Bath, Maine Program Awards Grant Money to Local Small Businesses

Even though, in recent years, we have seen the efforts of main street programs (like the Gardiner Main Street program and Augusta Downtown Alliance) bring life into some of Maine's prettiest downtowns, there are still communities that struggle with keeping storefronts and restaurant spaces occupied.

Some communities have gotten creative with their efforts to fill empty spaces.

A new program in Bath will award up to a $50,000 grant to businesses that open brick and mortar locations in downtown Bath.

According to an article on the WCSH 6 website, the Bath Development Corporation, a local nonprofit, is stepping up to help small businesses grow in the city.

They just rolled out the new Bath Business Fit Up Grant Program, which offers matching funds of up to $12,500 to help new or expanding businesses move into empty spaces.

There’s $50,000 available in this first round, enough to support about four or five businesses.

The funds can go toward interior renovations, meeting code requirements, or purchasing equipment.  Basically, all the things that can make opening a business tough right out of the gate.

Program leaders say the goal is to take some of that pressure off and make it easier for small businesses to get started.

The loss of several key businesses over the summer is what prompted the creation of the program.

If you are interested in the program, you can get more details HERE