Watermark Brewing Company Receives Match on Main Grant for Beer Garden Expansion
Watermark Brewing Company Receives Match on Main Grant for Beer Garden Expansion
The Village of Stevensville is thrilled to announce that Watermark Brewing Company has been awarded a $22,157 Match on Main grant to support the expansion of its beer garden in downtown Stevensville! This project will enhance the local downtown corridor by replacing a previously blighted property with a dynamic beer garden that will appeal to both tourists and locals. By activating this underutilized space in the heart of downtown Stevensville, Watermark Brewing Company is not only contributing to the aesthetic improvements of the area but also supporting local economic growth.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Match on Main grant,” said Chris Mason Co-Founder of Watermark Brewing Company. “This expansion allows us to retain and potentially increase our workforce, ensuring that we continue to play a vital role in Stevensville’s thriving business community. Moreover, it positions Stevensville as a key destination for beer enthusiasts and tourists, further boosting the local economy.”
The expanded beer garden will feature additional seating, enhanced landscaping, and improved amenities, creating a more enjoyable and picturesque environment for patrons. This initiative is expected to attract more visitors to Stevensville, encouraging them to explore and invest in local businesses.
ABOUT MATCH ON MAIN
The Match on Main program is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The grant is offered to municipalities that have received the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) designation; the Village attained that designation in January 2023. To be a Redevelopment Ready Community, municipalities must meet certain criteria that show they are committed to supporting business development, including updating zoning and building rules to include the latest best practices.
The Match on Main program allows RRC communities to submit up to two local businesses to the MEDC for potential funding. In April 2024, the Village announced a call for applicants who were interested in applying and received two applications - Watermark Brewing Co. and Peat's Cider Social, both of which were submitted to the state. Based on the scoring criteria for the Match on Main grant program, the MEDC awarded Watermark the funding, along with 31 other small businesses around the state.
"Receiving the Redevelopment Ready Communities designation significantly adds to the Village's capacity to support already existing businesses by offering grants such as Match on Main, and to support new businesses with streamlined zoning and planning processes. This sends a clear signal to businesses that the Village is here to support economic development and Village businesses." said Kacey Dominguez, Village Manager.
It is expected that the Match on Main program will be offered again, in addition to other opportunities stemming from the Village's RRC designation. Village businesses and residents are encouraged to sign up for e-notifications through the Village website to keep up to date with Village news and future grant opportunities.
