Two Brewton businesses received an economic boost in the form of downtown development grants.

Sapphire Hospitality and The Dot Shop were each granted funds to help ready their facilities for business.

The hospitality company, which announced its purchase of the former Brewton Motor Inn/Ramada Inn last month, was granted 50 percent of the cost or up to $20,000 in reimbursement for debris disposal from the property cleanup process. As a condition of the agreement, the funds will only be disbursed to cover costs associated with the project at the Brewton City Landfill and payable once the new hotel opens.

Plans are to rehabilitate the 80-room and conference room facility from “top-to-bottom” as part of a $3 million project. The facility is expected to employ approximately 25 people and generate an estimated $1 million in sales and $20,000 in lodging tax annually. Renovation work is ongoing now; however, it is unknown when the hotel will officially open.

The Dot Shop, a painting and sign boutique located next to Antigone’s, was awarded up to $2,000 to assist in repainting the exterior of the building and/or installing new awning.