Empowering small businesses in Richmond’s 7th District with funding and coaching since 2011.
A Legacy of Local Impact
Since 2011, the SEED Grant Program has been a powerful force in strengthening Richmond’s East End commercial corridors. Created by Bon Secours and LISC Virginia, and administered by InUnison since 2019, SEED has awarded over $1 million in grants to more than 60 local businesses.
These investments go beyond capital—they fuel transformation. Each grant is paired with personalized coaching to help business owners build capacity, resilience, and long-term success.
Power of Partnership:
The SEED initiative was born from a shared mission: improve economic health by helping entrepreneurs succeed. From grocery stores to hair salons and e-commerce startups, SEED businesses are revitalizing Richmond’s neighborhoods from the inside out.
Since Inception:
$1M+ awarded
50+ businesses funded
13 years of community impact
2025 SEED Grant Program
Now accepting applications to support small business growth in Richmond’s 7th District, with grants ranging from $2,500–$25,000 and access to 1:1 coaching.
Applications due August 1, 2025.
Eligible Use of Funds
🛠 New Equipment
🌐 E-commerce Upgrades
🏪 Interior/Exterior Improvements
📑 Permits & Certifications
📣 Marketing & Training
What the Grant Can't Be Used For
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Rent, payroll, utilities
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Inventory or existing services
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Non-business/personal expenses
Who Can Apply?
✔ Must meet all criteria:
- Demonstrated civic engagement (read more about what this means)
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Located in Richmond’s 7th District
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Registered with VA State Corporation Commission
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Active City of Richmond business license
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Valid EIN
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Business checking account
📎 Required Documents:
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Lease or mortgage agreement
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Richmond business license
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Applications are due by August 1, 2025. Complete the interest form today to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of businesses are eligible to apply?
All businesses operating within the 7th District are encouraged to apply. However, eligible applicants must meet the following criteria, aligned with Bon Secours’ mission to improve community health and well-being:
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✅ Demonstrated commitment to community health and civic engagement
Examples include:-
Offering affordable goods or services for low-income families
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Hiring residents from within the 7th District
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Business owner lives in the 7th District and is civically engaged (e.g. volunteering, civic association participation)
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Providing health-conscious menu options if operating a food business
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✅ Physical presence in the 7th District, including neighborhoods such as Church Hill, Fulton, East End, and Shockoe Bottom
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✅ Legally registered business, including:
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Valid business license
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EIN (Federal Tax ID)
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Registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
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⚠️ Special Note on Tobacco Businesses:
Businesses offering tobacco products (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, hookah) are still eligible for funding but must demonstrate how they are contributing positively to community health.
Examples include:
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Displaying signage on the harmful effects of smoking
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Offering non-tobacco alternatives
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Donating to local health or substance education programs
Who can apply for this grant?
Businesses located within the 7th District of the City of Richmond are eligible to apply. To confirm if your business is within the district, please refer to the district map.
How much funding is available?
Grant awards range from $1,000 to $25,000, depending on the number of applicants, funding availability, and the demonstrated needs of each business.
⚠️ Please note: Not all applicants are guaranteed funding.
What factors are evaluated during the selection process?
Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the business plan, alignment with community engagement values, and overall fit with the mission of the SEED program.
Community engagement is a critical component of the evaluation. Applicants should clearly describe how their business gives back to the community—whether through hiring practices, volunteerism, accessibility, or service offerings.
What is the application process?
All applicants are required to:
- Attend an informational session about the grant program (hosted on July 14, 2025).
- Work with a business coach (selected from an approved bench) to develop a detailed business plan outlining proposed use of funds
- Present their plan to a review panel of local business leaders for evaluation
- Optionally, invite the review panel to tour their storefront to provide greater context for their request
What is the grant timeline?
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest Due | July 14, 2025 |
| Full Applications Due | August 1, 2025 |
| Business Coaching Begins | Mid August – September 2025 |
| Business plans due to coaches for final review | October 3, 2025 |
| Business plans due to InUnison for panel review | October 10, 2025 |
| Business tours with SEED panel | October 2025 |
| Workshop on presenting business plan with business coaches | October 13, 2025 |
| In-person presentations and funding decisions | Week of October 27, 2025 |
| Grant finalists are announced | Week of November 11, 2025 |
What are you required to participate in?
While most parts of the program are optional, all participants are required to attend at least one business coaching session. Your overall engagement—including participation in workshops and offering a site tour for the review panel—will also be considered as part of the evaluation process and can strengthen your application.
Who serves on the SEED Grant Review Panel?
The SEED Grant Review Panel is composed of respected business and community leaders from the Greater Richmond region. Each panelist brings valuable local insight and a commitment to supporting small business growth. The 2025 panel includes:
- Lisa McSherry – Owner, Lex’s of Carytown & Mamie’s Apothecary
- Lester Johnson – Owner, Mama J’s
- Duncan Thomas – President, Car Source, Inc.
- Scott Aronson – Principal, Rising Tide
- Nancy Thomas – President & CEO, InUnison
- Shekinah Mitchell – Director of Neighborhood Engagement, Bon Secours
- A past SEED grant recipient, offering firsthand experience and peer perspective
Together, the panel evaluates applications based on business plans, community engagement, and overall potential for impact.
Bon Secours
Bon Secours was a founding partner in the creation of the SEED program in 2011, which was initiative as an economic development and job creation initiative for Richmond’s East End neighborhood.
“Helping communities thrive is at the heart of Bon Secours’ vision and we believe supporting small business contributes to a vibrant commercial corridor and the economic health of our community,” said Mike Lutes, market president, Bon Secours Richmond. “The SEED program is part of Bon Secours’ legacy of investment in positive change in the East End and we are thrilled to join with our partner InUnison, and the 2024 cohort of recipients to celebrate another round of SEED.”
InUnison
InUnison joined the initiative as fund administrator in 2019 and plays an integral role in providing these small businesses with access to a network of peer business owners in addition to no-cost resources including advocacy and information.
“We are deeply grateful to Bon Secours for their partnership and collaboration on the SEED program,” said Nancy Thomas, President, and CEO of InUnison. “Their support of entrepreneurship empowers business owners with vital tools and resources, enabling the SEED program to not only foster individual success but also strengthen the resilience and vitality of underserved areas in our community.”
The SEED program offers grants to businesses opening or expanding in the 7th District of the City of Richmond.
Stay up to date on SEED
Sign up for the SEED email list to receive updates about the program
“Small businesses are the fabric of our community; no one understands the needs of a neighborhood quite like those who live and work within it,” said Nancy Thomas, President and CEO of InUnison. “The SEED program provides participants with a path to essential resources and funding so that they can continue to support their community and sustain entrepreneurship opportunities in Richmond’s East End.”
