By David Kosub & Edwin Washington*
The Parks Main Street recently awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to three small businesses aimed at improving their operations. Representing a combined legacy of more than a century in business, the recipients are:
| Business | Address | Neighborhood | Award |
| Troka Insurance Inc. | 212 Riggs Road NE | Riggs Park | $9,278 |
| The V.I.P. Room | 6201 3rd Street NW | Manor Park | $10,000 |
| Davis Center | 6218 3rd Street NW | Manor Park | $10,000 |
The Parks Main Street Executive Director, Edwin Washington, led a rigorous process to encourage small businesses to apply for this first time funding opportunity—a maximum of $10,000 per award. Eligible applicants were required to be a store-front business located within the boundaries of Riggs Park and Manor Park as well as have a valid business license and “Clean Hands” with the District’s Office of Tax & Revenue.
Each applicant’s proposal included an itemized budget, projected timeline, and detailed description including how the funds would be used to improve business operations. The Parks Main Street board of directors, led by the Economic Vitality committee, assessed the merits of each application and selected the awardees. Awards were made on August 8, 2019. Projects are expected to be completed by September 30, 2019, the close of the District’s fiscal year.
This funding opportunity was separate from the District’s Robust Retail grants program, in which three different Main Street businesses received awards.
“Business preservation and revitalization are our sweet spots,” said Mr. Washington. “Part of our mission is to provide much needed technical assistance and funding to support legacy businesses for whom $10,000 is a major windfall.” Below are brief descriptions on how each business will use their award.
In Manor Park, the V.I.P. Room has been a beloved venue to celebrate community milestones, host business meetings, and social events going on four decades, including the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association 70th Anniversary celebration. The V.I.P. Room will use their grant to enhance the venue with new lighting and a greenscreen photo booth, which aims to expand its reach to new markets.
The Davis Center will celebrate 50 years in business this November. You may have caught a glimpse of some of their dancers performing outside Culture Coffee Too during the 2nd Annual Riggs Park Art Crawl co-sponsored by The Parks Main Street. The grant will support renovation and expansion of the studio and be used to hire a marketing consultant to expand community outreach with a particular focus on advertising new dance and art appreciation programs.
As discussed in a recent podcast with co-owner Humberto Phillips, Troka Insurance has been a part of the Riggs Park community for 12 years, providing innovative insurance solutions and education. Their grant award will help them recruit and train agents, conduct marketing campaigns, purchase necessary materials for trainees, and improve their training center.
Reminder: Join Mr. Washington and The Parks Main Street on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 6:30pm at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center to hear results of a community survey conducted to obtain perceptions of and ways to improve the Riggs Park commercial corridor.
*David Kosub is the vice-chair of the Board of Directors for The Parks Main Street. To learn about sponsorship and engagement opportunities, contact Edwin Washington at (202) 774-5542 or info@theparksmainstreet.org.
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