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LaFayette, Ala. (Feb. 26, 2025) — LaFayette Main Street was thrilled to announce its  implementation of AL Spark and award grant recipients at the LaFayette Main Street Grant Awards celebration in LaFayette, AL on Tuesday evening. AL Spark is an exciting initiative of Main Street Alabama supported by the Small Business Administration. AL Spark is designed to energize emerging and growing businesses in designated Main Street Alabama communities. AL Spark serves LaFayette Main Street through three key programs—Livewire (business development), Illuminate (marketing grants), and Bright Ideas (business pitch competition).

After completing the Illuminate online marketing course, Auburn Opelika Dental in LaFayette, Blessed Body and Fitness Gym, Harmon Insurance, Newmans Farm Supply, and The Blue Button received a $1,000 marketing grant from AL Spark’s program.

In addition, the Bright Ideas business pitch competition secured $10,000 for local Main Street member businesses. Winners include Auburn Opelika Dental ($4,000), Harmon Insurance ($2,000), Blend Settaz Barber Shop ($1,000), Blessed Body and Fitness ($1,000), The Blue Button ($1,000), and Krave Korner ($1,000). 

“This vibrant new initiative is dedicated to igniting the potential of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Alabama,” explained Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth.

Along with AL Spark grants, LaFayette Main Street was also chosen to participate in the Main Street America and Forward Cities initiative known as “E3 in Rural Communities: Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building.” The community is one of only nine pilot programs chosen. E3 programming involves seed funding, which allows for additional grant opportunities. Local applicants submitted unique business pitches to secure this grant funding, and the pitches were scored by a nonlocal panel. Recipients include Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home, Chambers County Educational Foundation (Historic Theatre), Addie’s Crazy Cones, Rollin Rackz BBQ, and Zek’s 37.

Thanks to a Main Street Alabama’s Project Grant in 2024-25, LaFayette Main Street partnered with downtown property and business owners to rehabilitate facades, creating momentum towards further goals of private investment and other developments in the historic district. Twelve grants were awarded for facade improvements. All businesses that applied for this grant were awarded.

“Our small businesses are vital to our community bringing culture, character and connection to our town. We are grateful for the partnerships of Main Street America, Main Street Alabama, and the Small Business Association to be able to provide these grants. This support brings hope, vitality and resilience to progress and success,” said DeAnna Hand, Executive Director of LaFayette Main Street. “Grant awards totaling over $45,000 given back to our small businesses represent more than just financial support – they’re an investment in the innovative spirit and resilience that defines our town.”

To learn more about the nonprofit and its mission, visit lafayettemainstreet.org.