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The Brewton City Council approved grant requests from two businesses who hope to begin serving the community.

A grant for up to $15,000 was approved for Shug’s Soulfood Restaurant at the request of business owner Glennie Carter.

The business, not yet started, hopes to begin serving the community in the near future.

Carter said a location has been secured for the restaurant, but work will need to be done to the dormant facility. The grant awarded by the Coucnil at Monday’s meeting will help meet the needs that will allow Carter to move forward with the work.

A second business, Twice As Nice Consighnment Shop was also award a $5,000 grant for similar purposes.

The owner, Evelyn Daniels, has met with city officials with a plan to show the need for the service in the community.

No location has been secured for that shop, but the funds awarded Monday will aid in securing a location in the near future.

Mayor Yank Lovelace said the council is happy to work with those who hope to operate a business for the first time in the community.

“The Economic Development grants are in place to help businesses who are just starting out,” Lovelace said. Requests come in all sizes and we know it may not be enough, but it is a start to the process to get into business.”

Lovelace said he hopes that the city can work with the new business owners to help them operate a successful business in the community.