Marion’s Grill Works finalist for $20,000 Iowa Economic Development Authority award

As a finalist, the business has already received $8,000

Jun. 16, 2021 12:38 pm

Owners Brian and Lisa Gilliatt at the Grill Works in Marion in February. (Andy Abeyta/The Gazette)

The Grill Works in Marion has been selected as a finalist for an Iowa Economic Development Authority statewide award.

The business already has been awarded $8,000 as a finalist with a chance to win $20,000 later this year.

“We are looking forward to using these funds to expand our offerings on an online platform and grow our classes with an outdoor demonstration kitchen," co-owner Lisa Gilliatt said.

The Grill Works, which opened in the Uptown Marion District 11 years ago, primarily sells grills and replacement parts. The shop has more than 300 sauces and rubs to sample as well as offers cooking classes.

The business has been selected as a finalist in the Open 4 Business grant program. The challenge grant program is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature.

Since the first appropriation in 2002, around $6 million in state and federal funds have leveraged more than $37 million in private reinvestment, according to a news release.

The contest is open each year to businesses located in the 52 Main Street Iowa communities across the state and the grants are administered through IEDA’s Iowa Downtown Resource Center and the Main Street Iowa programs with funding to assist business expansion projects, the release said.

Finalists are each awarded a $8,000 grant with a chance to win an additional $20,000 at the final pitch competition on Aug. 2 at the Iowa Downtown Conference in Iowa City.

Other finalists include Avoca Flower Shop in Avoca, Midwest Girl in Dubuque, Bauman’s Clothing in Mount Vernon and the Stitchin’ Tree in Woodbine.