A long-time independent bookstore and a salon specializing in natural hair care have received $20,000 grants to help them to continue growing and serving the community. 

Richland’s Adventures Underground and Pasco’s Braiding Boutique were among 10 grant recipients in Washington state in the Amex Shop Small Grants Program administered by national nonprofit Main Street America. 

Both businesses are women-owned and Braiding Boutique is also a minority-owned business. Both are certified by the state Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises. 

Adventures Underground opened in 1999 at 1391 George Washington Way and sells new and used books, graphic novels, comics, vinyl, games, toys and collectibles. Owner Amanda Divine told the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business she plans to use the grant funding to purchase a portable stage and furnishings and equipment for a new event space called The Looking Glass. It will be located adjacent to the bookstore in a space formerly occupied by a mattress store. The goal is to have the space available for concerts, theater performances, gaming events and more.

Braiding Boutique, previously located near the Richland Airport, has since moved to 1828 W. Lewis St., Suite #103, and offers professional natural hair care including braiding, twists, dreadlocks and hair care education. Owner Latifah Lyney told the Journal she plans to use the grant funds to open a natural hair care school to help others in the hair care industry meet new certification requirements for working with textured hair. Lyney said she has already received approval for the school via state workforce officials. 

Officials with Main Street America said the grant program aims to tear down barriers small businesses can face in acquiring resources and funding to grow and innovate.  More than 500 small businesses around the country were awarded more than $10 million as part of the program. 

The program launched with a $5 million contribution to support 250 small businesses in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Through a Small Business Saturday giving pledge, an additional $1 was given to the grant program for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday, and American Express contributed an additional $5.1 million — expanding the program’s reach and impact to small businesses and the communities they serve.