Yarmouth approves up to $10,000 in mini grants to help Route 28 businesses hit by wastewater construction

The Yarmouth Community and Economic Development Committee voted June 15 to approve up to $10,000 from the marketing portion of the tourism revenue preservation fund for a mini‑grant program to help local businesses affected by wastewater construction along Route 28.

Mary, representing the Chamber of Commerce, told the committee the visitor center on Route 6 sees roughly 30,000 visitors over about four and a half months and that more than 35 businesses applied for a placement program that helps businesses present rack cards or brochures to visitors. "It's nice for the town to be able to say, 'Here's something small that we can do for you because you've been so patient on this project,'" Mary said.

The proposal originally sought roughly $4,000 but demand far exceeded expectations; the committee moved to approve up to $10,000 to give the program wiggle room for additional applicants and to cover printing partnerships offered by a local reprographics vendor.

Committee members supported the plan as a small, targeted marketing measure and approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said the funds will come from the FY26 marketing balance and that the Chamber will track printed materials and participation for later reporting.

The committee asked staff to follow up with a summary of which businesses were assisted and how materials were distributed to the visitor centers.