Manufacturing solutions, retail improvements and education projects receive boost from program that reinvests savings into local businesses
If any round of Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) mini-grants has symbolically represented the organization’s mission, it’s this one.
That mission is to serve as an umbrella for workforce development, tourism, retail and commercial development, entrepreneurship and industrial recruitment, utilizing all of them in efforts to improve the quality of life in the community. This year’s mini-grant recipients represent several of those sectors, providing important services or products that grow the economy.
The 2025 recipients include Sully’s Coffee Co., From the Vine Produce, Glory Gardens & Greenhouse and Industry Tech Solutions. SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler, Somerset Mayor Alan Keck and Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd presented these businesses with their $2,500 mini-grant awards Wednesday.
It was a record-breaking year in applications for SPEDA’s mini-grant program, which awards $2,500 to four local businesses with plans to innovate and expand their operations. Launched in 2020, the mini-grant program provides strategic investments to businesses currently operating or in the start-up phase in Somerset-Pulaski County. It is an annual initiative made possible through good management and proper financial oversight at SPEDA that has helped the organization save thousands annually since its inception.
Girdler said this year’s recipients perfectly embody SPEDA’s mission and vision.
“From Industry Tech Solutions bringing cutting-edge manufacturing technology to local businesses, to From the Vine Produce expanding affordable food access, to Sully’s Coffee creating inclusive employment opportunities, and Glory Gardens educating our youth about agriculture — each project strengthens a different sector of our community,” he said. “What’s particularly impressive is how each business demonstrates remarkable innovation and adaptability. These grants represent SPEDA’s commitment to reinvesting our operational efficiencies back into the local economy, creating a cycle of growth that benefits all Somerset-Pulaski County residents. I’m especially proud that we can support both established businesses looking to expand and promising startups working to address specific economic needs.”
Local businesses are invited to apply for several projects, including but not limited to strategic planning and management; purchase or physical improvements to facilities or equipment; training; or leadership, planning and management capacity initiatives.
Applicants must demonstrate their benefit to the community — presenting an overall plan, specific need for investment and ways in which funds will be utilized.
Sully’s Coffee Co.
The community benefit of Sully’s Coffee Co., a family-owned mobile coffee trailer business, is through the way it represents Somerset-Pulaski County’s entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit. Established in September 2024, this local business goes beyond serving coffee by creating meaningful employment opportunities for differently abled individuals, starting with owner Kelly Burton’s son, who has autism spectrum disorder and serves as the inspiration for the company’s name and mission. The business has already been embraced by the Somerset-Pulaski community, with customers providing encouragement and support while enjoying coffee and other beverages.
Mini-grant funds will help Sully’s Coffee Co. purchase an industrial-strength blender with a sound enclosure to reduce noise, which makes the blending sound more tolerable for sensory needs. The mini-grant will also help Sully’s expand its workspace to accommodate a new line of blended coffee drinks for the upcoming summer season. With this upgrade, Sully’s will be able to broaden its menu offerings and increase revenue potential during warmer months as the business participates in food truck events throughout the region.
Owners of Sully’s have expressed plans to eventually hire additional special needs individuals as their business expands, further extending their impact on the community.
“When we started our coffee truck business last September, we decided to start small in terms of equipment and drink options,” Burton said. “Thanks to the mini-grant, we are now ready to make some expansions and we are so excited. Thank you, SPEDA, for supporting our small business!”
From the Vine Produce
From the Vine Produce has been serving the community for over five years by providing Somerset-Pulaski County families with quality, affordable food options at significantly reduced prices compared to national chains. What began as a commercial produce company has evolved into a comprehensive discount food outlet, particularly in response to market changes during the pandemic. The business pivoted successfully by incorporating freezer space for bulk discounted food items, which has become the cornerstone of the operation and community service.
From the Vine has gradually expanded freezer capacity during the last five years, but now finds itself consistently at maximum capacity. With two new bulk suppliers and opportunities to secure large-volume closeout deals that would further benefit local families, From the Vine requested mini-grant funds to expand its storage and retail capacity. The grant will help From the Vine purchase walk-in, floor-model freezers that will nearly double its current freezer capacity.
“We are so grateful for the receipt of this funding for so many reasons,” Sinkhorn said. “First and foremost, one of our primary goals is to bless local families with restaurant-quality food at a fraction of the cost of national chains, and these funds will greatly increase our capacity and ability to do that. Additionally, we are so thankful that our local economic development leadership recognizes our entrepreneurial efforts and is willing to come alongside us to assist in making our goals for growth a reality.”
Glory Gardens & Greenhouse
Glory Gardens & Greenhouse will provide community benefit through education with its mini-grant project — a summer day camp to help cultivate agricultural awareness among Pulaski County’s youth. This summer, Glory Gardens will launch Little Sprouts Farm Day Camp, an educational initiative that will provide 40 children ages 6 to 12 with hands-on farm experiences during two week-long sessions. Participants will learn about local agriculture, sustainable practices, and the importance of supporting regional food systems.
The program incorporates partnerships with county agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Pulaski County Extension Service, as well as collaborations with local producers like Woodstock Lavender Farm, 5M Farms, and Pulaski County Future Farmers of America, creating a comprehensive learning experience.
“We are certainly grateful to receive this grant, but are even more excited to be able to share this farm camp with the youth of our community,” DeBord said. “We are so appreciative that SPEDA values the local agriculture community and we look forward to educating the next generation of agriculture producers right here in Pulaski County. This generous grant allows us to pour into these young lives and give them the hands-on experience of a week in the life of a farmer.”
Industry Tech Solutions
Industry Tech Solutions, a start-up business of lead engineer Jacob Miller, applied for mini-grant funds to support an initiative to strengthen Pulaski County’s manufacturing sector through increased access to advanced automation technology. The proposed project addresses a critical need in the industrial community by removing barriers to the adoption of machine vision systems, which can significantly enhance manufacturing quality and efficiency.
Industry Tech Solutions plans to design and build a portable machine vision demonstration unit that will enable local manufacturers to test this technology with their own products before making investment decisions.
The mini-grant funds will support a four-to-five-week development process including electrical design, construction of a transportable enclosure, and assembly of the demonstration unit. Industry Tech Solutions is contributing $10,000 to $15,000 worth of vision system hardware to maximize the project’s impact.
“Receiving this SPEDA mini-grant is a meaningful boost for my business,” Miller said. “It not only helps offset critical costs for driving new business sales, but also reinforces the value of innovation and small business growth in our community. I’m grateful for the support and excited to keep building solutions that make an impact.”