Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that seven communities will receive more than $969,000 through the state’s Main Street Solutions Fund. The small businesses that benefit from the Main Street Solutions grants will create or retain a minimum of 119 permanent and 57 part-time jobs in addition to 84 construction jobs, according to the grant applications.
For every $1 invested by the state, an additional $4.21 will be invested by the local communities, bringing the total public/private investments to just over $4 million. These funds will be used to provide direct support to North Carolina small businesses with revitalization activities that include commercial building rehabilitation, façade improvements, LEED certification energy efficiency and code improvements.
“Small businesses create more jobs than any other part of the economy, and we are helping to bring those jobs to our communities,” Gov. Perdue said. “These grants will support some of the most creative and innovative economic development work being done today. Main Streets can be at the heart of North Carolina’s economic recovery with the right support and investment. The small businesses and other economic partners in our downtown areas will be stronger for this important investment.”
Gov. Perdue knows that main street is the backbone of the small town local economy. Developing main street in small towns is key to spurring economic growth in communities that have been hit hard by the global economic recession. Gov. Perdue’s Main Street Solutions program helps increase economic activity through public/private redevelopment, historic preservation and small business assistance. Today’s announcement is the second round of funding through the Main Street Solutions program. To date, the program has handed out nearly $3 million in grants with an expected $13 million in additional public/private investments.
Grant awardees and amounts are:
- Benson, $41,389;
- Kinston, $200,000;
- Goldsboro, $200,000;
- Burnsville, $200,000;
- Highlands, $200,000;
- Sylva, $47,382; and
- Newton, $80,830.
2011 Main Street Solutions Fund Grant Awardees & Project Descriptions
Benson
Awardees: Town of Benson, Benson Small Town Main Street Committee and Nails and Co. Nail Salon
Name of Project: Finding Your Way to Downtown Benson
Description of Project: The Town of Benson is proposing to complete the installation of a comprehensive wayfinding system for downtown and to support the renovation of the Market Street private improvement project and the expansion of Nails and Co. Nail Salon, an existing business that plans to add a second hair styling chair and pedicure services. These funds will support the retention and creation of 3 permanent full-time jobs associated with the business. A second phase (non-MSSF funded) of this project will include two upper story apartments, making this building the first mixed-use building in Downtown Benson. In addition, the wayfinding system that will be implemented in association with this project will retain an additional 3 full-time Town of Benson positions.
Kinston
Awardees: City of Kinston, PRIDE of Kinston, Hill Realty, LLC, Miami Bistro
Name of Project: The Miller Furniture Restoration Project
Description of Project: The proposed project will renovate two downtown properties, 212 North Queen Street and 108 West North Street. Phase 1, which Main Street Solutions will partially fund, will develop space for Hill Realty, property developers, and a Miami style bistro. A second phase will renovate space for two retailers and two offices. The first phase of this project will create a minimum of 8 permanent full-time jobs, plus construction jobs.
Goldsboro
Awardees: City of Goldsboro, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation, Arts Council of Wayne County, Lotus 1899, Grimes, Darwin Properties
Name of Project: Arts Downtown!
Description of Project: The Main Street Solutions Fund application seeks funds to renovate 102 N. John Street in downtown Goldsboro. The proposed project is a complete façade renovation that will benefit three businesses and a partial interior renovation on the first and second floors of the building for the purpose of relocating the Arts Council of Wayne County to downtown. Four businesses, including Darwin Properties, private developer, will directly benefit from these funds and the project will retain or create 10 permanent full time jobs and 29 part time positions, plus construction jobs.
Burnsville
Awardees: Town of Burnsville, Burnsville Main Street Advisory Board, Nu Wray Inn
Name of Project: Nu Wray Inn Home Cooking School
Description of Project: The Main Street Solutions Fund application seeks funding for the renovation of a portion of the Nu Wray Inn, located in downtown Burnsville, for a Home Cooking School. The school is an expansion of the traditional ” Inn” concept and is designed to position Burnsville as a destination for 2-3 day workshops and retreats that will educate visitors about the Appalachian culture through food, crafts, music and culture. 11 permanent full-time positions and 6 permanent part-time jobs will be created in association with this project, plus construction jobs.
Highlands
Awardees: Town of Highlands, Highlands Small Town Main Street Committee, Kilwin’s, TJ Bailey for Men, Spoiled Rotten, 4118 Brew Pub, Lupoli Construction
Name of Project: Town Square Renovation (A private development project)
Description of Project: The Main Street Solutions Fund application seeks funding to renovate the common space, specifically public restrooms and the courtyard area, in “Town Square”, a private development project in downtown Highlands. The courtyard houses 4 existing businesses that will directly benefit from these improvements. The businesses will create or retain 23 permanent full-time jobs, 10permanent part-time jobs, plus 84 construction jobs.
Sylva
Awardees: Town of Sylva, Downtown Sylva Association, Jean Ensley, David Schulman, Annie’s Bakery Café, Velero Convenience Store, Speedy’s Pizza, Tina Maries Barber Shop, Western Southern Life Insurance, Family Dollar, Sylva Insurance, Penumbra, Peebles
Name of Project: The Mill Street Renewal Project
Description of Project: The Main Street Solutions Fund application seeks funding to assist with the complete renovation of the facades that line Mill Street and to complete parking lot improvements to a private lot that supports several of the small businesses that front Mill Street. The 9 businesses that will directly benefit from the funds will retain a total of 57 permanent full-time jobs and 9 permanent part-time jobs.
Newton
Awardees: City of Newton, Downtown Newton Development Association, Second Nature Technology, Inc., Heilsamr Bakery
Name of Project: 19 North Main Avenue Renovations
Description of Project: Second Nature Technology, Inc. plans to purchase 19 North Main Avenue and renovate the first floor of the building for Heilsamr Bakery. In a second phase, Second Nature Technology, Inc. will renovate the second floor for a live/work space for the owners of the business and building. The Main Street Solutions Fund application seeks funding for renovations for the initial first floor development, which will result in 4 permanent full-time positions and 3 permanent part-time positions.
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