A small town café with a big mission wins grant that helps them 'grow and create partnerships'

What’s happening: A small town café with a big mission celebrated a big win recently, made possible by the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority’s participation in the Main Street economic and community development program. Downtown Coldwater’s Hope Café is the recipient of a $20,278 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its Match on Main program.

What it is: Hope Café operates like a typical café, serving coffee, espresso-based drinks, pastries, and more. But the café also provides a service to vulnerable communities, providing vocational training and employment opportunities for domestic and sexual violence survivors, and using café proceeds for supportive services. Hope Café is managed by the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (BCCADSV).

What they’re saying: "The Match on Main program was truly a blessing for the café,” says Kim Hemker, Executive Director of BCCADSV. “We have loved being a part of the downtown and we are so grateful to be a small part of the overall concept that is being developed in our community. This has allowed us to be a business but also show the heart of our mission as we not only give people what they need but also the feeling of belonging as they come through our doors.”

What they did: The café secured a $20,278 grant through the MEDC’s Match on Main program, allocating the funds for new tables and chairs, kitchen equipment upgrades, inventory enhancement, website updates, outdoor seating area activations, and more. The grant was made possible thanks to the Coldwater DDA and its active status as a Select Level Main Street community. Such grants are awarded by the MEDC each year, more information of which is available online.

Why it’s important: “This Match on Main Award has helped the Café grow and create partnerships,” says Audrey Tappenden, Executive Director of the Branch County Economic Growth Alliance. “With the new equipment and inventory, they have expanded their products and services, activated outdoor space, and created a partnership to provide food and goods to Jim’s Place, the café’s newest neighbor on South Monroe Street.”

Hope Café is located at 49 W. Chicago St. in downtown Coldwater.

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