By Shelby Stewart
Staff Writer
The Ortonville Downtown Development Authority has received two grants from Main Street Oakland County in partnership with Genisys Credit Union and Flagstar Bank.
The Spirit of Main Street Micro Business Startup Grant, which is in partnership with Genisys Credit Union, will go toward enhancing the existing retail district and create a more attractive DDA program for new businesses to thrive, along with the current businesses. One program is the Powered Locally Retail Challenge.
“This challenge is providing one new retailer with everything they need to be successful their first year in Ortonville, including marketing, business support, legal services, accounting support, merchant support and more,” said Matt Jenkins, DDA director.
The second grant, the Main Street Placemaking and Facade Grant, is in partnership with Flagstar Bank and will go toward a farmer’s market to bring fresh produce to residents.
“The purpose of the market is to promote locally grown and handmade products, highlight downtown Ortonville and encourage visitors to patronize nearby businesses,” said Jenkins.