10 New Businesses Opened In Downtown Bel Air In 2020: Alliance

BEL AIR, MD — The Bel Air Downtown Alliance released a Year in Review video on YouTube this week highlighting the positive parts of 2020.

"This may have been a year of surprises and challenges, but we know one thing — the strength of this community never wavered," according to the alliance. "We have supported and encouraged one another and will continue to do so as we look ahead, hopeful that 2021 will bring us new opportunities to grow."

During the coronavirus pandemic, the alliance was awarded $29,000 in Payroll Protection Program (PPP) funds and a $25,000 grant from the Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative, according to its report.

The organization also created a $5,000 technology grant to help support Bel Air businesses as they moved their storefronts online and provided $6,000 in facade improvements to touch up brick-and-mortar establishments.

Here are some of the other bright spots of 2020 in Bel Air, according to the Bel Air Downtown Alliance:

• 10 new businesses opened in Bel Air
  • Bella Vita Salon, 140 North Bond Street
  • Explorganics, 37 N. Main Street, Suite 102
  • Farmhouse on Main, 20 East Lee Street
  • Harford Retirement Planners, 139 N. Main Street, Suite 202
  • Kerry Paradis Photography, 104 N. Main Street
  • Live Rite CBD store, 6 Office Street
  • Realty Plus Associates, 15 S. Main Street, Suite 101
  • Sorella Skincare and Aesthetics
  • Southern Trust Mortgage, 101 N. Main Street, Suite A
  • Willow and Waves, 122 N. Main Street
• New roof for Willow and Waves
• Raised more than $177,000 from events, memberships, sponsors and grants
  • The Belle Aire Market
  • Chocolate, Brew & Wine Tour
  • Growler Gala
  • House Party Live
  • Main Street Social
  • Movie Nights and Drive-In Movies
  • Sip & Shop
• Staffing changes took effect
  • Jenny Falcone was promoted to interim executive director; she is in her 5th year with the alliance.
  • Meg Gardner became new project coordinator in September

What do you think were some of the 2020 highlights for Bel Air? Tell us in the comments!