Complete Press Release on pdf, CLICK HERE.
American Rescue Plan
According to the Press Release, “The City of Gardner received over $6 million in federal funding through the package. Last year, Mayor Nicholson announced that the City would use $400,000 for its small business grant program and $1.1 million for its small business sign and facade loan program.”
Downtown Tour Showcases Businesses Who Received Funding, Changed Hands, or are Undergoing Renovations
Funding Received
Joined by Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Council President Kazinskas, and other local government and business leaders, Congresswoman Lori Trahan toured Gardner small businesses which benefitted by American Rescue Plan funding. “When I met with Gardner small business owners today, I was reminded why we worked so hard to pass the American Rescue Plan two years ago. Small businesses are the foundation of our local economy, and that’s why we needed this whole-of-government approach to support their recovery from the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I’m grateful to Mayor Nicholson and Council President Kazinskas for their partnership in delivering these federal funds to local businesses that in turn have put this investment to use in such inspiring ways.”
Changed Hands
Map in graphic shows the 22 buildings in Downtown Gardner attaining new owners in the last 2 years. Mayor Nicholson stated, “I was very proud to show her firsthand the tangible ways our downtown has grown and improved in the last few years.”
Undergoing Renovations
In the last 2 years, Downtown Gardner has achieved an improved look as Mayor Nicholson stated, “With 33 businesses opening in 2022, 7 so far in 2023, 22 buildings in the Downtown attaining new owners in the last two years, and many of our existing businesses updating and refurbishing their exteriors.”