Genisys Grants Help Downtown Ortonville Facade and Startup Programs
(Ortonville, DDA, Dec. 15, 2018)
Ortonville, MI- Ortonville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has received two grants that will support two current projects in the planning stage. These projects are – Powered Locally Retail Challenge and Ortonville Farmers Market. These grants are made possible by Main Street Oakland County, Genisys Credit Union and Flagstar Bank.
Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant – Supporting Powered Locally Retail Challenge
In an effort to support the attraction, retention and growth of small businesses in our historic downtowns and commercial corridors, Main Street Oakland County has partnered with Genisys Credit Union to create the Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant Program. This grant program is designed to support entrepreneurship at the local community level. “With limited resources, this grant will allow us to create a more attractive program, in an effort to entice local and regional entrepreneurs to Ortonville, said Mary Zucchero, Retail Challenge Project Lead. Our goal is to enhance our existing retail business mix with new concepts.”
Ortonville has a need for additional downtown retailers to enhance our already unique business mix. To address this need, we created the Powered Locally Retail Challenge. “This challenge is providing one new retailer with everything they need to be successful their first year in Ortonville including marketing, business support, legal services, accounting support, merchant support and more,” said Matt Jenkins, Executive Director. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash and incentive package valued at up to $15,000 toward the launch and growth of their business.
Main Street Placemaking & Façade Grant – Supporting Ortonville Farmers Market
One of the most important elements of successful downtown development and community revitalization is creating a strong sense of place. Main Street Oakland County advocates for placemaking through the installation of public art, historic interpretive markers and the enhancement of other physical attributes of a downtown district. To support this, MSOC has partnered with Flagstar Bank to create a Placemaking and Façade Grant Program. “Our goal is to make more fresh produce available to residents, said Brenda Timmermans, Farmers Market Project Lead. The Farmers Market will also create additional opportunities for people to come downtown and discover our local businesses.”
The market is being created to function as an economic development tool and a community gathering place. “The purpose of the Market is to promote locally grown and handmade products, highlight downtown Ortonville and encourage visitors to patronize nearby businesses, said Matt Jenkins, Executive Director. It is also hoped that the Market will foster a sense of community and improve quality of life.” The vision for the Ortonville Farmers Market is for it to ultimately become an established market that serves the needs of the Village residents and attracts people from Brandon Township and the surrounding areas to downtown Ortonville.
About Ortonville Downtown Development Authority
The Ortonville DDA is dedicated to promoting economic revitalization, supporting local businesses, and preserving the natural and historic heritage of the Village of Ortonville. We advocate a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and development of Ortonville’s unique characteristics. The Ortonville DDA advocates for businesses and the community by assessing current needs, customizing resources to meet those needs, collaborating with community groups, developing special promotions, and providing technical expertise. To learn more about the DDA, visit www.downtownortonville.org.
About Main Street Oakland County
Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) is our unique economic development program for downtowns, with a historic preservation philosophy and an emphasis on “sense of place.” MSOC helps local government develop their downtowns as vibrant, successful districts that serve as the heart of their communities. To learn more, visit www.advantageoakland.com.