Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Heather Bregel, left, of the Economic Development Authority, gives a $10,000 Small Business Incentive grant to Harmony Inn General Manager Amber Wicke and Regional Operations Manager Tony Donntelle. The funds will be used to help renovate the building at 1901 S. Broadway St. into the new Harmony Inn.

NEW ULM — Harmony Inn & Suites on Tuesday received a Small Business Incentive grant for $10,000 from the New Ulm Economic Development Authority.

The EDA’s Small Business Incentive grant is available to any new business that has been open at least three months. Harmony Inn & Suites officially took over the building at 1901 S. Broadway on Dec. 22, 2021.

Regional Operations Manager for the hotel, Tony Donntelle said the $10,000 will be used to help with renovations to the building. This includes changes to the physical structure such as the parking lot and creation of a patio area called the “Harmony Hang Out.” Other changes will include upgrades to the room. Donntelle described it as a refresher. Most of the heavy construction will take place this summer.

This is the fifth Small Business Incentive grant awarded by the EDA in 2022. There is a sixth grant pending.

In a typical year, the EDA sets aside $50,000 each year for the Small Business Incentive Grant, but in 2022 it was increased to $60,000 due to demand.

EDA Housing Coordinator Heather Bregel encouraged any new business to apply to the grant. There is currently a single applicant on the waiting list for funding in 2023. Bregel said the EDA has hinted they could put more funds into the grant program if the waiting list grows.