Small business support is key to creating a flourishing region. MTC could hire and wire thanks to us. Our help in soliciting grants allowed them to create fiber optic cabling across the region and then, as capacity ramped up, more than double their staff. Others have opened businesses and expanded their offerings with MARK’s help. Tree Juice Maple Syrup doubled their taps and capacity recently. Dirty Girl Farm in Andes could shore up their farm structures to allow for visitors. MARK assists with funding and grants, whether it’s the Small Business Development Fund, which helps small businesses to start or expand, or larger CFA grants that are at work on the Kirkside projects. 

As Tree Juice’s Ryan Annetts says, “The MARK Projects funds allowed us to double in size, and thus keep up with our growing demand.” Not long ago, they were approached by a new distributor who loves their branding and works with over 800 specialty food stores across New England. “Securing this partnership,” Ryan says, “was only possible with the equipment purchased from the MARK Project funds.” 

MARK’s support can also include pairing businesses with mentors and helping develop business plans so owners are not just here next month or next year but for many years to come.