July 23, 2024
The Multicultural Business Development Alliance (MBDA) is proud to announce that the Corner Grocery Store has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Backing Small Business Grant from Main Street America in partnership with American Express. Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.
The MBDA was instrumental in this accomplishment, helping to facilitate the partnership and assist in the grant-writing process. This collaboration between the MBDA, Freeman Nonprofit Consulting and students at the University is a testament to the commitment the MBDA has to ensure all people have access to economic opportunities here in our city and region. The MBDA would like to thank our Board Members who spearheaded this project: Lloyd Williams – President, Brock Freeman – Vice President, Camille Shoals – Member, and most importantly, Robert Gentry and his co-owner and wife, Mary Davis-Gentry. The Corner Grocery Store has undeniably impacted downtown, from the tourist-attracting Bourbon Balls to the hidden gem salmon croquettes, and chicken and dumplings. The MBDA is excited to see their vision come to life and looks forward to continuing our work here in Southeast Missouri.
“We feel very appreciative to have received this grant. It will allow us to improve our curb appeal with a new sign. It will also give us the funds to purchase a new POS system along with increased inventory & supplies. Overall, these changes should increase our productivity and will allow us to continue to be an active small business in our community.”—Robert & Mary Gentry, Co-owners of the Corner Grocery Store.
We encourage all residents of the Southeast Missouri community to learn more about the MBDA and the services we offer to the area to help support the growth and development of area businesses.
