Gardiner Main Street Launches Catalyst Grant Program
As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting economic and community development in its historic downtown, Gardiner Main Street (GMS) is excited to announce its Catalyst Grant Program. This new grant initiative will provide funding to help strengthen established businesses within the City of Gardiner and encourage growth or development that might otherwise be delayed or less feasible.
As small businesses continue to face challenges brought on from the pandemic, recovery continues to be held back due to soaring inflation, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and staffing shortages. The Catalyst Grant Program provides to support Gardiner small businesses to help address these obstacles and critical needs, as well as to plan for long-term success and resilience.
Gardiner Main Street is delighted to use this funding to create opportunities to help our local businesses endure the challenges of today and plan for the future.
Funded by repayment from a concluded loan program, grants up to $2,500 are available. Awarded funds may be used for many typical business expenses such as physical improvements, inventory, marketing, payroll, and utilities.
Applications are currently being accepted through Friday, June 3 to be considered. A panel will review applications and make selections based on the impact of the proposed projects, the impact of the company’s services on the community, and the sustainability of the business. Grant reviewers will also consider the number of employees and length of time the business has been in operation.
Eligible businesses must be a federally recognized for-profit establishment located on commercial property in Gardiner with fifty or fewer employees and have been open for more than six months. Supporting financial documentation must also accompany the application to help determine impact and financial viability.
The GMS Catalyst Grant program has limited funding, therefore not all grant requests may be approved.
From mandated closures and restrictions to staffing shortages and supply chain issues, the pandemic has proven to be most challenging to smaller businesses. “We are delighted to use this funding to create opportunities to help our local businesses endure the challenges of today and plan for the future,” said GMS executive director Melissa Lindley. “We wanted to recognize and support all that they do for our city. They contribute to the community and make a difference by creating jobs, being community hubs that bring people together, add character to the city, and help create a thriving local economy.”
Grant awards are expected to be announced by mid-June. Applications and complete program details are available at gardinermainstreet.org/catalyst. For additional information, contact Gardiner Main Street at 207-582-3100 or melissa@gardinermainstreet.org