Cars, Coffee, and Kids Among Those Benefiting from Williston STAR Fund Dollars in April

Williston, ND (KEYZ) News Radio caught up with Williston Economic Director Shawn Wenko for a look at the many recipients of April STAR Fund dollars. In total, 11 businesses/organizations were approved for funding during Tuesday night's city commission meeting.

Among the standouts is Cartunz; owner, Greg Fuchs, has been serving the Williston community for years providing quality car audio and mobile products.

"We did a low-interest loan with Cartunz that's gonna be doing some . . . kinda upgrading their signage, upgrading their parking lot a little bit. That's been a great business. It's been here 27 years, and Greg has really provided a good piece to the community with what he offers there at Cartunz."

Two additional businesses, Conlin's Furniture and Fisher Orthodontics, are also recipients of low-interest loans through the STAR Fund's Flex PACE Interest Buydown program. While he wouldn't let News Radio in on where these businesses will be moving, both will be using their STAR Fund dollars to help with relocation and remodeling costs.

Wenko said a number of businesses also benefited from STAR Fund grants, including more than one coffee enterprise.

"There's been no shortage of appetite for coffee out there. We're gonna see a new coffee shop called Caffeinated going into the Badlands Town Centre. We did a small grant for the opening of a coffee place in Life Church called Young Bucks, so those two ladies are really moving forward."

Wenko added that the city has "really made a commitment to addressing the shortage of childcare opportunities in the region," pointing to the commission's move Tuesday to allocate STAR Fund monies to the Light of Christ Lutheran Church for renovations to its basement in preparation for a new daycare center. That center is slated to create space for up to 80 children. Wenko said the need for more childcare options is something to which the city remains sensitive especially as Williston and the region continue to grow and that it was "a big move" for the commission to work with the Light of Christ Church.

The 11 businesses/organizations receiving STAR Fund dollars for April are:

Car Tunz – up to $47,000 from the Flex PACE Interest Buydown program to purchase their current building, improve their parking lot and purchase signage.
Conlin’s Furniture – up to $25,000 from the Flex PACE Interest Buydown program to purchase new signage and remodel a new location for the furniture and mattress store.
Fisher Orthodontics – up to $62,000 from the Flex PACE Interest Buydown program to purchase and remodel a new location for the orthodontics practice.
Light of Christ Lutheran Church – up to $500,000 from the STAR Fund via the City of Williston general fund and up to $36,000 from the STAR Fund to renovate the Light of Christ Lutheran Church for a new daycare.
Williston Volunteer Honor Guard – up to $5,000 from the Community Build/Growth program to help purchase new uniforms and equipment.

The following STAR Fund grants do not require Williston City Commission approval. They are approved by the City Administrator.
Caffeinated – up to $5,000 from the Mini Match program to open a second Caffeinated location in the Badlands Town Centre. The new sit-down coffee shop will also feature a drive-up window.
C’s Dance Complex – up to $5,000 from the Mini Match program for a new retail dance store located in the Ebel Building.
Hops & Berry - up to $5,000 from the Mini Match program to purchase new signage for the self-serve beer/wine taproom located in Downtown Williston.
Mattress by Appointment - up to $5,000 from the Mini Match program for a new mattress store located at 2006 19th Ave. W. in Williston.
Miss Lissa’s – up to $900 from the Child Care Assistant Grant program.
Young Bucks - up to $5,000 from the Mini Match program for a new coffee shop and eatery located in LifeChurch.

If you would like to start or expand a business in Williston, contact Keith Olson with the Small Business Development Center at 701-713-3839 or keith@ndsbdc.org.

For more of News Radio's interview with Williston Economic Development Director, visit our Facebook page or listen to the full Podcast at keyzradio.com.