BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10)– Six small businesses throughout the town of Bethlehem have been awarded funding to expand their services. According to the town, a total of $200,000 was awarded through the Microenterprise Grant Program.
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“Small businesses are the backbone of Bethlehem’s economy,” said Town Supervisor DavidVanLuven. “These grants help local entrepreneurs invest in equipment, expand services, createjobs, and strengthen our commercial districts. We are proud to support businesses thatcontribute to the vitality and character of our community.”
According to the town, the grants are funded through the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal to support emerging and expanding businesses that are owned by low-to-moderate income people or businesses that create jobs for low-to-moderate income families.
According to the town, the application review committee awarded the funds to these businesses:
- Amelia’s Garden in Delmar
- $25,500 to purchase and install a long-arm quilting machine, expanding services and offering a capability not available in the area
- Clay Art Studios in Delmar
- $10,000 to purchase and install a kiln to enhance class offerings and improve production quality
- Cora Muse in Delmar
- $35,000 to outfit its storefront with inventory, equipment and furnishings, bringing curated fashion and retail to the district
- Corning Hill Gardens in Glenmont
- $30,000 to purchase a walk-behind tractor and deer fendicng to expand offerings and production
- Upstate Accounting and Tax in Delmar
- $19,500 to modernize computer systems and equipment and to hire a full-time bookkeeper to enable business growth
- Wellness on Delaware in Delmar
- $20,000 to purchase specialized equipment and updated furnishings, as well as create a full-time job.
“As a 2017 recipient of a Microenterprise Grant from the Town of Bethlehem, I can attest to thepositive financial impact this program had on my start-up business,” said Lance Raffe, Owner ofWildbird Junction. “As a current member of the Grant Committee, I can assure future applicantsthat I and the other committee members with our wide range of business experience andknowledge, will work very hard to get the available funds into the hands of the Town’s new andgrowing businesses while offering advice and mentoring throughout the application process.”…