There's been a recent uptick in requests for the business grant program offered by S.E.E.D., according to Stephanie Harris, economic development officer for the group that operates within the RPGA Planning District.

The incentive is available to new and expanding businesses in the Town of Altona and Municipality of Rhineland, or those seeing a change in ownership within the region.

Overall, S.E.E.D. has approved 8 grant applications since the program launched nearly a year ago, and Harris says there is more waiting in the hopper.

"We're seeing some in Altona's industrial park. We're seeing some in the North Ag Park as well as the West Ag Park in the Municipality of Rhineland," she explained.

Additionally, there's been a lot of movement in downtown Altona.

Harris explained the sector is looking to welcome Altona Yoga and Foremost Appliances. As well, she noted the sale of the Altona Chiropractic Centre building to Matrix Financial Services and the purchase of the former Ken's Pharmacy and McDonald's locations. KOMB Ag Services will also be relocating to the building previously home to Sparky's Automotive, which is also the new home to CAB Auto.

Harris added it's been great to see this renewed interest grow in the last few months and feels it is indicative of an increase in awareness of the program and that business owners are ready to start moving forward following COVID-19-related adjustments and/or shutdowns.

"When COVID hit the community we were watching very carefully to see how our businesses were going to be affected, but very very happy to see that businesses are moving forward with their start-ups of expansions," she said.

As part of the program criteria, the S.E.E.D. board of directors asks that applications be submitted three months in advance of opening or expansion. As well, Harris said directors look to see how the grant will create new jobs and/or add a service to the region. She noted the money can also be used to purchase equipment in order to expand or even as leverage to snag a working capital loan.