MEDC awards grant for Short’s Brewing Co. expansion in Bellaire

The popular restaurant and brewpub Short’s Brewing Company in the Village of Bellaire will be renovated and expanded with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

LANSING, Mich. – The popular restaurant and brewpub Short’s Brewing Company in the Village of Bellaire will be renovated and expanded with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. The project is expected to result in private investment of $587,550 and creation of 18 jobs.

“Short’s Brewing Company is a tremendous community asset that draws thousands of visitors to Bellaire every year,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “This expansion will further revitalize the village’s downtown and be a catalyst for additional investment and development in the area. We are pleased to support the efforts of the entire community in the expansion of Short’s and the continued growth of Bellaire.”

The Village of Bellaire has received a $309,000 Community Development Block Grant for the acquisition and redevelopment of two multi-story buildings located adjacent to Short’s Brewing Company. The completed project will consist of additional restaurant and brewpub capacity and new office space for current and future Short’s administrative staff. 

The Village of Bellaire will contribute approximately $5,000 to be used to hire a consultant to administer the project.

“The Village of Bellaire is grateful to the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance and Michigan Economic Development Corporation for all of their support and guidance during the CDBG grant application process. We are excited to be able to partner with Short’s Brewing Company as they bring new jobs to the Village, help continue the revitalization of our central business district and expand their world class reputation in creating quality craft beers,” said Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Economic Development Specialist Jan Kellogg. “The Village of Bellaire is proud to be the home of businesses with owners and employees that are passionate about providing outstanding products and services. We stand by them, ready to support them as they pursue their dreams.”

Short’s has agreed that at least 10 of the 18 positions created by the project will be held by low and moderate income individuals. 

“We are excited to work with the State of Michigan, Village of Bellaire, and Northern Lakes Economic Alliance to bring this exciting revitalization of Bellaire to fruition,” said Short’s Partner Scott Newman-Bale. “We look forward to adding economic activity and jobs to the region as well as developing an awesome community to live and work. This development will allow our continued Michigan growth and allow us to remain focused on variety and quality for the residents of our Great State.”

To learn more about Short’s, visit http://www.shortsbrewing.com/.

The Michigan Strategic Fund, in cooperation with MEDC, administers the economic and community development portions of the Community Development Block Grant program. CDBG is a federal grant program utilizing funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development. 

Each year Michigan receives approximately $30 million in federal CDBG funds, out of which various projects are funded throughout the state. Funds are used to provide grants to eligible counties, cities, villages, and townships, usually with populations under 50,000, for economic development, community development and housing projects.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.