Medina meets with small business owners on process for $300K in grant funds

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman explains details of Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant to members of the Medina Area Partnership on Wednesday morning at City Hall.

MEDINA – At an informational meeting Wednesday morning Village of Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman announced hiring of a project administrator for Medina’s Downtown Small Project grant and offered suggestions to members of Medina Area Partnership on how to apply for a grant.

Several MAP members attended the meeting, where they learned of the hiring of Lauryn DaCosta with LaBella Associates, who will administer the grants.

Marguerite Sherman takes questions from members of MAP during an informational meeting Wednesday morning.

Sherman explained a requirement of their $300,000 Small Projects Grant (part of the $4.5 million NY Forward grant announced for Medina last year) was to spend $30,000 on hiring an administrator.

Sherman said two firms replied in their search for an administrator, and they chose LaBella because they had worked with them before and were satisfied with their relationship.

Sherman went on to say that grants are wonderful but business owners have to be prepared and do everything required on the grant application.

She asked for suggestions on the best way to get pertinent information to business owners. Shawn Ramsey, the owner of Canalside Tattoo, suggested notices in water bills. Other suggestions were Zoom meetings, door-to-door meetings, e-mails and yard signs.

The Small Projects Grant will provide funds for small business owners, who must provide a 25% match. Eligible use of funds includes building renovations, business assistance (permanent commercial machinery and equipment), public art (such as murals and sculptures) and soft costs (architectural and design, engineering and environmental testing).

Sherman handed out a list of ineligible projects, which included acquisition, new construction, demolition, religious organizations, site work, inventory and more.

The new administrator will develop applications, Sherman said. Applicants will have to show up front they have the match and the full amount to complete their project.

Projects will be selected by a non-biased committee chosen by the village.

Sherman said it was very important for business owners to first go through the code enforcement officer and planning board when preparing to apply for a grant.

It is very important to check the regulations for making improvements to a façade in the historic district before starting the work, Sherman said. She cited instances of changes being made without permission and then the owner begging for forgiveness.

“That isn’t going to happen anymore,” she cautioned.

 Business owners have 22 months from the kickoff meeting with the village to complete projects.

“It can be very frustrating when applying for a grant, but if you follow the rules, it can be very rewarding,” Sherman said.

Laura Gardner of a lily and a sparrow, center, and Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman welcomed members of MAP to a meeting Wednesday to discuss applying for a Downtown Small Project grant. Bonnie Heck from Herbalty Cottage s seated at left.