20 Henrico small businesses to receive free advertising through Henrico Citizen-Henrico EDA partnership

Twenty Henrico small businesses and organizations will receive free three-month advertising packages with the Henrico Citizen in the coming months, thanks to a partnership between the Citizen and the Henrico Economic Development Authority.

Through the Henrico Small Business Boost program, the companies will receive advertising on the Citizen’s online, email, social media, podcast and sponsored content platforms. The program is designed as a way to help provide exposure for small businesses and their initiatives that otherwise might not have been possible, with the goal of driving new business to each one – in turn, strengthening the county’s small business climate.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide this exposure to 20 deserving small businesses in Henrico,” Citizen Publisher Tom Lappas said. “I know firsthand the challenges of operating a small business and about how difficult it can be sometimes just to get the word out about the products or services that a business offers. This program aims to close that gap for these companies by helping them reach the 65,000+ readers who visit HenricoCitizen.com each month and the nearly 40,000 others who find us through email, social media and other platforms.”

"We deeply value the incomparable 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,” said Anthony Romanello, the executive director of the Henrico EDA. “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."

The 20 organizations represent a diverse cross-section of small business in the county – from a refuse company to a restaurant, a coffee shop to an ice cream truck, a powerwashing company to a marketing agency.

Ten of the 20 companies are owned by a person of color. Thirteen are owned by women.

Each participating business also will “pay it forward” by providing at least $250 worth of in-kind products or services to a Henrico nonprofit.

The 20 companies 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 part of the program, the Citizen also will begin an ongoing series of weekly articles spotlighting other small businesses in Henrico County. (Nominate a small business for inclusion in this section here.)