Grant program focuses on small businesses

By Shelley Nelson snelson@ superiortelegram.com

Superior’s small businesses are seeing improvement with the help of a new city grant program designed just for them.

Nearly a year after the Small Business Grant Program was created, the city has invested $117,265 into small business improvement projects that has netted $495,233 in total improvements for a variety of businesses across the city. Another $43,468 in total project costs is in the works for grants totaling $20,430.

Projects have included new heating and cooling systems, signs, window replacements, safety upgrades, equipment, furnishings and renovation costs.

When Earth Rider Brewery opened almost three years ago, it was the first production brewery in Superior in 50 years following the closure of Northern Brewery in 1967. Since it started distributing its product almost three years ago, the business has grown.

“We did add some tanks last year, and we realized we had room for one more tank,” said Tim Nelson, owner of Earth Rider Brewery. “We were going to sign with a wholesaler in the Minneapolis-St Paul market and it would be very beneficial to meet demand if we had that extra capacity.”

Work to install that additional fermenting tank is currently underway as part of the second phase of expansion undertaken last year. In addition to installing the tank, the grant is helping with bar equipment for the taproom and furnishings for the beer garden.

“For this project, it was critical for us to be able to do it at all,” Nelson said “Having done business in Duluth and Superior, these kinds of programs that Superior offers are greatly helpful to the business climate and helping us be competitive.”

Nelson is the former owner of Fitger’s Brewery, the fifth craft brewery to open in Minnesota

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Henry,ayearoldGermanShepard,getsbrushedbyAmyMundtatAllNaturalCanines in Superior

OPEN DOORS IN SUPERIOR ENTREPRENEURS

The city of Superior welcomed new businesses ranging from aseamstress and auto shop to aJamaican restaurant in the last year.

Here’sa brief rundown of the new businesses in the city:

All Natural Canines

All Natural Canines cal-free pet grooming including productsc offers chem g and supplies, reated by owner

Amy Mundt of Ashland. She grooms dogs of all sizes as well as cats and rabbits using chemical-free products both on the animals and to clean the shop and equipment.

Located at 1308 Tower Ave., All Natural Canines is open 10 a.m.to5:30p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, with grooming available by appointment Monday, Tuesday and Sunday. Visitallnaturalcanines.com for more information.