The Mitchell County Economic Development Commission has announced recent small business grants to members of the Bakersville Area Merchants Association. This is the second year Mitchell County Economic Development Commission has awarded grants to Bakersville merchants. The investments small businesses make in the community bring a wide variety of retail, lifestyle businesses, consumer services, outdoor recreational, and other related community businesses to our area. These investments contribute to increased tourism, tax base, enhanced property values, additional sales, as well as the ability to retain and create jobs. Also the Bakersville Area Merchants Association’s planned effort to improve physical, economic and social conditions in Mitchell County will continue to be a reinvestment for the County.
According to Sharon Runion Rowland, Grant Coordinator, “The 2023 applicants submitted outstanding grants that will help raise the image of their businesses, tell their story through new marketing pieces and partner for advertising in an event brochure.” The grantees embody the purpose of the Area Merchants’ Association in supporting all townships in northern Mitchell County.”
Nine businesses in the northern end of Mitchell County were awarded grants. Several of the grantees reside throughout the seven townships in the Bakersville Area Merchants’ Association region, They are: Hopson’s General Store in Buladean —$500 for exterior entrance roof; Griffith’s Store in Tipton Hill — $500 for exterior entrance awning; Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing submitted a grant that will indirectly support the entire county with–$400 for application to register National River Rafting Day as June 21, the first day of summer.
EDC Director Matt Ward presents a certificate of recognition to Lee Dowell, from Lee’s Country Cafe.
Holly Walker is pictured with the Loafer’s Glory Rafting and Tubing Certificate.
Another new business from the Harrell Hill Community that received a grant was Cost Home Inspections. They were awarded $400 for Marketing Materials & Rack Cards. Another $400 awardee was Lee’s Country Cafe in Bakersville who was awarded $400 to gravel area between the Fire Dept and the Cafe. This will provide more spots for Festival and other event parking; Two additional awards of $200 each will be used by The Little Half Acre on Cane Creek and NC Outdoor Adventures in Red Hill to produce Marketing and Rack Cards for their respective businesses.
Christy Thrift from North Carolina Outdoor Adventures is pictured with Mr. Ward from the Economic Development Commission.
Cindy Hopson from Hopson’s Store in Buladean received $500 to replace the awning in the front of her store.
Jackie Wall received a $200 grant to support marketing of her homesteading and tour business on Cane Creek named The Little Half Acre.
In a unique partnership, two businesses in Bakersville partnered to submit grants to purchase the back cover of the Spring Toe River Arts Tour. MICA Gallery was awarded $500 and In Tandem Gallery was awarded $250. This promotion will provide opportunities for other businesses in the area.
Robbie Bell and Silvia Palmer with MICA Gallery and In Tandem Gallery partnered to receive a total of $750 to purchase the Back Cover of the Toe River Arts Spring Tour publication.
Griffiths Store in Tipton Hill received a $500 award to improve their front entrance and sign.
For more details on how to apply for the small business grant program through the Bakersville Area Merchants’ Association (BAMA) contact Sharon Rowland, Grant Coordinator of the Bakersville Area Merchants’ Association,) at (919) 819-7030 or via email at sharonrrowland@gmail.com and for economic development information contact Matt Ward, Economic Development Commission Director at (828) 537-1690 or via email at EDC@mitchellcountync.gov
