Application period opens for Henrico Small Business Boost

The application period for the fourth annual Henrico Small Business Boost program is now open. Henrico-based small businesses (100 employees or fewer) that are not part of chains or franchises and that meet other program criteria are eligible to apply.

The program is a partnership between the Henrico Citizen and the Henrico County Economic Development Authority.

Ten small businesses will be chosen to receive free marketing and advertising packages with the Citizen valued at $8,000 apiece. The packages include display advertising exposure on HenricoCitizen.com and in the Henrico Newsflash email update, as well as sponsored content articles, a direct e-blast to more than 40,000 people, inclusion in social media promotions, and more.

Participants also will have opportunities to participate in networking events with current and former program participants and access to a variety of Henrico EDA resources.

The program aims to give selected Henrico small businesses a boost by helping them market themselves to the Citizen's engaged Henrico audience, which includes more than 115,000 unique visitors each month to HenricoCitizen.com on average this year, more than 44,000 email subscribers and more than 40,000 social media followers.

Eligible businesses must:
• be located in Henrico County;
• have a current Henrico County business license;
• be operating as for-profit entities;
• not be part of a chain or franchise;
• have no more than 100 total employees;
• have a functional website;
• demonstrate why they have an urgent need for local marketing and advertising.

The application period closes Dec. 9, 2026 and the selected businesses will be notified later that week.