Small Business Grants

Announcing our 2026 grant recipients

Congratulations to Our Grant Recipients

We are proud to announce the five Watseka businesses awarded a $1,000 grant in our first funding cycle.

Thank you to everyone who applied. Applications for this cycle closed on April 1, 2026.

Center Street Productions

Center Street Productions

Creative video solutions and home of Laura Lee Photography — a studio specializing in beautiful family and children's photos, professional portraits, and more, plus digitizing your old films and home movies.

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Above Family Grooming

Above Family Grooming

A new barbershop in downtown Watseka offering clean cuts, shaves, and facial steams. Walk-ins welcome, open seven days a week.

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The Headquarters Beauty Studio

The Headquarters

The Head Quarters Beauty Studio — a full-service hair and beauty salon in the heart of Watseka. Whether you want a spruce up on your look, prom hair, or bridal services, they have you covered!

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Griswold Feed

Griswold Feed

A local feed store stocking feed and essentials for livestock and backyard flocks — plus local meats, cheeses, eggs, and frozen foods.

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Spleodar Follaine

Spleodar Follaine

A leading personal training and fitness studio working with clients of all ages and fitness levels. They also offer tanning services.

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Grant Overview

Through a pilot project, Watseka Community Renewal is exploring ways to support local businesses by offering small grants and resources for storefront improvements, marketing, and operational growth. In this first cycle, we offered five (5) grants of $1,000 each to existing or proposed businesses located in Watseka that hold, or will obtain prior to award, a valid business license. Applications for this cycle closed on April 1, 2026.

Program details & eligibility (2026 cycle archive)

Eligible Uses

  • Interior maintenance or renovations
  • Beautification, marketing, or advertising
  • Signage (in accordance with Watseka Ordinance #2715)
  • Purchase of equipment or display units necessary for your business premises

Funds may not be used for rent, utilities, or inventory.

How It Works

  • 50% upfront upon approval
  • 50% upon completion and verification of the approved project
  • Project must be completed within 60 days of receiving the initial payment

Eligibility

  • Business must be physically located within the City of Watseka
  • Must hold or obtain a valid City of Watseka business license
  • Must operate from a commercial storefront location
  • Home-based and cottage businesses are not eligible during this funding cycle

Important Dates

  • Applications Opened: February 1, 2026
  • Applications Closed: April 1, 2026
  • Grants Awarded: Beginning of May 2026

Questions? Contact us at WatsekaCommunityRenewal@gmail.com