Kast Iron Soda Works, a craft soda shop and game lounge located in Salem, Ohio, was awarded a $10,000 small business grant as part of the Backing Small Businesses program. This grant was awarded by American Express and Main Street America, with 34 businesses in Ohio receiving funding. Kast Iron was the sole local recipient of the grant.
The grant will be used to update the rear entrance of the building to improve accessibility and safety for staff and customers. This will include installing a new door and access ramp, as well as creating an outdoor patio space. The Backing Small Businesses program aims to assist under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding their businesses. In 2022, a total of 500 grants were awarded across the nation, marking an increase from previous years. For a complete list of grant recipients in 2022, visit the program’s website.