The grant, approved through the city's Spark streamline program, will help SKL, Inc. cover costs for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and space retrofitting as the business moves from its longtime home on Eden Avenue to 7275 Ohms Lane. The new location will be subdivided to accommodate two businesses.

Economic Development Director Bill Newandorf presented the proposal as a straightforward way to support small businesses. "This streamline grant is intended to be simple and straightforward to really work at the pace of small business," Newandorf said. "The program is relatively small but vital for small businesses." Kumon owner Ms. SK Low explained that the business has operated in Edina for many years and that the grant is essential to cover the substantial costs of meeting updated building codes and accessibility requirements.

Commissioners Pierce and Agnu moved and seconded the approval, with four voting in favor. However, Commissioner Risser dissented, expressing concerns about using public funds for ADA improvements when the city has unmet accessibility needs in public infrastructure like Lewis Park recreation center. She also questioned the broader impact of the Spark program itself. Despite her reservations, other commissioners, including Commissioner Jackson, emphasized that supporting small business reinvestment is exactly what the Spark program is designed to do.

The Spark program, established in 2021 using tax increment financing dollars, is set to terminate at the end of 2026. The program has supported various business projects throughout Edina, though the Starling restaurant recently withdrew a request for parking expansion funding. The $24,000 Kumon grant represents one of the program's streamlined awards, capped at that amount for projects meeting simplified approval criteria.