Council awards forgivable grants to two downtown businesses, including a $50,000 award to Cornerstone Barbecue

Bowmont’s City Council approved two business attraction awards on June 2 under the downtown attraction and expansion program.

Staff recommended a forgivable grant/loan for Cloud9 Espresso to open a walk‑in coffee shop at 790 North Bowmont (Tom’s Building). The program allows up to $25,000; the grant becomes fully forgivable if the business remains open for three years, otherwise it converts to a loan with repayment terms.

Council also approved a $50,000 forgivable grant for Cornerstone Barbecue to support qualifying downtown investment; staff said the Cornerstone award is structured as a five‑year forgivable grant (partially forgivable after three years, fully forgivable after five). Both awards were unanimously approved on roll call. The recipients provided brief remarks and posed for photographs with council after the votes.