BOOST to award first grant

BOOST Stone Mountain, a grant program through the Downtown Development Authority for local small businesses, will present its first award 11 a.m. today in the municipal parking lot.

The grant is funded by local “investors” who want to see small businesses thrive in the village of Stone Mountain. Investors contribute a minimum of $200 a year with a commitment to remain part of the BOOST Stone Mountain group for two years.

Business owners are able to apply for grants quarterly. Grants are available for things like signage, equipment, marketing or advertising needs, and interior or exterior renovations.

Funds are not to be used for day-to-day operating expenses. Grants will be made for amounts between $100 and $1,000.

The BOOST Stone Mountain forms are posted on the city of Stone Mountain website, www .stonemountaincity.org. Interested investors should contact Mechel McKinley at mmckinley@stonemountaincity.org.