Small Business Centre awards $66,000 in grants to local businesses. These grants support 14 local businesses in achieving their goals of starting or expanding a business, or completing a special project to advance their business. Each grant was awarded specifically to create opportunity and to generate local economic stimulation for the greater business community.
“There were over 60 applicants for the grant this year and our committee rated the best applicants based on the potential for economic growth and positive economic impact on the greater Quinte region.”, says Luc Fournier the Small Business Centre (SBC) Program Coordinator. “The grant is specifically designed not only to inject money into a business need, but to generate more growth than the initial spending of the grant.”
The grant program is designed to offer an opportunity to a small business owner to take the chance of starting a new business that they may not have otherwise done, or to support existing businesses into investing into growth opportunities where they need the extra support. The program also offers mentorship and guidance in strategic development which is key into ensuring a successful program.
“The grants awarded have generated well over $150,000 in additional economic stimulus”, says Amber Darling, Executive Director of Trenval, managing partner of the SBC on behalf of the City of Belleville. “Businesses use these grant dollars to enhance their opportunity for growth and are required to invest equity into the project. Ultimately it creates opportunity”.
Dahlia May Flower Farm, owned and operated by Melanie Harrington was one of the recipients. “I’m so grateful to my small business community for letting me know about this grant, to the Small Business Centre for believing in my farm and my project and to my business mentor Chandy Davis in this program for cheering me on and providing me with encouragement and resources”, said Harrington. “The grant covered one fifth of the cost of this project. The support of our customers through their purchases this summer covered the additional $20,000 it took to complete the project”.
The Small Business Centre will receive additional grant funds from the Province of Ontario to support businesses again in the fall of 2020.
The Small Business Centre is committed to supporting all businesses in the greater Quinte region, either as start-ups, or expanding businesses. The services offered are at no cost to the business owners and everyone is welcome to access the free services offered at any time. Call to make an appointment to sit with someone to discuss your business needs.
