Marion Associates Flourishes after CRA Funding Assistance
We all know that starting a business isn’t easy. When help is needed, whether that be guidance, time or ideas, business owners do all they can to reach out to their community in an effort to help their business survive and thrive. In the case where funding assistance is needed, this is where the CRA thrives.
One such business that received assistance was Marion Associates, LLC, which is a management services company founded by Joseph Marion. The business, which originally provided book-keeping, meeting planning, and record keeping services for non-profit associations, now provides a full line of management services including business development, marketing, web maintenance, and charity fundraising.
Marion Associates received funding through the CRA’s Site Development Assistance Program, which provided reimbursement for improvements made to the property, including interior and exterior commercial property improvements. They specifically used the funds for renovation expenses and the almost 1,500-square-foot office building expansion, landscaping, commercial property permit fees, and the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp and bathroom.
“The Delray Beach CRA assisted Marion Associates in funding the buildout of our offices,” Marion said. “Thanks to that assistance, we were able to repair our deteriorating building, making it a safer and more appealing environment for our employees and visitors, while maintaining the historic elements of our building.”
As an added bonus, the property, which is located at 131 N.W. First Ave., is part of the Old School Square Historic District. In addition to helping improve the building and making it safer, they were also able to work with the Historic Preservation Board to maintain the historic charm of the building.
“Since re-opening, we have extended our contracts with two international technology trade associations to provide their meeting and operations requirements, and have begun development of a new product focused on the circular economy for reuse of technology equipment,” Marion said.
This is another great example of how our CRA funding assistance programs can help our local business owners grow their business, which in turn helps to grow Delray and our community.
