NORWICH – United States Sen. Charles E. Schumer announced Friday a grant for $106,360 awarded to Opportunities for Chenango, Inc., (OFC) in Norwich, by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The grant was made available for use as of Oct. 1.

The grant, written a year ago by OFC’s Economic Development Coordinator Nancy Morey, will create marketing initiatives for local micro-entrepreneurs to expand as well as merge markets where products can be sold in and out of Chenango County.

The two entities are Bullthistle Rag Enterprise and Bullthistle Bounty, both created locally and attempting to capitalize on the county’s official flower. The grant would enable the micro-entreprenuers to access services available to help them start, maintain or improve existing businesses. Programs include technical services, business classes and a textile arts incubator.

An important aspect of the merger will be that Bullthistle will be marketing products locally to grocery stores, gift shops and hospitality services. The project would also use an e-commerce program to help the entrepreneurs sell products online through services such as eBay and online websites for high-end arts and crafts.