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EDA forwards $488.56 façade grant and $1,000 technical-assistance award to city council
Summary
The Kasson EDA voted to recommend a $488.56 façade reimbursement for 507 Fast Gym and a $1,000 technical-assistance award for ForeverU Studios to the city council, with both awards contingent on final council approval and proof of payment.
The Kasson Economic Development Authority voted to recommend two small-business awards to the city council, approving a $488.56 façade reimbursement for 507 Fast Gym and a $1,000 technical-assistance grant for ForeverU Studios.
Ian, the EDA coordinator, told members the façade project for 507 Fast Gym totaled $977.11 and that the program allows up to 50% reimbursement and a maximum award of $2,000. “The amount being requested is $488.56,” Ian said, and staff recommended forwarding that reimbursement recommendation to council. The board approved the recommendation and will present it to city council on June 27 for final action.
On the technical-assistance application, the EDA considered a request from resident and business owner Becca Bergie for her photography business, ForeverU Studios. Bergie’s application described website and branding work with an invoice of $4,000; the TAP program allows awards up to $1,000. Ian said the proposed $1,000 award would be reimbursed after the project is completed and the EDA receives documentation of payment. The board approved the recommendation and will forward the $1,000 grant for council approval at its June 17 meeting.
Members emphasized outreach and program visibility. Board members suggested adding a field to the application asking how applicants heard about the program and distributing flyers at banks, accountants and other service providers rather than relying solely on chamber channels. The coordinator agreed to track applicant referral sources and pursue targeted, low‑cost outreach.
Both recommended awards are conditional reimbursements: the EDA will require evidence of payment and a project completion summary before issuing funds. The EDA recorded an objection during the façade-grant vote but the motion carried; specific vote names and counts were not recorded in the transcript and will be captured in council proceedings.
Next steps: both recommendations move to the city council for final approval on the dates identified above.
