With more than $3.2 million in grants, Fayetteville’s two small business grant programs have awarded more than $800,000 to 20 businesses, including about $240,000 to 8 businesses on Murchison Road, a historically black corridor that the town and community are committed to revitalizing.
The latest incarnation, launched in July, is available to Fayetteville businesses in low-income areas with fewer than 200 employees and hiring low- and middle-income workers. The program is funded by $3 million granted to the city from federal COVID relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
The maximum award is $50,000 in the areas of business development and retention and improved trade corridors. The same company can qualify in both areas. Applications and eligibility requirements are available online at fayettevillenc.gov.
Chris Cauley, director of Fayetteville’s economic and community development office, said the new program “doubles the money to double the impact” of the old program.
Here are some of the businesses along Murchison Road that have benefited from the initial program:
Binkie’s Pizza and Wings
Binkie’s Pizza and Wings, which opened last year, received a $25,000 grant in November. Owner Gerald Nickelberry said he used the money for a $50,000 equipment upgrade, including buying a larger pizza oven and hiring more personal.
“The availability of these funds has had a big impact on the business to expand my menu,” Nickelberry said last week.
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Before the upgrade, the restaurant could only bake four pizzas at a time, he said, but the new pizza oven can handle 16 pies. With the purchase of a new smoker grill, ribs and smoked turkey thighs were added to the menu, he said.
Nickelberry said it was also able to increase its staff, made up of Fayetteville State University students and people living in the neighborhood.
He said the culturally rich neighborhood is moving in the right direction, although there is still work to be done.
“Murchison Road has so much potential,” Nickelberry said. “I think the city is doing the right thing by investing in it.”
Rhudy’s Pawnbroker
Rhudy’s Pawn Shop received a $25,000 grant in June 2020. Owner Ken Phillips said the money helped him pay the $58,000 cost to improve landscaping and add a fence and panel LED lights outside his business.
The store was founded by his father Rhudy Phillips in 1960.
Ken Phillips said Rhudy’s “has always been a dynamic business”, but money for upgrades is welcome.
He said he hopes to see more businesses open in the neighborhood and more beautification projects down the hall.
“I would love to see anything that makes this area more appealing,” Phillips said.
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Henley’s vintage kitchen
Henley’s Vintage Kitchen received a $22,546 grant in June 2021 which owner Marilyn Henley said was used to repair the parking lot.
Henley said she and her husband Michael opened their soul food restaurant in September because they wanted to be part of the area’s revitalization.
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She said people are happy to see more being done along Murchison Road.
“When I listen to conversations from customers in the community, I get the sense that they feel good that someone is paying attention,” she said.
Taylor Shook, food, restaurant and business journalist, can be reached at [email protected].
