Downtown Sault Ste. Marie businesses can apply for this $25,000 grant
SAULT STE. MARIE — A new Michigan Economic Development Corporation program will support the expansion and renovation of small businesses in downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
The MEDC is partnering with the Downtown Development Authority of Sault Ste. Marie to bring development grant funds to the Soo.
The program, which is being implemented in other cities as well, is intended to allow for the expansion of local companies. As the country is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant will help many small businesses overcome obstacles presented by the pandemic, as well as regular expansions.
In order to qualify for the funding, a company can only use the funding for specific types of renovations in relation to expanding the business.
Funds can only be used for interior renovation, technical assistance, technology upgrades and business infrastructure related to COVID-19 operations, including the purchase of plexiglass barriers or the cost of implementing outdoor spaces.
"The main purpose is to launch and grow our local businesses, we want to continue developing attractive downtown areas," said DDA Director Stephanie Sprecker. "By helping businesses become more developed, we're creating a more attractive downtown area which brings in more business."
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Downtown businesses can qualify for up to $25,000 in funding for renovations, expansions and other upgrades to their local business. Grants will only be approved if the business can prove the renovations cost $25,000 or less and are capable of matching 10 percent of the the total cost of the grant.
In order to qualify for the grant a business must prove the need to renovate as well as an estimate of cost from a third-party contractor who is willing to complete the work.
The application deadline is Oct. 6. Visit the Sault DDA website for more details on this and other programs.
Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Downtown Sault businesses can apply for $25,000 MEDC grant
