Oak Tree Yoga & Wellness receives $10,000 My Main Street grant

It will now be that much easier for a new yoga studio in Port Colborne to have people saying “namaste.”

Oak Tree Yoga & Wellness, located on West Street, is receiving a $10,000 grant from the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program.

Owner Linsey Hill is thrilled with the grant.

“Being a part of the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program has helped my business grow faster than I ever imagined,” she said.

By working with My Main Street, Hill learned there are approximately 2,610 residents in the immediate area that could be potential clients. Those residents had a 12 per cent higher attraction to nature and community involvement than the rest of Port Colborne, according to a study done by program ambassador Olga Loeffen.

Prior to One Tree opening, the community did not have access to a yoga studio in the downtown core.

Hill said she plans to “collaborate with other health professional currently offering their dedicated services in Port Colborne to build a community of like-minded people interested in improving well-being.”

She used the non-repayable grant to purchase furniture for the boutique along with some yoga equipment, a high-end sound system to create a more immersive experience and, most importantly, a sign for the outside of her storefront so she can be easily located.

“Being able to purchase equipment that is needed to operate my business effectively and help with customer service has made growing my business easier,” said Hill. “The incredible support I received through every step of the process was above and beyond. I’m grateful for the opportunity and support received for Oak Tree Yoga & Wellness in Port Colborne.”

Port Colborne economic development officer Bram Cotton said, “the community will greatly benefit from her yoga classes, workshops, retreats, and expertise.”

Locally, My Main Street offers free support from a dedicated paid staff person and grants to help new and existing businesses.

To be eligible for the grants, they must be members of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) or Main Street BIA.

All businesses in Port Colborne have access to community profiles created by My Main Street.

The yoga studio was one of 10 recipients in Port Colborne of the grants.

The others announced so far are Lucky Thai, Summerhayes Studios — The Art Guild, Eh Amigos Cantina and Genius Fitness & MMA.

To arrange a virtual meeting with the Main Street ambassador, email [email protected] or call 905-835-2900, ext. 507.

Funded by FedDev Ontario, the program supports the revitalization of main street communities through non-repayable contributions to more than 650 local businesses across southern Ontario.

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