Maine Communities Earn Grant Awards

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is announcing that two municipalities have been awarded funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the Office of Community Development within DECD. The latest round includes funding from the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grant Program.

"These awards have a direct impact on job creation and enhance the ability of our cities and towns to attract new private investment," said DECD Commissioner George Gervais.

The Micro-Enterprise Assistance (MEA) Program provides grant funds to communities to assist in innovative solutions to problems faced by micro-enterprise businesses. Assistance to businesses may be in the form of grants or loans at the discretion of the community. Communities and businesses benefiting from this latest round are as follows:

Eastport - $150,000 to help four downtown businesses; Landmark 1887 Restaurant, 32 Water Street, S.L. Wadsworth & Son, and The Soda Fountain & Apothecary/E.E., Shead. Projects have the potential to create five new jobs. Matched by $400,000 from businesses.

Greenville - $50,000 Assistance to Northwoods Gourmet Girl for commercial dishwasher, 40-gallon steam kettle, a computer inventory management system, and delivery van. Project will create two new jobs and convert two part-time jobs to full time. Matched by $330,000 from business owner.