Council approves $107,530 in economic development grants to Chamber, Riverfest, First Steps and nonprofits

Conway City Council on June 16 approved $107,530 in Economic Development Grant awards recommended by city staff.

Staff said applications were evaluated for potential economic generation and past performance. The major awards recommended and approved included: $10,000 to the Conway Chamber of Commerce for the 2025 Graveyard Grand Prix (a coffin-race festival), $2,000 for the Conway Christmas Parade float competition, and $75,000 for Riverfest 2026 (recommended breakdown: $15,000 fireworks, $10,000 equipment, $50,000 entertainment). Horry County First Steps was recommended for $10,000 for an annual Early Childhood Community Day. SOS Care and Oak Tree Farm requested funding for a vending-machine employment program; staff trimmed revenue-generating portions of that application and recommended $10,530 for program components that met the grant’s standards.

Staff said more applications were received than in previous years and several were ineligible because they failed to supply required match documentation or had problems with past performance. The grants will be paid from the city’s general fund. Council voted to approve the staff-recommended awards; staff said they would offer feedback to unsuccessful applicants to help build stronger future requests.

Mayor Barbara Jo Blaine and councilmembers thanked applicants and staff for screening a larger-than-usual set of requests. The funding will support local festivals and nonprofit programming that staff said have drawn visitors and supported downtown commerce.