Supporting small businesses with grants that spark investment and growth.

Small businesses are the heart of our downtown and a driver that keeps people coming back. The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) supports these small businesses through grant programs that create momentum for additional investment and growth.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is expanding the LeClaire, Iowa, business and planning to open a second location at 318 East 2^nd St., Davenport, in June. “We felt the business would be a nice fit with all the things going on in downtown Davenport and started asking around to see what was available,” said owner Ryan Burchette. He reached out to the DDP team. “They were excited about the project and jumped into the game, letting us know it was important to them and then supported it through its grant programs,” he said.

Mississippi River Distilling Company was awarded a Design Assistance Grant and a Commercial Interior Improvement Grant. “The City of Davenport also supported our project through its Small Business Grant Program. All of that makes it really attractive when you are weighing your options,” Burchette said.

DDP offers five grant programs to support capital improvements, events and entrepreneurs. All of the funds it distributes are generated from the property owners within the Self Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) assessment tax. DDP has granted $1.42 million for capital improvements within the SSMID and leveraged $11.7 million in private investment since 2008. Last year, as a way to help organizers enhance existing events and attract more cultural events to the city’s core, DDP launched an Event Grant Program and awarded nearly $7,000 across four events.

“These grants are a powerful tool in attracting and retaining businesses in downtown Davenport,” said Alisha Espey, DDP Director, Programs. “We are grateful to have funding available that can help mitigate costs for small businesses and for property owners to make improvements. These investments have a long-lasting impact on the overall health and growth of downtown. DDP staff is always available to assist entrepreneurs and/or property owners with new opportunities and future projects.”

DDP and the Quad Cities Chamber provide additional support to small businesses, including access to market research and data-mining tools for free. In addition, the team can inform businesses about other financial resources, such as federal, state and local grants and incentive programs for which they may qualify.

“The grant programs are a win-win for everyone,” Burchette said.

-- Photo of Ryan Burchette, owner of Mississippi Valley Distilling Company, provided courtesy of Visit Quad Cities.