Vienna Businesses Lobby for $250K Grant

Two small businesses in Vienna are gunning to win a $250,000 grant awarded by Living Social and Chase.

The grant program, called "Mission: Small Business," will award up to 12 $250,000 grants to small businesses across the country. The campaign is also supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Bonnie Fitzgerald, owner of , and Joey Hernandez, general manager of , answered a few questions for Patch about the program.

What would this grant mean for your business?

Joey Hernandez (Maple Ave): "The idea for Maple Ave was born many years ago as our dream. We knew that the journey to our dream of opening a restaurant was tough but we both wanted to at least try to accomplish it. We opened our doors in August 2009 and so far we have had a great journey. The 250K grant would mean that Maple Ave could expand into a second location within the area."

Bonnie Fitzergerald (Maverick Mosaics): "We would use the money to move to a more appropriate studio space (ideally in Vienna), where we can do both our teaching and commission work — right now I run between two locations. We will expand our "Legacy Program", working with local schools to develop programs similiar to what I have done at Marshall Roads Elementary (Vienna), Hunters Woods Elementay (Reston), Churchill Road Elementary (McLean) — children creating legacy works of public art. We expand our teaching program and HIRE additional staff, ideally local talent. I encourage everyone to look over BOTH of our web-sites to learn more about our company." http://www.maverickmosaics.com/ and http://www.bonniefitzgeraldart.com/

How can the community help you win?

In order for each of these applications to be considered for the $250,000 grant, each business needs to get 250 votes on the "Mission: Small Business" website. To cast your vote, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/

2. Click on LOG IN AND SUPPORT

3. Log in 

4. Type "Maple Ave Restaurant" or "Maverick Mosaics" under business name

5. Choose state: Virginia

6. Choose city: Vienna