December STAR Fund Allocations Total $304,950 For New Businesses & Expansions

Williston, ND – The City of Williston has allocated up to $304,950 in December for several new business ventures including a motorsports rental shop, restaurant, massage therapist, and independent insurance firm.

At the Williston City Commission meeting on Dec. 13, the commission allocated up to $48,000 for Arnie’s Rentals. The owners are purchasing the former F & F Sprinkler and Spa location to rent all types of motorsports including watercrafts, ATVs, UTVs, and more.

“The abundance of outdoor quality of life activities in and around the area have created a need for rentals of all kinds,” said Interim City Administrator, Shawn Wenko. “Arnie’s has identified this opportunity and we look forward to another option for residents to enjoy the outdoors in western North Dakota.”

Other projects receiving funds were the new owners of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites and Williston Tire Center. The hotel is planning an expansive remodel while the owners of neighboring NAPA Auto Parts are purchasing the tire center.

All three of these projects received funds from the Flex PACE Interest Buydown program, which utilizes funds from the Bank of North Dakota and Williston STAR Fund at a 2:1 ratio.

The Williston STAR Fund is generated by a voter-approved 1¢ city sales tax. Seventy-five percent of the sales tax helps off-set city infrastructure costs while the remaining 25% assists with jobs creation, business development, and retention.

Potential STAR Fund applicants are required to attend a consultation with either Wenko or Keith Olson of the Small Business Development Center. If the project is deemed viable, an application will be submitted to the seven-member STAR Fund board of directors. If approved, the application will proceed to the Williston City Commission or City Administrator for final approval.

The following applications received final approval from the Williston City Commission on Dec. 13, 2022.

Flex PACE Applications

Arnie’s Rentals: The commission approved up to $48,000 to help the owners of Arnie’s Rentals purchase a building at 413 2nd St. W, Williston. The new business will rent all types of motorsports including watercrafts, ATV’s, UTV’s, and more.

Dhillon Williston, LLC: The commission approved up to $73,000 for a hotelier to purchase and renovate the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Williston.

Williston Tire Center: The commission approved up to $68,000 for the purchase of the building and assets of Williston Tire Center.

Community Build Grant Applications

Power Play, LLC: The commission approved up to $25,000 for marketing and legal support costs for the organization. Power Play is raising funds to build a multi-use facility that will primarily house ice for Williston’s hockey and figure skating programs.

WSC Small Business Development Center: The commission approved up to $45,000 for the local SBDC office. The SBDC helps area entrepreneurs develop stable business plans.

C4 Technical Program

3E Pastry Café: The commission approved up to $20,000 for the owners of the Turkish restaurant to renovate the exterior of their building at 14 2nd St. W.

The following applications received final approval by Wenko.

Mini Match

Awaken Massage: Up to $5,000 was approved for Awaken Massage at 417 1st Ave. E. The new massage business employs a total of seven people.

Pita Palace: Up to $5,000 was approved for renovations and equipment at Pita Palace’s new location at 216 Main St.

Taqueria Mi Lindo Michoacan: Up to $5,000 was approved for the purchase of inventory and equipment at a new restaurant located at 3120 2nd Ave. E.

Patriot Insurance Group, LLC: Up to $5,000 was approved for startup costs for a new independent insurance company leasing office space at 113 2nd St. W.

Ramage Geltel Law Firm, PLLC: Up to $5,000 was approved for the law firm to purchase office equipment for their new location in the 20/20 Professional Center.

Annual Childcare Renewal Application

Raveena Hegge Daycare: Up to $950 was approved for the licensed daycare for annual expenses.

The STAR Fund board of directors meets monthly at the Williston Center for Development.

Follow Williston Economic Development on Facebook (@willistoneconomicdevelopment), Instagram (@willistoneconomicdevelopment), and LinkedIn.

For more information, visit http://www.willistondevelopment.com, call 701-577-8110, or stop by 113 4th St. E., in Downtown Williston.

 

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