Revitalization efforts are gaining momentum in Anne Arundel County.
The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp.?s (AAEDC) Business Corridor Investment Program, initiated earlier in the year, aims to assist local businesses with renovation and improvement projects.
“This project is intended to spur economic activity, investment and improvement,” said Alexis Henderson, spokeswoman for the AAEDC.
Through the project, business owners can apply for interest-free loans of up to $35,000 to improve the interior and exterior of their business. The program is funded through a $300,000 grant the county approved for the AAEDC.
Businesses that receive the loans will work with an on-call architect to develop a renovation plan, Henderson said.
There are 16 different revitalization zones in the county, Henderson said. The project will focus on Glen Burnie, Sun Valley-Pasadena, Brooklyn Park and West Street in Annapolis at first.
“These areas are gateways to neighborhoods that are really thriving,” Henderson said.
“We want to make these areas as appealing as the neighborhoods,” she added. “It?s in everyone?s best interest to make all of our revitalization areas as visually pleasing as possible ? that spurs economic activity.”
Revitalization remains crucial to Anne Arundel County, County Executive John R. Leopold said.
“Thisis one of the key pillars in my planning and development of the county,” Leopold said. “I continue to support low-interest loans in the revitalization areas.”
Two businesses, Via Mia, an Italian restaurant in Glen Burnie, and Christopher?s Salon and Day Spa in Brooklyn Park, are the first to get involved with the program, Henderson said.
Area businesses have been encouraged by the AAEDC and the county?s dedication to revitalization, said Mia Hong, owner of Via Mia.
“It?s interest-free money that we?re going to using for exterior development,” Hong said. “That?s what we?re planning.”
At a glance
For more information on the business loan program, call 410-222-7410 or visit aaedc.org.
