And the winner is … all of Marion.
Earlier this month another round of “Pop Up Marion” small business grants concluded. After eight weeks of classes with 28 entrepreneurs, nine teams presented proposals for new businesses, with seven of those teams providing written business plans to be considered for grant awards supported by the town and Wells Fargo.
The 21st round of the program provided $15,000 in funding to help the top three teams implement their visions for the town over the next six months.
After a fiercely competitive night a panel of judges made up of business owners, bankers, marketing professionals and small business experts picked their top three.
Finishing in first by unanimous vote was Andrew Livingston, who pitched a new outdoor/hiking and camping outfitter store for downtown Marion.
In second place, scoring three seconds, a third and a fifth, was Tessa Brown with a plan to expand Broad Street Coffee and Treats to offer breakfast and lunch.
Tammy Murray, after receiving on second, a third and two fourth-place votes, finished in third with a plan to expand kitchen operations to increase offerings for the Sweet Bee Cupcakes food truck.
The other presenters are eligible to apply for small business loan funds.
The town’s economic development director, Ken Heath, said that every business is welcome to business and marketing assistance provided by the Marion Office of Community and Economic Development.
Heath said the town also offers low-interest business loans to qualifying applicants via a partnership with USDA Rural Development.
Heath noted that the program has no trained 300 entrepreneurs, helped 38 new businesses and had a hand in creating 145 new jobs. He said the program has helped sell 13 buildings and fill 29 storefronts in Marion, spurring more than $3 million in private investment.
