REDI announces recipients of 2026 Small Business Grant

opens in a new windowRegional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), which serves as the City of Columbia's Economic Development Department, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Small Business Grants.

The City of Columbia funds the Small Business Grant program. The City designed it to help locally owned, for-profit businesses grow, innovate, and improve operations. The program prioritizes business owners residing in economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia and aims to strengthen local economic sustainability and community impact.

REDI awarded $10,000 to two applicants and $5,000 to six applicants, for a total of $50,000 in grant funding. This year's grant recipients exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within Columbia:

$10,000 grant recipients

• Krystal Martin - K&K Co.
• Treana Cason and Shalina Reed - The Balloon Tycoons

$5,000 grant recipients

• Brandon Painter - BP Online Consulting and Management
• Kristin Lux and Greg Grimes - For the Love of Systems, LLC
• Jennifer Heidrich - Bronze by Design
• Christa Holtzclaw - Steep & Bloom Tea, LLC
• Marvin Porter - Taste Buds Snacks, INC
• Trischa Splitter - Junebug Photography