Tuesday, July 16, 2024–8:03 a.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome Downtown Development Authority has awarded a total of eleven marketing grants.
14 downtown businesses applied, according to Rome Downtown Development Authority Director Aundi Lesley.
“We’ve bumped it up,” she said. “In the last two years, we’ve awarded $6,000, and last year, they were all great applications. So, we may need to look at these slightly more competitive starting next year. We’ve bumped the budget up from $6,000 to $10,000. Now, we have more applicants, which is a good problem to have.”
Lesley added the priority went to businesses who have not received a marketing grant in the past.
Eight of the grants are for $1,000. Those recipients included:
- Stonehaven – 516 Broad Street
- Farrell’s Frame and Design – 519 Broad Street
- Scramble Brazilian Jujitsu and Wresting -216 Broad Street
- Honeycream – 4 East Third Avenue
- Living and Giving – 401 Broad Street
- Market on 5th – 252 North Fifth Avenue
- Southern Seasons – 118 Broad Street
- Harvest Moon Café – 234 Broad Street
Three businesses, that have been past recipients of marketing grants, were each awarded $500. They are:
- Schroeder’s New Deli – 406 Broad Street
- Blue Willow Boutique – 338 Broad Street
- Sunflour Community Bakery – 407B Broad Street
In order to receive a marketing grant, the business owner must meet with the Small Business Development Center to come up with a marketing strategy and a plan.
DDA awards Façade Grants
Also during Monday’s DDA meeting, two businesses were awarded $5,000 façade grants.
One was for 233 Broad Street, which is the John Henry’s building.
“They are asking to install awnings on the sides and add fans,” said Megan Watters with the DDA. “It would be a marquee, metal-type awning and it would get rid of the broken umbrellas that are out there.”
The design would be similar to that at Mellow Mushroom. The total project cost is $28,500.
The second façade grant, also for $5,000, was awarded for rehab work at 405 West Third Street. The total cost of that project is $37,000.