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The City of Albemarle Downtown Catalyst Grant Committee has approved its first round of grant recipients totaling $86,850.

The new Downtown Catalyst Grant Program assists businesses in the downtown municipal service district by offering grants to fund facade and/or building stabilization improvements as well as internal improvements including furniture, fixtures and equipment used in the business.

The City of Albemarle Downtown Catalyst Grant program represents a unique public/private partnership. The City of Albemarle funded the program’s initial $50,000. Uwharrie Bank contributed $20,000 and the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) also contributed $20,000.

Grants were awarded to the following: Albemarle Sweet Shop (equipment) – $36,000, Albemarle Printers (roof) – $14,400, Caroline Deese Photography (renovations) – $14,400, Uwharrie Hearing Doctors, LLC (windows/HVAC) $10,000, Glory Beans Coffee (architectural) – $9,200, Kristen Cooper 207 E. Main (HVAC) – $2,850.

A seven-member committee, chaired by Councilman Chris Whitley, reviewed and approved grant applications based on the program’s guidelines.

“On behalf of the Grant Committee, I would like to thank all those who submitted applications. I would also like to express my gratitude to the City of Albemarle, Economic Development Director Keith Tunnell and his staff, Uwharrie Bank, Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, the volunteers on the Grant Committee, along with anyone who either funded or assisted in getting this new program off the ground,” said Whitley. “The Grant Committee was tasked with the difficult job of prioritizing the applications that met the guidelines of the program and funds available. We’ve encouraged those who did not receive funds in this round to apply again in the fall when a second round of grants becomes available.”

An announcement will be made when the Albemarle Downtown Catalyst Grant Program will begin accepting applications for its second round of grants.