The Department of Economic Development’s GROW Program is intended to encourage and financially-support physical improvements by targeted businesses to commercial buildings within The City of Frederick. The competitive program provides a limited quantity of small conditional matching grants subject to fund availability.
Last July, the program guidelines were updated to provide opportunities to a wider range of businesses for the coming fiscal year. The changes opened the program to all industries with an intentional focus on critical building improvements that will convey with the property and improve the functionality of the property for both current and future business tenants/owners.
Since the program’s refresh, two businesses — ODIN Crossfit and Gravel & Grind — have been able to to take advantage of the grant to start/expand their business, with another project in process at CoWork Frederick.
Below we caught up with the recent award recipients to hear about their projects and their experience.
Gravel and Grind:
The Project:
The Gravel and Grind team was looking to take on the interior and exterior renovation of an old WWII era care dealership building to convert the empty space into a new coffee shop. Their plans included significant façade improvements, the addition of an outdoor patio and sidewalk space, and the installation of to two ADA compliant bathrooms, a kitchen, main bar, and patron-seating along with bike storage and service rooms.
The Process:
We learned about the program from the City's Economic Development website. It may have been mentioned in a meeting but at that point, we were so deep into the project, we cannot recall that exactly. After coming across the program, we submitted the application and began interacting with City staff.
We were facing slow downs in the project, permitting and various approvals while still paying rent and utilities due to the pandemic. The GROW Grant allowed us to not delay the installation of our concrete patio. This improvement optimized the property’s footprint for patrons, addressed some immediate drainage drainage issues. The project vastly improved the site in time for opening day.
Advice for those considering A Project:
Talk to the City Economic Development Department. Make sure that you have banking partners that you have good relationships with. It is very beneficial to have guidance from individuals that have opened a business in the city to help navigate pitfalls.
ODIN Crossfit:
The Project:
Looking to expand from their existing location on Bowman Farm, the CrossFit gym identified a long-vacant warehouse building on N. Market Street that offered the amount of space they needed, in a location they wanted. The space, however, needed significant work — including electrical & plumbing upgrades, new flooring, the construction of locker room space, replacements of windows, significant façade improvements, and the installation of an egress door.
The Process:
Once we decided to make the move to Downtown Frederick, we met with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and they were a wonderful resource for learning about the grant programs that Frederick has to offer.
The GROW Grant allowed us to not only expand the footprint of our business but also become a part of the Downtown community. Our members are already loving all the wonderful amenities that Downtown has to offer!
Advice for those considering a project:
Do your homework when it comes to laws, regulations, and codes. Hire professions for your architects and contractors. Trying to cut corners will NEVER save you time or money in the end. Always plan for more money and a longer time line than you think. Be honest with yourself about the true cost and be realistic with the timeline.
Explore the GROW program criteria here. Considering a project for your own business? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov to talk through the process!