Overview

The Macalester-Groveland Community Council (MGCC) used its 2025 Commercial Corridor Program funds for a subgrant program, the Business Vitality Project, which boosts eligible businesses through direct mini-grants. For 2026, MGCC plans to direct Commercial Corridor Program funds toward additional beautification projects, including new custom bike corrals and new trash cans, hosting Music on the Lawn, and awarding additional Business Vitality grants.

What the funding supports

Café storefront at 1416 with a black cat-in-a-cup sign.

Business Vitality Project

Business Vitality Project funds go towards providing micro-grants to eligible businesses.

Learn more about Business Support
Close-up of a green Macalester-Groveland Community Council bike rack with a cut-out skyline design.

Beautification

Beautification funds support corridor vitality projects such as bike corrals, water faucets, and trash cans.

Learn more about Beautification
A crowd relaxes on the lawn at Grand Ave Music on the Lawn at Macalester College on a summer evening.

Events

Event funds help support Music on the Lawn at Macalester College

Learn more about Events

Business Vitality Project

The Business Vitality Project is a microgrant program that provides businesses with grants through a competitive application process. Grants can be used to fund interior and exterior improvements, including sidewalk patio furniture and new windows. In addition, grants were made to help businesses cover operational expenses so they can stay open during the Grand Avenue reconstruction. A few examples of how funding was used include: new furniture for St. Paul Meat Shop, sidewalk patio improvements for Shish Mediterranean Kitchen, and new windows for the Wet Paint Artists' Materials and Framing.

Beautification

A row of five green Macalester-Groveland Community Council bike racks installed in a converted on-street parking space on Grand Avenue, with a mural and storefronts across the street.

Custom Branded Bike Corrals

Bike racks and corrals were placed along the corridor to provide safe parking for cyclists. A total of four bike corrals were installed. Commercial Corridor Program funds cover installation and upkeep.

A concrete trash bin on a sidewalk beside a planter.

New Trash Cans

MGCC plans on commissioning new trash cans along the corridor to keep streets and storefronts cleaner for local businesses. Commercial Corridor Program funds will help pay to design and install them.

Two people setting up a piano along Grand Avenue

Beautification Coordination

Commercial Corridor Program funds help the Macalester-Groveland Community Council and the Grand Avenue Business Association coordinate beautification along Grand Avenue, paying for holiday decorations, grand pianos, and flower baskets.

Events

Graphic for Grand Ave Music on the Lawn at Macalester College, Tuesdays 6–8 p.m., June through August, sponsored by Macalester-Groveland and Saint Paul Commercial Corridors.

Music On the Lawn

Music on the Lawn at Macalester College is a summerlong event featuring live music in the evenings every other Tuesday. Commercial Corridor Program funds helped pay for the event, along with the Grand Avenue Business Association, Macalester-Groveland Community Council and other partners and sponsors.