Sixteen Main Street Oakland County downtowns have until April 30 to apply for up to $2,500 in grant money to support the attraction, retention and growth of small businesses in their downtowns.
The grants, called the Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Grants, are the result of a partnership between Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union. Eligible Genisys activities include location renovations/preparation, signage, marketing materials/efforts and other uses deemed appropriate to support the creation, relocation or expansion of a micro business.
"Main Street Oakland County is one of our most successful programs, with Main Street downtowns generating more than $837 million in public and private investment, creating more than 8,000 jobs and establishing 1,163 new businesses," County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. "Genisys Credit Union is a valuable partner and understands the importance of supporting small businesses in our downtowns. Its commitment ensures these treasured areas remain vital and attractive destinations for residents and visitors alike."
This is the second year of the partnership between the credit union and the county, Genisys President and CEO Jackie Buchanan said.
"Genisys Credit Union is always looking at ways to help improve the communities we serve," Buchanan said. "This is why we are excited to partner with Main Street Oakland County on the Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Grants. These grants help attract and retain small businesses and in turn, build stronger local economies and communities."
Under the terms of the grant, a minimum dollar-for-dollar match must be provided by the applicant. For more information and to find application forms, go to MainStreetOaklandCounty.com, click on the "Services & Trainings" tab. A second round of funding is planned for August.
Auburn Hills, Berkley, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak and Wixom are eligible to apply for grants.
In 2018, Spirit of Main Street grants were awarded for such things as: signage, marketing support, website development and building renovations. The recipients were:
- T. Ramsey and Associates Pontiac $1,250
- Pawsitive Care Holly $2,500
- Motor City Gas Royal Oak $2,500
- Highland DDA Highland $2,500
- Ortonville DDA Ortonville $2,500
- Folio Berkley $1,250
Oakland County is the first and still only county in the United States to operate a full-service, county-wide
Main Street program. It is available to the county's 32 historic downtowns, heritage corridors and mixed-use urban centers.
In 2018, public and private investment in Main Street Oakland County totaled more than $50.2 million and resulted in 450 net new jobs; 60 net new businesses; and contributions of more than 28,460 volunteer hours.
Main Street is a trademarked program of the National Main Street Center in Chicago. Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Highland Township, Holly, Holly Township, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon and Wixom comprise Main Street Oakland County.
Published: Wed, Feb 27, 2019
