Tabby Cat Lobbies for $250K Grant

Tabby Cat, a children's clothing store in Oakton, is looking to win a $250,000 grant awarded by Living Social and Chase.

The grant program, called "Mission: Small Business," will award up to 12 $250,000 grants to small businesses across the country. The campaign is also supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Alex Craige, owner of the store in Hunter Mill Plaza on Chain Bridge Road, said the grant would mean financial stability for the business she opened in September 2010.

"A $250,000 grant would insure that we had the financial backing to get through the next couple of years of being a NEW business," Craige wrote in her application for the grant. "Right now we conduct business in a constant state of worry about bringing in enough to just get the bills paid, leaving less time for marketing and outreach with the community. The money would be used to increase marketing — especially social marketing — and perhaps start enabling customers to shop online directly with us."

In order for the Tabby Cat application to be considered for the $250,000 grant, it needs to receive 250 votes on the "Mission: Small Business" website. To cast your vote, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.missionsmallbusiness.com/

2. Click on LOG IN AND SUPPORT

3. Log in 

4. Type "Tabby Cat" under business name

5. Choose state: Virginia

6. Choose city: Oakton

7. Click on VOTE