Cat Tales Cat Cafe receives small business grant

COMMUNITY NEWS

By Tyria McCray-Bourda
Correspondent

CHAPEL HILL –  “Humbled and thrilled,” exclaimed Cat Tales Cat Cafe co-owner Katy Poitras after receiving news that her business had been awarded a $30,000 grant from the “Backing Small Business Grant Program” by American Express, an initiative to support economic vitality for small businesses and help them thrive.

Cat Tales Cat Cafe, located at 431 W. Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill, is a two-story establishment that serves as a foster home for twelve cats. This cafe stands out due to its collaboration with the nonprofit organization Cat Tales Rescue NC, which ensures a safe and nurturing environment for the cats as they await adoption. 

Poitras informed TLR that the funds will be allocated to several key initiatives in Orange County aimed at supporting cats, residents, and local businesses. A primary focus is the sponsorship and installation of microchip scanning stations throughout the county to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Furthermore, the team intends to utilize the funds to enhance community welfare and generate revenue for other local enterprises, including supplying food and resources for community cat caretakers, supporting a Girl Scout troop, and undertaking various other impactful projects.

“The purpose of this grant is not to just go into our bank account. So, to be entrusted with this large amount of money is a huge honor and responsibility. However, none of this would be possible without this funding and we are grateful that American Express and Main Street America believe in our mission and goals. Cat Tales Cat Cafe is proud of our unique model and the business diversity we bring to Franklin Street. We are also thankful to the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership for sharing this program with us last year and for always being cheerleaders and supporters of our business,” said Poitras.

Since its inception six years ago, the cafe has embraced numerous milestones, including the adoption of over 1,000 cats in January and the celebration of its sixth anniversary last month. Additionally, they marked their one-year partnership with Cat Tales Rescue NC during the same period.

This nonprofit organization in Chapel Hill not only aids at-risk cats and kittens but also collaborates with other groups to lower euthanasia rates by providing foster homes. Established by dedicated volunteers, this rescue nonprofit offers a distinctive opportunity for adoptions, with all funds raised directly supporting the care of the cats and related programs. While waiting for their forever-homes at the cafe, the rescue cats receive personalized care, affection, and attention. As of March 2024, 418 cats have found new homes and 478 have been rescued. Given that North Carolina consistently ranks among the top three states in the U.S. for cat euthanasia, the nonprofit advocates for addressing the pet overpopulation crisis as a community challenge that necessitates a collective response.

Consequently, volunteers diligently strive to create opportunities for community engagement, assistance, education, and active participation in finding solutions.

Carter Hubbard, Director of Operations and Business Services of the Downtown Chapel Hill Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive downtown community, shared her thoughts on the grant program with TLR. Hubbard highlighted the cafe’s unique position in Downtown Chapel Hill as a blend of retail and community service, offering snacks, beverages, and a variety of cat toys alongside responsible pet care and adoption practices. She noted that the significance of this grant is amplified by co-owner Katy Poitras’ intention to reinvest the funds into the local community through various public events aimed at expanding the business’ mission of animal care and responsible pet ownership.

“Being awarded this grant is an outstanding achievement; being selected out of the original 1,000-member applicant pool. The community partnerships that the owners have created with shelters, veterinary practices, and cat adopters in the immediate area has enhanced the term ‘local’ beyond what one might expect. We look forward to promoting these offerings as they arise this year and continuing to help businesses to thrive in Downtown Chapel Hill,” said Hubbard.

Cat Tales Cat Cafe limits the number of visitors in the cat room to ensure an enjoyable experience for cats and guests. Reservations are strongly encouraged. To learn more and to make reservations, visit cattalescatcafe.com The cafe’s address is 431 W. Franklin St., Unit 210, and is open from 12-6pm Tuesday through Sunday.

What is the “Backing Small Business Program”?

 In 2021 American Express and Main Street America created the grant program to help small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. Since then 25 small business owners across the country have been awarded $30,000 as well as $10,000 Enhancement Grants through the program. In its first two years the program provided over $4 million in grants to 680 small business owners across the country and nearly $9.8 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide, with more than $5.7 million of that granted in 2024.

“Small businesses are a pillar of our communities, bringing culture, character, and connection to our neighborhoods. We are grateful to be able to provide enhancement grants to businesses across the country that bring hope, vitality, and resilience to the communities they serve,” said President of the American Express Foundation Madge Thomas.

Tyria McCray-Bourda is a story-driven journalist whose work has previously appeared in The Carolinian newspaper in Raleigh. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University, she has the distinction of having interviewed President Joe Biden when he was a candidate on the campaign trail, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press