News Summary
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has awarded financial grants to two local businesses, Grand Rapids Game Show and ArtRat Studio, to help with rent for the next 18 months. The initiative aims to revitalize the downtown area and combat high vacancy rates. Grand Rapids Game Show will receive up to $25,000 for its entertainment venue, while ArtRat Studio is awarded up to $20,446 to support its artistic supplies and workshops. This effort reflects the city’s commitment to enhance the local retail scene and foster economic growth.
Grand Rapids – Two businesses in downtown Grand Rapids have received financial assistance from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), helping them cover half their rent for the next 18 months. The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority approved these grants this month as part of an effort to revitalize the area and reduce vacancy rates in commercial properties.
The grants were awarded to Grand Rapids Game Show, located at 112 Monroe Center St. NW, and ArtRat Studio, situated on South Division Avenue. Both locations have recently opened or will soon open their doors, contributing to the local retail scene.
The grant allocated to Grand Rapids Game Show is for up to $25,000 and will support its operations as an entertainment venue inspired by game shows, tailored for birthday parties, corporate events, and public competitions. The venue is scheduled to launch this fall and is anticipated to attract a diverse clientele to downtown Grand Rapids.
ArtRat Studio is an expansion of the existing ArtRat Gallery, which was founded by Matthew Rothenberg in 2021. The studio specializes in supplying materials for painters, illustrators, printmakers, and hobbyists, and it also provides workshops and classes for those interested in enhancing their artistic skills. ArtRat Studio opened in September 2024 and has begun to ramp up its operations, receiving a grant of up to $20,446 to assist with its expenses.
This initiative falls under DGRI’s Retail Innovation Grant program, which seeks to tackle the issue of storefront vacancies and increase the number of retailers within the downtown district. A report from September highlighted that approximately 22% of downtown storefronts were unoccupied, underscoring the need for such support to enhance commercial viability in the area.
DGRI manages the revenue generated from a tax collection district designated for downtown Grand Rapids. The agency’s ongoing financial support aims to foster a vibrant retail environment, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth of the area.
The grants for Grand Rapids Game Show and ArtRat Studio reflect the city’s commitment to bolster its local businesses and enhance the downtown experience for both residents and visitors alike. By addressing the high vacancy rates, these financial initiatives have the potential to attract more shoppers and tourists, stimulating further investment in the downtown core.
Overall, the efforts by DGRI to provide financial backing to new and expanding businesses indicate a proactive approach to reinvigorating the downtown landscape of Grand Rapids, making it a more appealing destination for retail and community engagement.
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
