Bricks & Clicks Grant
Bricks and Clicks is an award-winning small business assistance program that is available to businesses and organizations located within Downtown Harrisonburg.
The program offers support to existing downtown establishments as well as new businesses with a signed lease by helping them become stronger destinations at their brick-and-mortar locations (“Bricks”) and/or stronger online destinations (“Clicks”). Grants may include customized training, one-on-one expert assistance, or coaching to solve a challenge/leverage an opportunity, and up to $5,000 in grant funding.
In past years, Bricks & Clicks program funding has ranged from $50,000 to $140,000. It is funded by HDR’s Friendly City Fortune Mega Raffle fundraiser and supplemented by additional grants HDR is able to secure.
Grant funding will be offered as reimbursements. Participants must have receipts for all reimbursement requests.
Applicant Eligibility
Existing businesses within the Main Street district boundaries
Existing destination businesses within immediate proximity to downtown’s boundaries
Businesses that have signed a lease but haven’t opened yet are also eligible to apply.
Mobile or home-based businesses are not eligible
Assistance Provided
Bricks & Clicks grant funds can help with a variety of common business needs. Grantees can request expert, one-on-one assistance; a grant; or a combination of assistance and grant funds.
Businesses have received specialized training or consultations on topics like bookkeeping, façade enhancements, signage design, marketing strategy, social media, branded Canva templates, business plan development, restaurant consultations, and more.
If there is something that you would like to understand better or learn, we’d be happy to try to find someone to work with you. Typically, assistance is offered on a one-on-one basis instead of a classroom-style approach.
Eligible Projects for Grant Funds
The “Clicks” side of the grant helps businesses increase their online presence. Past grantees have received funding for the following:
New websites, adding accessibility features to existing websites, Google AdWords, SEO improvements
Paid advertisements and marketing materials (digital, TV, radio, print)
Graphic design
Video production
Professional photography
Marketing support
Social media campaign development
Influencer campaigns, loyalty programs, customer “clubs,” launching subscription services/merchandise
The “Bricks” side of the grant helps businesses make their brick-and-mortar establishments stronger destinations, such as:
Façade enhancement (exterior painting, building or signage lighting, landscaping, etc.)
Signage
ADA improvements (ramps, electronic doors, etc.)
Merchandising supplies and fixtures
Assistance launching a new business line
In-store activations, activities, and expanded events
Instagrammable amenities or features
Applicants are encouraged to contact HDR with questions about the program before applying to confirm eligibility and to discuss proposed ideas. Please review the program description and the application preview before contacting us.
How to Apply
Applications are currently closed.
If you have questions about if your business is eligible or if your ideas for technical assistance or a grant are eligible, please email Andrea.
Bricks & Clicks Application 2025
Please answer all required questions by 5pm on Nov. 27th to apply for HDR's Bricks & Clicks Small Business Assistance Program. Contact Andrea Dono with questions (andrea.dono@harrisonburgva.gov). Before you begin, have a copy of your business or marketing plan ready to upload if you have one. Existing businesses will also need copies of their 2024 and 2025 Year to Date Profit and Loss Statements ready to upload, too. If you already have a idea for a grant, have your supporting documents like estimates, budget, timeline, drawings, etc., ready to upload. When complete, don't forget to click "submit."
Eligibility & Program Details
Who is eligible to apply? What characterizes an “Existing Business”? We can help answer your eligibility questions.
Important Dates
Please stay tuned for application deadlines coming in 2026.
Questions?
Do you have questions about the Bricks & Clicks program or need assistance with your application?