More Resources For You
Discover other ways Gardiner Main Street can support your business. We've created a Business Resources page for local, regional and national support and programs available to help you effectively run your business.
Catalyst Grant
A Gardiner Main Street Program
The Gardiner Main Street Catalyst Grant is a program established by Gardiner Main Street (GMS) in 2022 to provide funding to help strengthen established businesses in the City of Gardiner and encourage growth or development that might otherwise be delayed or less feasible. The grant program is funded through repaid principal from a concluded loan program.
THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED
Grant Applications Due:
June 3, 2022 at 5pm
Who can apply?
Businesses eligible for the GMS Catalyst Grant Program must meet the following requirements:
• Be an operational for-profit businesses located within the City of Gardiner
• Be occupied on commercial property and service customers face-to-face
• Have been opened for greater than six months
• Be a federally recognized business
• Had 50 employees or fewer on May 1, 2022
• Be in good standing with regard to state and local taxes and licenses
What determines eligibility?
Eligibility is determined from five key factors:
• How funds will be utilized and their impact (use of funds)
• Impact of your services on the community (average daily customers, etc.)
• Sustainability (Determined through P&L Sheets)
• Size of business (number of employees)
• Number of years in operation in Gardiner
What can Catalyst Grant funds be used for?
The GMS Catalyst Grant can be used for many typical business-related expenses including:
• Physical improvements
• Inventory and products directly used in production of a product for sale
• Marketing expenses
• Payroll (exclusive of owner compensation)
• Utilities
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Insurance, or similar expenses
What expenses are not allowed?
Funds cannot be used for non-business related expenses such as private debts or for past-due tax payments.
How much can I apply for?
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2,500. Maximum of one award per business.
What do I need to do to apply?
In addition to the attached application, a business must provide the following to help determine impact and financial vulnerability:
• 2019-2021 Profit &Loss statements (or from date of opening if after Jan. 2019)
• January-April 2022 monthly Profit & Loss statement with monthly expenses included
• Current balance sheet
When can I apply?
Applications and all required financial information must be submitted by Friday, June 3, 2022 at 5pm.
When will awards be given?
A panel will review all applications and make final decisions in early June. The Gardiner Main Street Catalyst Grant program has limited funding, therefore not all grant requests may be approved. Applicants will be notified of panel decisions and grant funds will be awarded by check by June 15, 2022.
Who should I submit my application to?
Completed grant application and supporting financial materials should be submitted to Gardiner Main Street:
Online Application: www.gardinermainstreet.org/catalyst
By Email: melissa@gardinermainstreet.org
By mail: PO Box 194, Gardiner, ME 04345
In Person: 192 Water St, 2nd Floor, Gardiner, ME
Who can I contact with additional questions?
For more information, contact Melissa Lindley, Gardiner Main Street executive director at 207-582-3100 or melissa@gardinermainstreet.org
Submit completed grant application and supporting financial materials to the Gardiner Main Street office by June 3, 2022 at 5pm via:
• Completed Online Application Form
• Email: melissa@gardinermainstreet.org
• Mail: PO Box 194, Gardiner, ME 04345
• In Person: 192 Water St, 2nd Floor, Gardiner, ME
A panel will review all applications and make final decisions in early June.
The Gardiner Main Street Catalyst Grant program has limited funding, therefore not all grant requests may be approved.
Applicants will be notified of panel decisions and grant funds will be awarded by check by June 15, 2022.