The Ortonville DDA has been awarded a USDA Rural Business Development Grant. The funds from this grant will be used to develop a Revolving Loan Program to loan funds to small business and commercial property owners within the Ortonville DDA District. This program will address and prioritize the issue of underutilized or vacant commercial properties due to insufficient septic capacity, aged septic systems, and the relationship between septic capacity and intended property use. This effort is consistent with the DDA's strategic objective to build and facilitate a comprehensive Business Development Program that will spur economic development, provide tools and resources to existing businesses, recruit potential new businesses and engage consumers.
Small businesses and commercial property owners are significantly impacted by the need to upgrade aged septic systems with insufficient capacities. Commercial property owners will now be able to apply for a low or no interest loan to fund upgrades to their property's septic system. As funds are repaid, the program funds are replenished and available for use by another business or commercial property owner.
Ortonville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) administers this program as the recipient of the USDA Rural Business Development Grant.
The DDA has a goal of creating or retaining at least one full time job for each $10,000 loaned from the RLF. This program is available to Gateway, Downtown, M-15 Corridor Commercial, and Workplace zoned for-profit businesses, landowners, and corporations within the Village limits.
The Powered Locally Retail Challenge
The Ortonville Downtown Development Authority is offering an incentive package worth up to $10,000 for one winning retail business that will open or expand in Ortonville’s historic downtown district in 2021.
Our quaint little community received its name from our founder Amos Orton whose grist mill inspired people to settle and build in this area. A charming small-town experience, Ortonville is Powered Locally and we take pride in remaining an All-American, authentic village that has been a hub of activity for over 150 years. When you visit any of our Downtown shops, you’ll be browsing locally-owned, unique shops with truly one-of-a-kind treasures that offer something for everyone. Main Street is a colorful place to stroll, a fun place to play and the perfect place to shop. So, whether you are looking for a leisurely afternoon, some Main Street fun, on a mission to find the perfect gift, considering a new home town or opening your business here, Welcome to Ortonville!
The Powered Locally Retail Challenge is designed to activate our entire Downtown and create the volume of retail needed to generate downtown "destination" type commerce and economic development. Using our existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and providing pop-up opportunities we can enhance the retail make-up in Downtown Ortonville through the Retail Challenge.
The Retail Challenge is organized by Ortonville Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Oakland County Economic Development, MI SBDC, local businesses, organizations, and residents of the community.
The Powered Locally Retail Challenge is designed to activate our entire Downtown and create the volume of retail needed to generate downtown "destination" type commerce and economic development. Using our existing businesses, entrepreneurs, and providing pop-up opportunities we can enhance the retail make-up in Downtown Ortonville through the Retail Challenge. The Ortonville Downtown Development Authority is offering an incentive package worth up to $10,000 for one winning retail business that will open or expand in Ortonville’s historic downtown district in 2021. The Retail Challenge is organized by Ortonville Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Oakland County Economic Development, MI SBDC, local businesses, organizations, and residents of the community. The Retail Challenge Application is three pages, please submit each page as you finish them. You should review/print each page and gather your information ahead of time before applying.
Downtown Dollars Program Information
Ready to become a participating business? Download the appropriate form below and get started.
Monetary gift certificates that can be used as cash at participating businesses. These are redeemable for merchandise/services in our downtown boundaries. The DDA will fully reimburse any business that accepts downtown dollars as payment. Simply turn in the Downtown Dollars with a completed Downtown Dollar Reimbursement Form to the Ortonville Downtown Development Authority at the Village of Ortonville Offices – 476 Mill Street. Participating businesses can give change from a Downtown Dollar purchase. Businesses will be reimbursed the amount of each certificate they accept from customers and redeem with the DDA.
The Downtown Development Authority offers up to $250 annually in reimbursements to DDA merchants and community groups for support of local collaboration efforts and business development resources. This program helps to facilitate the DDA mission which is: Dedicated to promoting economic revitalization, supporting local businesses, and preserving the natural and historic heritage of the Village of Ortonville.
In 2017, the DDA launched this program and offered annual reimbursements to DDA merchants and community groups for support of local collaboration efforts and business development resources. The link below lists the current reimbursements available including: Ortonville Community Historical Society Membership, The Citizen Advertising, September fest Booth Registration, Special Marketing Efforts, Local Group/Event Sponsorships and Business Development Training. The DDA has increased the budget for this program and would like input from merchants on the type of efforts/reimbursements that would be helpful to you.
