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HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Momentum is growing in downtown Hartford.
For the first time in decades, every storefront in the city’s historic Pratt Street is under contract or close.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday for Bloom Bake Shop.
It’s the newest addition to Pratt Street.
You’ll see more “Coming Soon” signs all over the place.
Federal funds are helping a lot.
“It’s very exciting. There is a lot of great energy on this street. There are a lot of good businesses here and they are very welcoming,” said Monica Beaudon, owner of Blow Baking Shop.
Monica and her sister Alex are co-owners of the business.
Bloom bake shop sells everything from cookies and scones to coffee and flower arrangements.
“After two years of baking in a commercial kitchen and doing pop-up events and catering, we were ready for our first storefront location. We did a lot of looking around Hartford and some suburbs, but once we found this space here on Pratt Street, we knew it was the perfect location for our bakery.” said co-owner Alex Pilon.
Bloom is one of several new businesses benefiting from funds from the Heart Lift program.
The program uses U.S. bailout dollars to bring new small businesses into the void of the pandemic.
“The Heart Lift program is a grant to help small businesses like Bloom Bake Shop, build their shop and make their dreams come true,” said Julio Concepcion, executive director of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce.
To date, $4.7 million has been committed to the program.
The program is helping to speed up fuel in the capital.
New apartment units are also being added.
For the first time in decades, every storefront on Pratt Street is either under contract or close to being under contract.
“It’s a huge development. And Pratt Street is more vibrant and important and full of people and energy than it’s ever been,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.
Bronin says he’s determined to help keep that energy and energy alive in the city.
In the next six months, they will all be open and in business.
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