New businesses have way to get started in three downtowns

Retailers and restaurateurs who want to locate in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph or Stevensville: This is for you.

Funding is still available for the 18-month-old Retail and Restaurant Subsidization Program.

The program was launched in hopes of encouraging retailers and restaurants to locate close to one another and stabilize the three downtown business districts.

So far, HarborTown Interiors, Lana’s Boutique and the fitness studio Maddog 5/1 are participating in the program that offers a rent subsidy for beginning businesses through an interest free loan.

Retailers may choose any location within an identified district in either of the three communities as long as the landlord agrees to the terms and conditions of the program.

The program can assist at least two qualifying businesses in each community and perhaps more depending upon the type of businesses seeking assistance and the number of square feet to be occupied. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis to qualified applicants.

Cornerstone Alliance will review each application on a case-by-case basis. To be considered a retailers must be a for profit businesses, among other requirements. Priority is given to first-time retailers.

To learn more about the Downtown Retail and Restaurant Subsidization program, please contact Reyna Price at Cornerstone Alliance at 269-925-6100.

Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Jamie Balkin, Cornerstone Alliance