Mount Vernon is launching a $500,000 grant program to support small businesses recovering from the pandemic and attract new stores to diversify shopping options. The program will offer grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses, with priority given to those that can bring new offerings to vacant ground-floor spaces.
The city’s mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, emphasized the importance of incentivizing and supporting the creation of new businesses in Mount Vernon that are currently lacking. She noted that many residents are spending money in neighboring communities that offer businesses not currently present in Mount Vernon. The focus is on attracting a variety 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.
The grants will be funded by American Rescue Plan funds received by the city and 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 for submission set at June 24th.
Businesses that receive grants will be evaluated based on their management practices and the innovation of their products and services by a group led by Robin Mack, director of business development. Recipients are expected to be announced by early August with the goal of maintaining Mount Vernon’s unique urban environment with a friendly town-like atmosphere where customers feel welcomed and appreciated.
