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Rangeley marketing staff reports progress on $500,000 RARE program; small-business award and pitch competition underway
Summary
Town marketing staff reported the $500,000 RARE program is being distributed in small-business grants (up to $40,000) and a pitch competition. One applicant (Rangeley Collision) received a full award; the pitch competition offers $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 prizes.
Town marketing staff updated council on the RARE economic-development program at the July 22 meeting, reporting that the town received a $500,000 award split between existing‑business grants (up to $40,000) and a pitch competition.
Staff said three small-business applications have been received; Rangeley Collision received a full award for equipment, and Blue Mountain received a partial award for website and other improvements. The presenter said the RDA committee reviews applications and that state reporting and nondisclosure requirements limit public disclosure of some applicant details. "The first one was approved at full — the full grant was approved, and it was a great grant request," the marketing presenter said, adding that recipients meet with SBDC and that staff will follow up at six months and one year to monitor hiring or business impacts.
The pitch competition opened July 16 and requires participant attendance at two four‑hour classes hosted through CNCC; prizes are $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second and $5,000 for third. Staff said the program is three years in duration and is aimed at encouraging new commercial activity on Main Street. The marketing update also covered rising social‑media engagement and an upcoming public‑art installation — a steel replica called 'Walter' (about 22 feet long) to be installed in the East Entrance Park with CNCC support and donated interpretive plaques.
