USA, MI: Planned beer and wine production facility receives $25 thousand grant to launch in Allegan

A planned beer and wine production facility and tasting room in downtown Allegan has received a $25,000 grant toward rehabilitating a vacant storefront, The Holland Sentinel reported on December 27.

Heronmark plans to open its business with seating and select food service at 132 Hubbard St. in 2023.

Katelyn Ramsay, co-owner of Heronmark, said the move is a significant step in the growth of the business and will allow Heronmark to create products using crops owners have grown on their personal farm.

“We are so delighted to open our business in downtown Allegan,” Ramsay said.

The grant is part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Match on Main. In total, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced 35 communities across Michigan were awarded $807,673 in grants aimed to create vibrant, strong downtown spaces.

“Michigan’s small businesses and traditional downtowns are the heart of our communities, and with today’s Match on Main grants, we are helping small businesses in both peninsulas grow while further developing unique and inviting places that attract talent and new investment,” Whitmer wrote in a December release.

Ramsay and her husband, Ben, will use the funds to fill a vacant storefront in downtown Allegan that requires significant rehabilitation to both the interior and exterior of the building. They plan to create a rejuvenated facade and a modernized interior.

“The enthusiasm to start a new business by young entrepreneurs like Ben and Katelyn and support from state agencies like the MEDC signifies the strong economic foundation that has been nurtured in downtown Allegan over the past several years,” said city manager Joel Dyer.

Of the 35 recipients, Heronmark is one of nine new businesses to receive funding, and the second $25,000 grant awardee for a downtown Allegan business under Match on Main.