Clutch Collective is one of two small businesses in downtown Marietta that recently completed major renovations funded by the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program hosted by American Express and Main Street America. Over the Moon Pub & Pizza and Clutch Collective MOV were among 500 grant recipients nationwide to receive a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant this summer.

Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners across the country. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.

The program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners and is an extension of the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting small, independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign.

Clutch Collective used the Backing Small Businesses Grant to build new displays, a counter, and a sandwich board, as well as update our storefront façade and purchase equipment.

“When the shop first opened, we did not have a nest egg to invest so improvements were made slowly over time, with most projects financially out of reach,” said owner Sarah Arnold. “Receiving this grant allowed us to construct interior displays, complete our façade, and invest in what we needed to build the foundation for our online shop.”

The new displays not only increase the shop’s capacity to feature more work from local and regional artists, they also add much need hidden storage for backstock inventory.

“Being located in a historic building, our storage room is very small with limited space,” said Sarah. “So adding hidden storage in our retail space was necessary.”

“It’s wonderful to have trusted relationships with local creatives who understand your business and vision, and can collaborate on fun, new projects and ideas.”

True to the mission of the shop, Sarah worked with local artists and craftmen to complete all work. The counter was built by Russell Loughner of Siberian Woodworking, based in Saint Marys, WV, and painted by local artist, Alix Northrup. Northrup also completed the design for the façade and hand-painted the sandwich board and hanging sign. Sarah’s husband, Nick, custom-built the interior displays and sandwich board. Jordana Bungard of West Side Sign Co. installed the storefront vinyl and hand-painted the lettering above the entry. Brian Haney repainted portions of the building’s façade.

“The best part of receiving this grant was the ability to partner with local artists and contractors on these improvements,” said Sarah. “We’ve been working with Alix, Jordana, and Brian for years. It’s wonderful to have trusted relationships with local creatives who understand your business and vision, and can collaborate on fun, new projects and ideas.”

Not only do these improvements make for a more enjoyable shopping experience for the community, but they increase visibility for the 80+ artists Clutch Collective features in the shop. Each new display increased the shop’s retail capacity, allowing our artists to display more of their work - especially in our back room!

Clutch Collective first opened in 2021, after Wit & Whimzy moved into the space next door. While the two shops are connected on the interior and share a check-out counter, each shop has its own identity and customer base. These enhancements further solidify Clutch Collective as its own entity.

“It is our hope that Clutch Collective is a place where the community feels welcome to browse our collection of local and regional art, discover new artists, and feel inspired,” said Sarah. “With these updates, our space is finally cheerful inside and out and perfectly positioned to host local artists, live music, and small-scale community events.”