SAULT STE. MARIE — Numerous communities in Michigan, like the Sault, have been awarded half a million bucks in grants aimed at supporting tiny community firms to generate resiliency and fortify downtowns.
The Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Growth Authority is slated to obtain $25,000 from the Michigan Financial Improvement Company for a new business coming to the downtown location: Soo Locks Candy Store at 351 Portage Ave., which will be owned by Misti Collia. Collia isn’t a stranger to the downtown area as she owns and operates Second Childhood and Older people Much too at 221 Portage Ave.
“Thanks to means like the Match on Principal grant, we can continue to fill and establish vacant areas in our downtown and support lead company entrepreneurs to assets that permit them to do well and be affluent,” stated Kayla Nicholson, government director of the Sault’s Downtown Growth Authority.
The awarded grants may be made use of by the enterprise for suitable costs that assistance specialized support, interior setting up renovations, lasting or semi-long lasting activation of an outdoor area, long lasting or semi-everlasting enterprise infrastructure related to COVID-19 restoration endeavours and far more.
Soo Locks Sweet Store will element a assortment of popular nostalgic candies. The business will even be property to huge sweet wall pieces and a giant gumball machine.
“Soo Locks sweet shop is a company endeavor Misti has desired to go after,” reported Nicholson. “We know the Sault has its share of chocolate and fudge, but we at the moment do not have a additional regular design and style candy shop. The Soo Locks Sweet Shop will characteristic more than 100 novelty items, as nicely as contemporary and nostalgic favorites. The design and style of enterprise and area will make a good addition to the countless numbers of guests the Soo will welcome each year as it will enchantment to all ages.”
Nicholson reported the Downtown Advancement Authority is searching forward to observing an additional small business open up, giving task prospects and development in the area.
In accordance to Nicholson, building is planned to start right away as the predicted open up day is set for the end of May well. The believed renovation expenses for the making is approximated to be all over $48,000 in purchase for the business enterprise to open up.
“Thriving little organizations are the cornerstone of what tends to make Michigan’s downtowns unique and genuine although serving to to generate financial chance across the condition,” mentioned Michigan Economic Progress Corporation’s Senior Vice President of Neighborhood Improvement Michele Wildman. “These Match on Key grants will assist nearby corporations uncover new paths to expansion and produce and keep jobs, though even more establishing vivid, exceptional, and interesting locations where people want to stay, do the job and engage in.”
For much more data on downtown Sault Ste. Marie, go to www.downtownsault.org.