This year, The American Floral Endowment (AFE) was happy to award $500 to Michael Richardson of Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe in Gloucester, Virginia, through the Bob and Carol Sharpe Retail Florist’s Continued Education Grant.
Michael and his team are a prime example of what it means to stay curious, noting, “Our shop works hard to recognize the many opportunities for lifelong learning. We make classes available to our design staff to develop their skills further.” They understand the power of investing in ongoing education and appreciate that the Endowment supports these initiatives.
Michael Richardson of Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe
“When I found out that a grant was available to reimburse a portion of the cost to attend SAF in 2021, I applied and provided the requested information. It was an easy process that allowed continued learning and development.”
The opportunity to provide continued learning is an invaluable foundation for business success. AFE’s Bob and Carol Sharpe Retail Florist’s Continued Education Grant provides accessibility and support for MD, DC, and VA florists alike to pursue possibilities and keep up with the dynamic industry.
Michael Richardson of Smith’s Florist and Gift Shoppe with a handheld bouquet of locally sourced flowers from Wind Haven Farms
About the Grant
Established in 2019, Bob and Carol Sharpe started the Grant to help floral businesses thrive through continued learning opportunities, whether online or in-person. The Grant is presented as reimbursement awards between $50-$500 for individual business-related courses to florists in the MD/DC/VA metropolitan area.
For more information:
American Floral Endowment
+1 (703) 838-5211
www.endowment.org