Maria’s Uncorked Receives MEDC Grant

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) has been awarded a grant to support a business expansion project for Maria’s Uncorked Tasting Room and Florist. This funding, provided through the MEDC’s Match on Main program, is available to communities that participate in the Michigan Main Street program or are certified as a Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC). Marshall is a certified RRC. The communities, who receive the grant funding from the MEDC, in turn award grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses seeking support. MAEDA received the maximum $25,000 grant.

“Receiving the Match on Main Grant Funding for Maria’s Uncorked renovation project is very helpful,” said Jim Durian, CEO, Choose Marshall/MAEDA. “Small businesses like Maria’s are so important to the health and vitality of Marshall’s downtown. Awarding funds to aid in its planned improvements will only add to an already popular destination and will benefit Marshall as a whole. We thank the MEDC for this important funding.”

“We are grateful for MAEDA’s support and this grant application on our behalf,” said Maria VanArman, Owner, Maria’s Uncorked. “Our plans to relocate the wine tasting room to the front of our space, as well as upgrade the floral designer space and move it to the rear of the building, will better position our business to comfortably accommodate customers. We look forward to working with Choose Marshall and seeing this phase of our plans to its finish.”

Durian and VanArman add that improvements like these to this unique business will benefit surrounding downtown restaurants and retail establishments. Attracting visitors who may have been unaware of Marshall, as well as providing another gathering place for residents, will strengthen the downtown business community.

Helping businesses open and grow is a key focus of both MAEDA and MEDC. The Match on Main program is one of MEDC’s tools that provides opportunities for new and expanding businesses located in downtown districts to grow and succeed. For more information on the program, visit www.miplace.org/small-business/match-on-main/.

Maria’s Uncorked Tasting Room and Florist is located at 116 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall. For more information, visit www.mariasuncorked.com, Maria’s Uncorked on Facebook, or call 269-781-9128.

For more information about Choose Marshall/MAEDA, news, and events, visit www.choosemarshall.com or call 269-781-5163.