Thompson Announces $99,000 Award for Downtown Lock Haven, Inc.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today announced that the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $99,000 in grant funding to Downtown Lock Haven Inc. (DLH) in Clinton County. The grant was awarded through USDA’s Rural Development Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which provides grants for local projects that finance and facilitate development of small and emerging rural businesses.
“This funding will be crucial in providing consultation and technical support for independent small businesses located in Lock Haven and help lure investment activity to the city’s commercial district,” said Thompson. “These funds help commercial development and support the work being done in Clinton County to foster economic revitalization.”
DLH, created in November 2004 as a non-profit 501 (c) 3, serves in partnership with the City of Lock Haven, the Lock Haven University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Clinton County Economic Partnership in order to facilitate commercial development in Lock Haven’s commercial business district.
The grant will help provide technical assistant to small businesses, including development of business plans. Additionally, Downtown Lock Haven will contract with SBDC to provide a consultant to eligible small, independent businesses to help them remain competitive in a challenging economy.
Maria Boileau, manager for Downtown Lock Haven, described the grant award as beneficial for the city, county and Lock Haven’s commercial partnership.
“This funding will strengthen the commercial partnership through business marketing and development support,” said Boileau. DLH will use the funding to assist small and emerging businesses with marketing and technical assistance.
“We can acquire professional consultation for small business development and dedicate resources specifically to commercial development. It’s a huge win for individual small businesses and the economic strength of the city,” Boileau added.
Downtown Lock haven, Inc. is matching the federal funding with funds it has raised over the years. Local private investment funds in the amount $99,000 will be contributed to the project.
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