Munson and Brothers Trading Post has been selected as one of 25 small businesses nationwide to receive a $30,000 grant, which it will use to improve its kitchen and build a more professional stage.
The nonprofit Main Street America announced its winners Tuesday, choosing from more than 2,000 applicants. Ryan Munson, one of the trading posts’ owners, told The Dispatch on Tuesday he was still coming to grips with what the influx of cash would mean for the combination pizza shop, outdoor venue, and vendor of hair products, apparel and candles.
“It’s like hitting a fast-forward button,” he said. “We’re able to get things I’ve been wanting to get five years in advance. Once I’ve got these things complete I won’t have to worry about upgrading anything else. We’ll be where we want to be.”
While these grants are handled by the national organization, Main Street Columbus helps coordinate applications and get the word out. Executive Director Barbara Bigelow said she was thrilled to see the Munsons get national recognition.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “The Munsons have worked so hard to develop a great business that serves the broader community. It’s a wonderful place to take the kids, and for adults to grab dinner. I’m really proud of them.”
Munson and Brothers has already received $10,000 through an initial round of grants, which gave that amount to 500 businesses that met the competition’s qualifications of being involved in their community, having less than 20 employees and making less than $1 million in revenue.
Munson said the first sum was put toward proper air conditioning and some shelter for outside equipment and events on the business’ backyard deck.
“We needed a split A/C unit put in, and we created a big outside area with storm doors when the weather is bad,” he said. “With the brick ovens we cook outside, but with the storm doors we can continue operating. We can also use that space for charity events, which we do a lot of.”
Funds from the larger grant haven’t been sent yet, but when they arrive Munson said they will go toward a full walk-in cooler for the trading post’s kitchen and a full stage for musical acts and presentations.
The trading post already has a partnership with Mississippi University for Women where students can do internships and work with the business’ ovens, but Munson hopes he could host lectures or meetings in the future with the new stage.
“We’re hoping that a professional stage will bring even more professional bands too, and that adds a lot to the community,” he said. “I’d really love to open that bigger more professional stage up to people in the community. I’d like to expand our taps so we can offer more as well, but we’ve been working on a couple different partnerships with the W, with Catfish Alley Studio, with the Air Force.”
Bigelow said that many businesses don’t even bother to apply for national grants because they think they don’t have a chance of winning.
“People are often hesitant to even apply because thousands of other people are signing up,” she said. “But the Munsons applied. And I was so pleased when they received the $10,000. I’m honored that this opportunity was presented to them through Columbus Main Street. They’re a fabulous local business.”
Munson said that small business grants like this weren’t something he had even thought about before this, with his wife and co-owner Katherine Munson spearheading the effort.
“It’s very new to me to even try to apply,” he said. “The first one my wife just convinced me to sit down and write it, and we had the same attitude about the $30,000. I didn’t expect anything. It feels crazy that anyone, especially at the national level, wants to boost a small business in the middle of Mississippi. But I’m really thankful for it.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
