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Batavia MainStreet announced that Bocaditos Cafe was selected as a 2025 recipient of the Backing Small Business Grant from Main Street America and American Express.
This nationwide initiative awarded 400 grants of $10,000 to locally significant small businesses across the country, helping them fuel growth and continue making a meaningful impact in their communities. Only 12 businesses in Illinois were selected for the 2025 program, including Bocaditos.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Bocaditos for this well-deserved recognition,” said Kristen Desler, Assistant Director of Batavia MainStreet. “Grants like this can be transformational for small businesses, giving owners the opportunity to invest in tools and resources that help them grow and better serve their customers.”
Located in Downtown Batavia at 11 N. Batavia Ave., Unit 109, Bocaditos is an Argentinian café serving the rich flavors of South America and is open Tuesday–Saturday from 10AM to 6:30PM. According to the news release, favorite dishes include savory empanadas in a variety of flavors, a popular chimichurri sauce, and an assortment of desserts made fresh daily.
Bocaditos used the grant funds to purchase new equipment, including an espresso machine, ice machine, and small oven. These additions have allowed the cafe to expand its breakfast and treat offerings, elevate its coffee program, increase operational efficiency, and train staff in new preparation techniques — enhancements that directly benefit customers and strengthen the business’s long-term success.
They join a distinguished group of prior Downtown Batavia grant recipients, including Limestone Coffee & Tea, Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and Sidecar Supper Club. In addition, New Moon Vegan was awarded both the grant and a competitive $30,000 enhancement grant in a previous cycle.
The Backing Small Business Grant program continues to spotlight entrepreneurs nationwide who are strengthening their local economies, creating jobs, and enriching the communities they serve.
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