ZEBULON, N.C. — Michael Lombardo, owner of The Fall Line Bar, has been awarded a $20,000 grant through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, a national initiative led by American Express in partnership with Main Street America to support small businesses across the country.

Lombardo was one of 505 recipients selected nationwide and one of 10 recipients in North Carolina. Eligible businesses were required to be located within Main Street America accredited, affiliate or member communities. Zebulon is one of 49 North Carolina communities to receive Main Street America Accreditation for 2026, making local businesses such as The Fall Line Bar eligible for the program.

The funding will help support The Fall Line Bar’s continued growth, allowing the business to invest in improvements, expand operations and introduce new offerings while continuing to serve the Zebulon community.

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program was originally launched with a $5 million contribution to support 250 small businesses in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Through a Small Business Saturday giving pledge, additional contributions expanded the program by more than $5 million, allowing the initiative to grow and support 505 recipients nationwide.

The selected businesses represent a wide range of industries, including retail, food service, health care and professional services. Grant funding will help recipients expand operations, invest in improvements and introduce new offerings that strengthen local economies.

The Town of Zebulon congratulates Lombardo and The Fall Line Bar on this recognition and looks forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of the business in downtown Zebulon.

For more information about the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, visit Main Street America’s website. For more information about the Zebulon Main Street Program contact tpiner@townofzebulon.org.

Media Contact:
Heather Louise Finch, Communications Director
communications@townofzebulon.org
Town of Zebulon Communications Office