Congratulations to our Downtown Grants recipients!
We’re thrilled to share the results of this year’s Downtown Grants Program! A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all of the incredible applicants who applied. Your passion, creativity, and commitment to shaping downtown Ellsworth is truly inspiring. After thoughtful review, we’re excited to announce this year’s grant recipients: Zi Photography, Ghost Rose Tattoo, and Conscious Cafe. Congratulations!
Three downtown Ellsworth businesses received grants to fund projects to boost their long-term sustainability and grow their business. Ellsworth community banks, Franklin Savings Bank, Bangor Federal Credit Union, First National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank joined together to provide funds for this important program supporting emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners alike.
There were three awards presented: first place - $5,000, second place - $3,000, and third place - $500. Awardees include: Zi Photography (1st place), Ghost Rose Tattoo (2nd), and Conscious Cafe (3rd). Projects ranged from structural improvements to new equipment to sponsoring professional development opportunities.
"With this extremely generous grant, I will have the funds needed to be able to not only tackle some necessary inner business projects that I haven't had the funds to tackle, but more importantly, I'll be able to do the important continuing education courses in Newborn Photography in order to stay up to date on current practices and safety protocols. It's a huge expense, but I try to attend these workshops every couple years just to stay as sharp and current as possible, because it's my top priority to be able to provide the best experience and care for the littlest citizens in our area. These funds are really helping me be able to attend one this year without as much financial burden. I am beyond grateful for the support of the Heart of Ellsworth for small businesses like mine. It will have a huge impact for me, which in turn will allow me to continue to give back to the community in the ways I love," Zelli from Zi Photography, the lead grant winner.
Downtown Grants connects entrepreneurs, small businesses, innovators, and start ups to resources and opportunities that will advance their growth. Since Downtown Grants started, Heart of Ellsworth has supported 33 projects in Downtown Ellsworth This program is a foundational component of our entrepreneurial ecosystem work. By investing in our Main Street community we are supporting the future of small businesses.