pet Lovers Animal Hospital
• Physicians Weight Loss Centers
• PJ Skidoos
• Priale & Racine
• Rise and Shine Preschool
• Room Escape DC
• Sharon Hair Town
• SK Expo Cleaners LLC
• Sun & Mood Yoga Studio
• Tandoori Nights Fairfax
• The Standard Barbershop
• The Thomas Law Office
• Tigereye TaeKwon Do
• Tots N Us Children’s Academy
• William T Clothiers

Fairfax City Economic Development Authority

The Fairfax City Economic Development Authority’s (EDA) mission is to empower local businesses, create sustainable business growth, promote community involvement through economic development, promote honesty and integrity in the community, and foster close ties between people, businesses, and government.  To receive the latest business and economic development news from the EDA, please subscribe to the Business Bulletin.