Second round of FIX-IT funding announced

With the help of the Small Business Development Grant from the WEDC, The FIX-IT Grant today announced the recipients of its second round, awarding a total of $17,500 in grants and $42,000 in loans to businesses and property owners committed to enhancing the vitality and accessibility of Medford and Gilman. The FIX-IT Grant program provides crucial funding specifically designed to improve facade, interior, exterior, inclusiveness, and facilitate strategic teardown projects, contributing to more vibrant and thriving communities across both Medford and Gilman.

'We are incredibly excited to announce the second cohort of FIX-IT Grant recipients,' said Billie Hartwig, Grant Coordinator for The FIX-IT Grant. 'The second round of applications did not disappoint much like our first round. We are already beginning to see the impact this grant/loan program is having on our communities with our first round of recipients already completing projects. We can't wait for round 3!'

Inaugural FIX-IT Grant Recipients Among the diverse range of projects supported by The FIX-IT Grant are:

• Davis Furniture Manufacturing of Medford,

• JJJvdB LLC of Medford

• Reflections Hair Design of Medford

• Romig's Inc of Gilman

• Zaucha Properties of Gilman The selection process for The FIX-IT Grant was highly competitive, with numerous strong applications submitted from both communities. Each awarded project aligns directly with the program's mission to foster strategic improvements that enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of our built environment.

Grant and loan agreements are currently being prepared, and recipients will be contacted directly with next steps for formalizing their awards.

The FIX-IT Grant is dedicated to fostering economic growth and community vitality in Medford and Gilman. By providing financial assistance through grants and loans, its mission is to support local businesses and property owners in enhancing the facade, interior, exterior, and inclusiveness of their establishments, and facilitating strategic teardown projects, thereby contributing to more vibrant and thriving communities. The FIX-IT Grant committee will meet again in September. Please have applications submitted by Friday, August 29. To request an application or for more information on the grant, please contact: Billie Hartwig grant coordinator, The FIX-IT Grant 715-748-4729, thefixitgrant@ gmail.com