Downtown Lynchburg Association receives $310,000 in grants for small business support programs and eight-week holiday lights activation
Last week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that Downtown Lynchburg Association (DLA) was awarded a total of $310,000 across three grants. This funding will support the growth of Downtown Lynchburg through three upcoming projects and programs including: Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk, Launch LYH 2024, and a new micro-grant opportunity that will assist in funding physical improvements and beautification efforts of current Downtown Lynchburg storefronts.
"Downtown Lynchburg's growth and vitality have always been at the heart of our mission. With this funding, we have an opportunity to provide the community with new and exciting ways to experience our city, while also executing programs that allow our current and future business owners to succeed,” said James Ford, Interim Executive Director for Downtown Lynchburg Association. “These projects represent a commitment to supporting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of our city center.”
Forty-five grants were awarded across the Commonwealth. Among them, Downtown Lynchburg Association secured three grants and received the highest total funding combined.
Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant ($135,000)
The Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant will fund DLA’s efforts to keep Downtown Lynchburg a welcoming and attractive environment through a new micro-grant program that will fund storefront improvements and beautification for small businesses.
Program guidelines and applications will be posted on the DLA website in early 2024.
Community Business Launch Grant ($100,000)
The Community Business Launch Grant will fund DLA’s second Launch LYH program beginning in early 2024. Launch LYH was created to provide current and potential small business owners resources they need to start or expand a business in a Downtown Lynchburg location, addressing storefront vacancy and fostering entrepreneurship at the same time.
Additional information on the 2024 program will come later this year. However, information on this year’s program can be found at downtownlynchburg.com/launch-lyh.
Downtown Investment Grant ($75,000)
The Downtown Investment Grant will assist in funding DLA’s inaugural eight-week holiday experience, Bright Nights on the Bluffwalk, which will transform the Bluffwalk into an immersive holiday spectacle full of dazzling lights, large-scale installations, festive music, and more. This attraction will begin with the Bright Nights Kick-off event on Sunday, November 19, which will include a tree lighting ceremony, food truck vendors, live music and performances, artisan vendors, and more festive activities that will all take place on a closed-down section of Commerce Street.
Additional information can be found at downtownlynchburg.com/bright-nights.
