Sandusky gives out 3 business grants

SANDUSKY — The public and private sectors teamed up to enhance some services offered by Sandusky-based businesses. During a recent public meeting, city officials, through the government's economic development incentive committee, approved various grants for local entrepreneurs. Funds from this taxpayer-backed account aim to spur commercial development activity, stimulate the local economy and support small businesses, especially as places recover from COVID-19-related fallout. With an explanation from Jonathan Holody, the city's community development director, here's a breakdown of each award: 1. Derrick's Diner • Project: Signage upgrades • Grant amount: $3,300 • Total project cost: $6,500 • Synopsis: "Owner Derrick Moore is relocating his restaurant from Warren Street to 3124 Venice Road (U.S. 6). He just recently started serving customers through the drive-thru at the new location." • Reason: "It positions a locally owned restaurant to grow and serve more customers. The new signage will improve the appearance of the property along one of the city's commercial corridors and will support the business at the new location." 2. Kiddie Korral • Project: Exterior enhancements • Grant amount: $2,500 • Total project cost: $9,000 • Synopsis: The company received money "to assist with the cost of exterior improvements including landscaping, parking lot resurfacing and sign repair." • Reason: "Owners Doris and Harry McGookey (and) Kiddie Korral have been a leading child care and preschool provider in Sandusky since 1973. Their facility at 315 W. Follett St. can accommodate up to 100 children. The project improves the experience of local families and the attractiveness of the neighborhood." 3. FSB Properties • Project: Exterior enhancements • Grant amount: $10,000 • Total project cost: $50,500 • Synopsis: The company received money to replace a roof and for front facade improvements. • Reason: "Owners Steve and Frank Hafner have owned the building at 135-145 Columbus Ave. since 1994. The building is home to Crush Wine Bar and Mona Pizza. The city is supporting this project because it will protect a building that is home to two successful, long-time downtown businesses. The work will improve the appearance of a building in an area of major reinvestment with construction underway at the nearby Hogrefe Building and planned at Small City Taphouse."