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Ferndale DDA and MSU FCU recognize Sheon Designs for Main Street Connected grant
Summary
The city recognized Vershawn Young of Sheon Designs after she received a $984 Main Street Connected grant, matched by her own funds and supplemented by Oakland Thrive services; MSU Federal Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County were acknowledged as funders.
Ferndale City Council on May 20 recognized Vershawn Young, owner of Sheon Designs, after she was awarded a $984 Main Street Connected grant to support the design and launch of a business website.
City officials and partners said the grant was made possible by Main Street Oakland County and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSU FCU), and downtown Ferndale’s DDA unanimously endorsed the application. In addition to the $984 award (to be matched by the business owner), Oakland Thrive provided more than $1,000 in professional design and consultation services to accelerate the project.
Why it matters: the funding is intended to help small downtown businesses build digital storefronts and payment systems to reach customers beyond walk-in traffic. Staff and partners encouraged other eligible Ferndale businesses to apply; the current application window for the next grant round is open through June 1 and eligible businesses can receive up to $2,500 in dollar-for-dollar match funding for technology and digital supports.
Background: Vershawn Young has operated Sheon Designs from 195 West 9 Mile in the Ferndale Arts Building for the last six years, selling jewelry and curated goods from women and minority-owned makers. The council heard that Young began making jewelry 30 years ago and evolved the hobby into a business that also supports other vendors. Sheon Designs plans to launch the website this spring; a preview was provided at www.shiondesigns.com.
Ian Thompson, market manager at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union who works on community impact programs, spoke at the meeting and described MSU FCU’s support for Main Street districts across Oakland County. Annika Norris, the Ferndale liaison to Main Street Oakland County, also addressed the council and thanked partners and the DDA for support.
Action: City council recognized the award and partners; the DDA will present Sheon Designs in person at its upcoming board meeting and the business will mark its anniversary with a store event this weekend.
