OmMade will receive $25,000 from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund and Fairfax County will match it with an additional $25,000. “The Commonwealth of Virginia believes supporting innovative small businesses is key to dynamic economic growth and job creation across the Commonwealth,” stated Governor Ralph Northam.
Over the next three years, the woman- and minority-owned company will source 30,000 pounds of peanuts from Virginia farmers. The grant funds will allow the company to create five jobs and invest nearly $250,000 to expand in Fairfax County.
“I am so pleased that a Fairfax County, woman-owned, small business, founded by long-time Reston resident Radhika Murari, will benefit from this grant and bring more jobs to the County,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman McKay. “This is a difficult time for businesses, especially those looking to grow. It’s exciting to be able to lift up OmMade Peanut Butter, a Made in Fairfax operation, and showcase the creativity and quality that Fairfax has to offer.”
OmMade Peanut Butter is part of the Made in Fairfax Network, a Fairfax County initiative that supports local small-scale manufacturers. In 2019, Fairfax County launched the Made in Fairfax Network to encourage and promote county-based small-scale manufacturing efforts. OmMade Peanut Butter has been an active member of the Network since its inception and exemplifies its entrepreneurial spirit. The network is open to County-based makers/small scale producers and the ecosystem of entities who support them and is free to join.
“There is one simple reason for the success of OmMade Peanut Butter: Virginia peanuts. Because of the unmatched flavor of Virginia peanuts, OmMade Peanut Butter is not only the best-tasting peanut butter in the market, it is also extremely healthy,” said Radhika Murari. “I appreciate the support of Fairfax County and the Commonwealth with this grant. It will enable OmMade Peanut Butter to set up a commercial production facility and allow for nationwide sales expansion.”
As part of its strategic marketing efforts, OmMade Peanut Butter has participated other Virginia-led programs. They have been a participant in the Virginia’s Finest® program since 2018. This program, created more than 30 years ago with more than 500 participating companies, helps consumers know they are purchasing top-quality Virginia-produced specialty food products whenever they see the blue and red VA check mark logo. OmMade Peanut Butter is also a past winner of the annual Made in Virginia awards, presented by Virginia Living Magazine.
“I am so proud to see Radhika succeed as one of Hunter Mill District’s dedicated entrepreneurs! This is a fantastic opportunity for the county and the commonwealth to support and encourage startups in sectors that help diversify our local economy – and startups that build on the strength of our diverse communities, ” said Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn.
Fairfax County will utilize money from its Economic Opportunity Reserve (EOR) to support the expansion. The county has made available up to $400,000 to take advantage of business growth opportunities associated with the AFID Grant program.