![\"\"](\"https:\/\/endowment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Sharpe2-1024x788.png\")
Michael Richardson of Smith\u2019s Florist and Gift Shoppe. LOVE VA is a program of Retail Alliance that offers workshops and networking for businesses in Gloucester, Virginia, and beyond.<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
This year, AFE was happy to award $500 <\/span>to Michael Richardson of<\/span> <\/strong>Smith\u2019s Florist and Gift Shoppe<\/strong><\/a> in Gloucester, Virginia,<\/strong> through the<\/span> <\/span>Bob and Carol Sharpe Retail Florist\u2019s Continued Education Grant<\/a>.<\/span><\/p> Michael and his team are a prime example of what it means to stay curious, noting, \u201cOur shop works hard to recognize the many opportunities for lifelong learning. We make classes available to our design staff to develop their skills further.\u201d They understand the power of investing in ongoing education and appreciate that the Endowment supports these initiatives.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to pursuing that knowledge, all it takes is opportunity \u2013 and our Sharpe Grant is a \u2018no-brainer.\u2019 \u201cWhen I found out that a grant was available to reimburse a portion of the cost to attend SAF in 2021, I submitted the application and provided the requested information. It was an easy process that allowed continued learning and development.\u201d<\/span><\/p> The opportunity to provide continued learning for yourself and your staff is an invaluable foundation of business success. AFE\u2019s Bob and Carol Sharpe Retail Florist\u2019s Continued Education Grant provides accessibility and support for MD, DC, and VA florists alike \u2013 to pursue possibilities and keep up with our dynamic industry.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Richardson of Smith\u2019s Florist and Gift Shoppe with a handheld bouquet of locally sourced flowers from Wind Haven Farms.<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n To Michael at Smith\u2019s Florist and Gift Shoppe, thank you for sharing your experience!<\/span><\/p> Established in 2019, Bob and Carol Sharpe started the Grant with the intention of helping floral businesses thrive through continued learning opportunities, whether online or in-person. \u201cIn an industry where businesses are handed down from generation to generation, continued education is vital for success,\u201d said Bob.<\/span><\/p> Applications<\/a> for the Grant are accepted through October 1st<\/strong> of each year. The Grant is presented as reimbursement awards between $50-$500 for individual business-related courses to florists in the MD\/DC\/VA metropolitan area. Learn more and apply<\/a><\/span>.<\/p><\/p>","protected":false},"template":"","news-categories":[53,31,29,41],"class_list":["post-3341","news","type-news","status-publish","hentry","news-categories-grants","news-categories-latest-news","news-categories-news","news-categories-florist-event"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/endowment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Sharpe1.png\")
About the Grant<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>