More grants help businesses fund improvements
What do maple syrup and auto repairs have in common?
Don’t be a sap – the link is the Community Improvement grants that two Southgate businesses have received.
Love’s Sweetness Maple Syrup in Holstein and Country Automotive in Dundalk are the latest applicants for the grants.
Having a farm-based business take advantage of the grant is a more uncommon use for Southgate so far.
The plan from the outset was for the funds to help at businesses across the entire township, not just in downtown areas.
Southgate had set aside money of its own, and also received County funding; however, it has taken some time for applications to grow.
After the two applications approved last week, about $80,000 remains, with an equal balance in the Southgate and Grey economic development funds.
The program offers small boosts with most grants in the $2,000 to $3,000 range per project.
It’s hoped that incentive spurs investment and improves the business economy overall.
While most grants have helped with signage or facade improvements, there are a wide range of grants available. One recent grant helped offset fees for a development in the Eco Park.
Economic Development Officer Brenna Carroll has revised and shortened the application form, to encourage more applicants.
She has also been promoting the grants to businesses that she is interviewing for a “retention and expansion” study.
In answer to a council member’s question about promoting the program, Ms Carroll added that business owners do a great job passing on the information to others they know.
Ray Love applied for funding to upgrade his sugar bush laneway on his property on Grey Road 109, Holstein, in the amount of $3,060.
The project contributes to the gravelling of the business’s main bush lane, to improve access to the maple syrup production facilities. These are open to the public at certain periods, notably during Maplefest.
The CIP has a grant for repair, replacement and improvements to driveways and parking areas in rear or side yards.
Country Automotive received $2,305 to install new signs on its Hwy. 10 business location.
Those who receive grants must share plans, estimates and receipts with the township to provide accountability.
M.T. Fernandes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Dundalk Herald
