Downtown Raleigh Alliance awards nearly $90,000 in grants to diverse businesses

Nine businesses of all kinds were individually awarded up to $15,000 to support their storefronts from the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.

December 20, 2023 • 
Allie Remhof
The Hippo wine bar.

The Hippo is one of nine businesses awarded funding in 2023 by the DRA’s Storefront Upfit Grant program.

Photo provided by Downtown Raleigh Alliance

The Downtown Raleigh Alliance allotted $87,500 in funding to nine businesses owned by those who identify as minorities, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, or people with a disability as part of the 2023 Storefront Upfit Grant program.

The following storefronts received grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000:

“DRA is dedicated to fostering a thriving small business community in Downtown Raleigh,” said Will Gaskins, Vice President of Economic Development & Planning at Downtown Raleigh Alliance, in a press release. “These grants are a testament to our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and enhancing the economic vitality of the area.”

The next deadline for downtown grant applications is Feb. 1, 2024 — storefront business owners can learn more about eligibility + the application process online.

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