SALEM, Ohio – Nature + Nurture’s efforts to renovate and relocate to a larger space down the street has been assisted by a $20,000 grant.
Tricia Ross, owner of the State Street bookstore, announced in a Facebook post that the business has been selected as a recipient of funding through the AMEX Shop Small Grant Program.
Ross said she intends to use the $20,000 to help build out the new classroom and community learning space inside the new downtown location.
Ross hopes to host handicraft and homesteading classes, nature journaling and writing workshops, read-aloud programs, author events and other hands-on activities in the space. Local artists, educators, organizations and guest speakers will be invited to host events in the room.
When not in use for programs, Ross said the room will be open for quiet reading, journaling and creative work.
Nature + Nurture is a nature-focused independent bookstore, which launched online in February 2021 and set up a small space in a flower shop.
Three months later Ross moved into a storefront at 515 E. State St., but the business eventually outgrew the space.
In November 2025, Ross announced she was moving to the former Macmillan Office Supply building at 553 E. State St., an empty, larger space she has been improving for her business needs.
According to the AMEX Shop Small Grants Program website, more than 500 recipients across the country were awarded $20,000 each. The original launch of the program had planned to support 250 small businesses with $5 million in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. However, additional money was contributed through Small Business Saturday giving pledges and American Express.
Locally, Haitian Sensation in Sharon, Pa., also was listed among the recipients, as was Cloven Hoof Brewing Co. in Ashtabula.
Pictured at top: The former Macmillan Office Supply building at 553 E. State St.