3 downtown Batavia businesses to each receive $10,000 grant

Three downtown Batavia businesses — Limestone Coffee & Tea, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and Sidecar Supper Club — each have been awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Business Grant from American Express and Main Street America.

According to Main Street America, since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided more than $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide.

“We are thrilled to not only have one downtown Batavia business selected for this honor, but three!” said Batavia MainStreet Assistant Director Kristen Desler. “We love seeing small business owners take advantage of grant opportunities- especially when we know how difficult it can be to take the time to do so.”

All three business grantees are women-owned — Leah Leman and Joy Mason of Limestone Coffee & Tea, Melissa Monno of Sidecar Supper Club, and Diane Mercadante of Sturdy Shelter Brewing.

“Batavia has an inspiring group of women-owned businesses who continue to push our downtown forward,” Desler said.

The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

Another downtown Batavia business, New Moon Vegan, was awarded this grant and enhancement last year.

Visit Limestone Coffee & Tea at 8 W. Wilson St., Sturdy Shelter Brewing at 10 S. Shumway Ave., and Sidecar Supper Club at 12 N. River St.