At a time when small businesses locally and nationally are starting to feel the economic fallout of federal spending cuts and tariffs, the City of Fairfax is doing its part to give those businesses a promotional boost.
Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) is nearing the halfway point of its Small Business Month celebrations, which kicked off on April 28 and will culminate on May 31 with a retail fair in Old Town Square (10415 North Street).
“Fairfax City Small Business Month invites the community to explore the city’s diverse retail and small business offerings, take advantage of special promotions and experiences, and support local entrepreneurs and charitable causes,” the FCED said in a press release.
Throughout May, several businesses in the city are offering deals or promotions to encourage community members to stop by and check out their services:
- Romp n’ Roll (9600-B Main Street): $5 off a trial class; $25 off 10-20 class pass (in-store); and $25 off in-store birthday parties
- Gaming Giant (4021 University Drive, Suite 201): 5% off single item with donation
- Smiley Skin Beauty (10373 Democracy Lane, Unit B): 25% off waxing services and a $25 bonus gift card with a $100 gift card purchase
- Lucy Loves (10414 Main Street, Suite 2): Raffle entry with a $10 purchase
- OSA Martial Arts (3848 Blenheim Blvd): Waived registration fee for tae kwon do, judo, bon kuk gum bub and hapkido classes
- Kaizen MMA (3950 University Drive, Unit 103): One-week free trial
- BE2 Pilates (11206 Main Street #29): Five sessions for $150
- Ace Hardware (10310-B Main Street): Buy three, get 10% off rubs and spices
- Fairfax Pilates (10381 Main Street): Buy one class, get one at half price
Started in the 1980s as an expansion of Small Business Week, which was first proclaimed nationally by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and typically takes place during the first week of May, Small Business Month is intended to highlight the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy.
Fairfax City, however, is using the occasion to support local nonprofits as well as for-profit businesses, highlighting a different charity for each week.
After previously putting the spotlight on the Chris Atwood Foundation and Britepaths, Fairfax City Small Business Month is encouraging donations for this week (May 11-17) to the Humane Society of Fairfax City, which rescues animals and facilitates their adoptions. The nonprofit is in need of cat food and cat beds, according to the FCED.
The final week of May 18-24 will support The Lamb Center, a daytime drop-in shelter for local residents experiencing homelessness that was established in 1992 as a ministry of the Truro Anglican Church. Donations of new men’s white undershirts and boxer briefs will be accepted.
In addition to the previously mentioned businesses, donation collection bins can be found at other participants in Small Business Month, including:
Bond’s Escape Room, Fran’s Cake and Candy Supplies, JoyLife Spa, Mode on Main by Mara, Paradise Games and Gifts, Cinema Arts Theatre, DIY Scent Studio, Omni Wellness & Performance, eXurb Fitness [and] Weber’s Pet Supermarket.
At the end of May, a retail fair set up in Old Town Square from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will give community members an opportunity to browse goods and services from various businesses. Fashion shows, pilates classes and other demonstrations are planned as well.
According to the FCED, the application period for the fair has closed, and the full roster of participants is below:
- Kaizen MMA
- Paradise Games and Gifts
- Mode on Main by Mara
- Fairfax Pilates
- Smiley Skin
- OSA Martial Arts
- Fran’s Cake and Candy Supplies
- Lucy Loves
- Gaming Giant
- Romp n’ Roll
- Bond’s Escape Room
- DIY Scent Studio
- eXurb Fitness
- Omni Wellness & Performance
FCED Director and CEO Christopher Bruno says his office is “especially proud” that its Small Business Month initiative showcases Fairfax City’s “strong interest in giving back and fostering meaningful partnerships” by highlighting local charities in addition to entrepreneurs.
“Fairfax City is a vibrant shopping and service destination, and programs like this help local businesses grow by attracting foot traffic, increasing visibility, and deepening their connection to the community,” Bruno said.
