The Small Town Enhancement Grant Program, funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and managed by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), revitalized small towns in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. The program aimed to boost economic vitality and beautify public spaces through grants for projects such as public art, restorations, lighting upgrades, and facade improvements.
Small Town Enhancement Grant
Revitalizing Small Towns in the Tri-County Region
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Richard Enty
Economic Development Manager
LEAP Awarded Over $85,000 in Grants to Revitalize Five Rural Communities
Revitalizing Small Towns in the Tri-County Region
With an annual funding pool of $100,000, the program is set to support a range of impactful projects, granting between $10,000 and $25,000 to each selected initiative. This investment aims to drive significant enhancements in public spaces, with planned improvements to downtown districts, public parks, and other strategic locations throughout the region. Through these contributions, the program strives to revitalize these areas, making them more dynamic and inviting for the community.
After a thorough selection process, five outstanding projects were awarded grants ranging from $11,000 to $25,000. LEAP celebrated the kickoff with a Small Town Enhancement Grant Roadshow, visiting the grant-awarded communities of Vermontville, Stockbridge, Leslie, Maple Rapids, and Ovid from July 9-11 2024.
Once the projects are completed, we will host a ribbon-cutting event for each awardee sometime in late 2024 and early 2025.
Village of Vermontville
Project: The grant funds will be used to replace the stairs, repair the bell tower, add new walkways leading up to the West side door, and replace the louvers located on the bell tower.
Location: 108 N. Main St., Vermontville, MI 49096
Grant amount: $24,600
Village of Stockbridge
Project: Transforming the patio section next to Village Hall into a tranquil seating/relaxation area.
Location: Adjacent to Village Hall, 118 N. Center St, Stockbridge, MI
Grant amount: $25,000
City of Leslie
Project: A new pavilion at the site of the former community pool.
Location: 220 N. Main St, Leslie, MI 49251
Grant amount: $11,350
Village of Maple Rapids
Project: A 120-year-old building will receive a new façade while preserving the unique charm inherent to Maple Rapids.
Location: 112 West Main Street, Maple Rapids, MI
Grant amount: $16,700
City of Ovid
Project: The City of Ovid will be installing new banners along Main Street in the downtown area.
Location: Main St, Ovid, MI
Grant amount: $11,000
Village of Vermontville
The Village of Vermontville was awarded an $24,600 grant to replace the stairs, repair the bell tower, add new walkways leading to the West side door, and replace the louvers on the bell tower.
Village of Stockbridge
The Village of Stockbridge was awarded an $25,000 grant to transform the patio section next to Village Hall into a tranquil seating area will foster community engagement and relaxation.
Village of Maple Rapids
Maple Rapids was awarded an $16,700 grant to update the façade of a 120-year-old pizzeria building, preserving its unique charm and enhancing its presence in the heart of the village.
City of Leslie
The City of Leslie was awarded an $11,350 grant to build a new pavilion at the site of the former community pool will serve as a versatile venue for events and gatherings.
City of Ovid
The City of Ovid was awarded an $11,000 grant to install new banners along Main Street in the downtown area, which will enhance the visual appeal and support local businesses.
