“Opportunities come when people see value in what’s happening…forward thinking entrepreneurs see beyond the current state and invest in what something can become,” said Dr. John Beltz, DVM and benefactor of the Bertram Beltz Community Plaza located in the Bentzin Family Town Square.
True to his word, Dr. John Beltz, through the Dr. John Beltz Charitable Foundation, will be funding a total of $50,000 per year for the next three years, to facilitate two new Watertown Redevelopment Authority (RDA) Grant Programs. The Beltz Foundation Downtown Watertown Special Events Grant Program and the Beltz Foundation Downtown Watertown Business Grant Program have been set up to encourage growth and programming in the Downtown Watertown Redevelopment District Target Area. After the initial three-year commitment, Beltz intends to evaluate the results and may decide to continue the Program at that point.
The Special Events Grant Program provides grants up to $10,000 per event to public events that attract more than 150 attendees, meet economic development goals of the area, contribute to the unique identity of downtown Watertown, make the City’s core a compelling destination, provide economic impact, and promote business and community involvement.
The Business Grant Program offers funding to encourage unique businesses to relocate or expand into the Target Area. Funds can be used towards eligible expenses such as capital improvements, renovations, and signage. Preference will be given to businesses that fall in categories that align with the program goals such as entertainment and family and full service, fine dining, grab-and-go lunch stops, and craft beer. In addition, organic and gourmet food stores, retail establishments offering quality merchandise, and non-chain/non-franchised businesses.
“Our sincere gratitude to Dr. Beltz for supporting the downtown’s continued revitalization,” said Mason Becker, Executive Director of the RDA. “The Downtown is experiencing a vibrant rebirth; the opening of the Bentzin Family Town Square was only the beginning of a new chapter for the City. It truly is the optimistic people like John who are taking a personal responsibility for the future of this community and those who are dedicated to the everyday hard work of creating new and unique experiences to bring this community together that we cherish. I join Dr. Beltz and many others in looking forward to what can become.”
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