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HART — The City of Hart announced that The Monarch in Hart, LLC, owned by Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema, has been selected to receive a $25,000 Match on Main Grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Match on Main is a reimbursement-based grant program that helps new and expanding small businesses in Michigan downtowns and commercial districts invest in projects that activate storefronts, strengthen local economies and support community-driven growth, states a press release from the City of Hart.
The Monarch is a yoga and community movement studio at 408 S. State St. in downtown Hart, housed in the former nursery building on the historic Hart Congregational Church campus. The grant will support continued investment in the business, including renovations and accessibility improvements needed in all four buildings as The Monarch grows into a community-centered campus for wellness, arts, movement, events and connection.
For Hart, this award represents more than another successful grant application. The Monarch was selected as the winning proposal in the Hart Tax Increment Finance Authority’s (TIFA) Pitch for the Parcel competition — an initiative created to attract innovative business concepts for the property and encourage investment in downtown Hart. The Match on Main award marks another milestone in the journey from a bold idea to a growing downtown business.
“This one feels especially rewarding,” said Lindsay Brown, Economic and Community Development Coordinator for the City of Hart. “The Monarch’s story began with Pitch for the Parcel, where Cindy Beth’s vision stood out as something that could bring new energy and connection to our downtown. To now see that same business receive a Match on Main grant shows how local and state economic development efforts can work together to support entrepreneurs.”
The award also continues Hart’s strong Match on Main track record. Since 2021. This marks the seventh consecutive $25,000 small business grant recipient in Hart, totaling $175,000 in state support, in addition to the private investment made by each business.
“As someone new to this role, I couldn’t be happier to see The Monarch selected for funding through my first grant application as coordinator,” Brown said. “We are thrilled to keep investing in our downtown alongside these businesses, strengthening our community and building a strong future for Hart.”
Davis-Dykema said she is honored to receive the award and grateful for the support she has received throughout the process.
“Receiving this grant is both incredibly exciting and humbling,” said Davis-Dykema. “From Pitch for the Parcel to now receiving a Match on Main grant, it’s been an incredible journey. These funds will help us continue investing in The Monarch and the unique experiences, connections and sense of place we hope to create for our community. I’m grateful for the tremendous support from the City of Hart and for the opportunity to be part of the continued growth of downtown Hart. This investment helps turn dreams we’ve been building toward into reality and allows us to create something truly special for our residents and visitors.”
The City congratulates Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema and The Monarch in Hart, LLC on receiving the award and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of this investment in downtown Hart.
To see all Match on Main recipients and read the MEDC announcement, click here.
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