CMGC Announces Recipients of Regional Small Business Resiliency Grant to Deploy Relief Funding
Grants offered to address the economic challenges of COVID-19
WATERVILLE, ME, September 29, 2020 – Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) is proud to announce the successful grantees for its Waterville Region Small Business Grant (WRSBG), a new program that was designed as a method of deploying funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related needs of small businesses in Fairfield, Oakland, Waterville, and Winslow.
Prioritizing small businesses that have under 20 employees and received $15,000 or less in federal relief, grant recipients will receive up to $2,000 in grant funding, which may be utilized for an array of business expenses. The intent of the grants is for use in sustaining operations, the retention of talent, expansion efforts, or as an attraction for small businesses. The regional geography eligible for the grants aligns with CMGC’s service area and is reflective of the collaborative commitment to economic recovery efforts in the region. “We remain confident that the economic fundamentals of Waterville and the mid-Maine region are strong and we have momentum as a region, but we know small businesses need help to bridge them across this difficult time,” explains Garvan Donegan, director of planning and economic development at Central Maine Growth Council. “This funding will be used to offset some of the impact the pandemic has had on these businesses and will help them move forward in their recovery efforts as we head into the fall season.”
Twenty businesses within the designated towns have been chosen as grantees for the WRSBG program and $39,200 in relief funds will be dispersed to the recipients. The WRSBG program recipients are:
- Amici’s Cucina
- Are you Ready to Party??
- Candy Hollow
- Dandelion Art
- Day’s Travel Bureau
- Diane’s Travel Agency
- Engine 5 Bakehouse
- Heirloom Antiques
- Otter Brook Childcare
- Pressey House Lakeside B&B
- PT Cab Co.
- Robin’s Nest
- Selah Tea Café
- Street Silver Tavern
- The Barber Parlor
- The Framemakers
- Treehouse Daycare & Preschool
- Universal Bread
- Waterville Brewing Company
- Waterville House of Pizza
The grant program, funded by Bangor Savings Bank, Bill & Joan Alfond Foundation, Central Maine Motors Auto Group, and Colby College, was developed as an emergency relief grant program to support business owners, entrepreneurs, and their employees, driving timely investments, and supportive economic activity. The WRSBG program is an evolution of CMGC’s assistance to businesses and local communities, providing vital support as businesses reopen and federal and state funding programs reach capacity.
“Receiving this not only has helped us in the present time but has also set us up for success in the future. With our grant funds we are purchasing a stackable washer and dryer for the barbershop. This will allow us to better launder our PPE right at The Barber Parlor, rather than sending it out to be done. This will save our shop about $150 a week. With the remaining funds, we have ordered disinfectant for the shop as well,” said Tanya Lennon of The Barber Parlor.
CMGC has helped aid businesses and local communities since March, as federal and state funding programs reached capacity, and needs for support remained. The WRSBG program is an evolution of this assistance. “Small businesses are the life blood of our communities, and we’re committed to supporting them throughout the pandemic,” states Shane Savage R.Ph., WRSBG Advisory Committee member and owner of area small town pharmacies. “By working together we will continue to assist our small businesses by providing assistance and much needed relief that will help keep their doors open.”
This is the second grant program launched by CMGC; its Downtown Waterville Facade & Building Improvement Grant Program announced the awardees of its 2020 funding round earlier this spring.
Last modified: September 30, 2020
