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The Badin Town Council approved a grant at its November meeting to assist one local business.

Through the Town of Badin Business Development Project Grant Program, the 1913 Badin Inn, co-owned by residents Vanessa Mullinix and Jennifer Owens, received $1,500 from the town.

The grant was created, according to Town Manager Jay Almond, to help economic development for commercial and retail businesses to handle the cost of permit fees or inspections when those expenses are an obstacle to opening.

In order to qualify for the grant, a business must make an application with the town to show a business’ expenses far exceeds what the town could reimburse. Almond said he added permitting and compliance fees adding up to the $1,500 limit.

“That reimbursement, as I saw it, easily fits within the guidelines…the intention of the grant,” Almond said.

This grant to the Badin Inn marks the first time the grant has been awarded, Almond added, noting two other businesses had applied but one was not awarded due to an incomplete application while the other had non-qualified expenses.

Almond also said The 1913 Badin Inn is looking for sponsors for the business’ new disc golf course, suggesting the council consider becoming a sponsor with money from the town’s tourism budget.

Speaking about the council’s decision, Mullinix said she was “overwhelmed with gratitude from all the support from our local community. This year has truly been challenging, but God has blessed and guided us through this journey. Jennifer and I are excited about the revitalization of the historical Badin Inn. We thank everyone for your continued support.”