Manassas Livestream Shopping Receives $15K Grant From Virginia

MANASSAS, VA — Sixteen communities across Virginia, including the city of Manassas, will receive Virginia Main Street grants to support projects aimed at revitalizing historic commercial districts.

The grants, totaling $200,000, also will go toward expanding small businesses and growing local economies, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in a statement Friday.

“The Virginia Main Street program is a proven tool to help small communities create opportunities for long-term economic growth — that’s why we plan to invest significant resources from the American Rescue Plan to expand the reach of these redevelopment efforts,” Northam said.

Downtown Investment Grants were awarded to 12 projects, including one in Manassas.

“Downtowns are the heart and soul of so many communities across the Commonwealth, and these grants are designed to create opportunities for growth and economic sustainability, so that people want to spend time and money there,” Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said.

Manassas was awarded a $15,000 grant for its Livestream Shopping project, which aims to increase customer spending and support local businesses through a new livestream shopping program.

Grant funds will be used to develop a website, hire a videographer and salesperson, and promote livestream events. The project is also nationally recognized and funded through a Main Street America Main Street Resiliency Grant.

Last week, Northam announced a proposal to direct $53 million in American Rescue Plan funding to the Industrial Revitalization Fund and the Virginia Main Street program. This increased investment will be focused on providing support for minority and immigrant communities, as well as woman- and minority-owned businesses.

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