Salisbury, MD — On February 2, the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the City of Salisbury and D3, a local full-service digital marketing agency, opened applications for the SBY Brand Boost Grant, a new initiative designed to help downtown small businesses strengthen their brand, improve visibility, and enhance their marketing presence. Eighteen competitive applications were received—narrowed to four finalist interviews to determine the winner.
Mad Hatter Café & Catering has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the grant. Mad Hatter was selected at a pivotal growth stage following a year of operational improvements, including staffing changes, onboarding a new chef, menu updates, and enhanced customer service. Having recently reached profitability, the business is now focused on increasing visibility, expanding catering, and reintroducing dinner service.
“The Grant is not intended to fix a business, but to accelerate a business that is already making the right changes and is ready to grow, and Mad Hatter is positioned to build on the progress they’ve already made,” said Bryan Bourdeau, assistant director of the Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship.
The grant will provide Mad Hatter with a package of branding and marketing support valued at more than $4,000. The award includes a $1,000 cash award for brand development, a commercial production and advertising package through WMDT, marketing consultation and brand strategy support from D3, an online brand performance audit, vinyl graphics, a large A-frame sign and graphic design assistance for printed marketing materials such as rack cards, business cards and flyers.
“One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is not always the product or service, but making sure people know their story,” said Jenni Pastusak, director of public relations for D3. “This grant will help Mad Hatter Café navigate this challenge.”
More information about the Downtown Salisbury Brand Boost Grant is available at: https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/business/entrepreneurship/rommel-center/brand-boost-grant.aspx
