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Local soda shop awarded $10K small business grant
by: Laurel Stone
Posted: Jun 26, 2024 / 10:02 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 26, 2024 / 10:02 AM EDT
by: Laurel Stone
Posted: Jun 26, 2024 / 10:02 AM EDT
Updated: Jun 26, 2024 / 10:02 AM EDT
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) — A craft soda shop and game lounge in Salem was one of 34 businesses in Ohio to receive a $10,000 small business grant.
Kast Iron Soda Works, located at 420 East State Street, is the sole local recipient of the grant, awarded by a collaboration between American Express and Main Street America. The business is known for its wall of sodas, which boasts hundreds of flavors.
Kast Iron said the funds will be used to update the rear entrance of the building, making it more accessible and safe for staff and customers. The updates will include a new door and access ramp. The business says it also plans to create an outdoor patio.
The Backing Small Businesses program was created in 2021 to help under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. This year, there were 500 grant recipients across the nation, an increase from the 330-350 grants awarded in previous years.
For a complete list of grant recipients, click here.