Mount Vernon is launching a $500,000 grant program to support small businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic and attract new stores to diversify its shopping options. The program will offer grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses, with a preference for those that can bring new offerings to vacant ground-floor spaces.
According to Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, incentivizing and supporting the creation of new businesses in Mount Vernon is crucial as many residents are spending their money in neighboring communities that lack the variety of businesses currently present in Mount Vernon. The focus is on attracting a diverse range of new businesses such as sporting goods and hobby shops, bookstores, florists, upscale boutiques, art galleries, pop-up dining establishments, coffee shops, theaters, bowling alleys and unique experiences like axe-throwing and karaoke.
Funded by American Rescue Plan funds received by the city, the grants will cover construction costs for new or existing businesses as well as facade renovations. Businesses located in the city’s primary shopping district along 4th and Gramatan avenues from 3rd Street downtown to Fleetwood will be eligible to apply for the grants. Applications will be available on the city website starting Tuesday with a deadline of June 24th.
The grant applications will be evaluated by a group led by Robin Mack, director of business development in Mount Vernon. Recipients of the grants are expected to be announced by early August. According to Mack
