By Joshua Schuetz
The Pelican Rapids EDA and the Pelican Rapids Economic Development Corporation (PREDC) teamed up to provide grants to businesses affected by a major downtown road construction project.
CEDA team member Jordan Grossman, who spearheaded the program, said it offers $500 to approved businesses, building on the city’s marketing, outreach, and signage efforts over the past year.
“The state has a two-year construction project on both of our intersecting highways within city limits, and the city is also updating old infrastructure under the road,” Grossman said. “The majority of our businesses are right along the highway, and we see that sidewalks are torn up and it’s impossible to drive downtown.”
Grossman has worked extensively with local businesses and the EDA to mitigate the impact on local entrepreneurs, but she noted that many downtown businesses are still experiencing drops in sales ranging from 30 to 50 percent due to the project.
“Our banks and pharmacy are doing well, but we’re seeing that our restaurants and retailers are really struggling,” she said.
While the city’s EDA lacks funds to assist businesses, the PREDC had dormant funds available. Grossman’s board allocated some of her time to the PREDC to create a framework for the grant program.
“The idea came from a CEDA colleague who shared her draft application with the team,” Grossman said. “I considered the idea of a small local grant specifically to support businesses that are struggling right now.”
Since launching, the city has received more than 25 applications from local businesses for the grant program. Grossman said the response has been positive and appreciative, similar to reactions to other efforts to help businesses affected by the project.
“All of our businesses are working hard to market themselves, and we have set up signage to let people know that we are open for business,” Grossman said.