Swim 'n Surf Receives $5K Grant

Fairfield, CT - The Fairfield Department of Community & Economic Development has announced its latest micro-enterprise assistance grant awarded to Swim n’ Surf of Fairfield.  The grant will enable Swim n’ Surf to expand and diversify its product offerings to include a new collection of activewear.

Swim n’ Surf has been a fixture in downtown Fairfield since 2006, providing swim-related apparel and accessories to competitive swim programs as well as the general public.  Childhood friends from Westchester County, NY, owners Kathryn Kirton and Kelly Kegan-McGee bring over 20 years of experience in the retail industry primarily in merchandising, advertising and sales, combined with their love of swimming and fashion.  The shop carries top-of-the-line swim products including brands such as Alo, Vimmia, Sundry, Trina Turk, Splendid, LSpace, Roxy, O'Neill, Billabong, Speedo and Nike.  Swim n’ Surf caters to swimmers of all ages, genders, and skill levels with its wide range of product offerings.

To meet the year-round needs of both the fitness-oriented and fashion-conscious consumer, the store recently launched its “SWEAT x Swim n’ Surf”, a new curated collection of activewear that will appeal to those looking to go straight from their favorite workout to the street in style.  Swim n’Surf is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10AM through 5PM.

“Kelly and I are extremely grateful for these funds, which will allow us to grow our business and better serve our expanding customer base,” explained Kathryn Kirton.  “We’re delighted to help, and always excited to see businesses continue to prosper and grow in Fairfield,” stated Mark Barnhart, Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development.  “Small businesses such as Swim n’ Surf have long been the backbone of our economy, and the Micro-Enterprise Program has been a very useful tool in our small business development strategy,” he added.

The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  It is intended to provide entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, and startup capital in order to create and sustain viable and productive small businesses in Fairfield. The program seeks to strengthen and enhance these small businesses, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a recognized form of commercial enterprise that employs five or fewer employees, has its primary operations in Fairfield, and be current on all tax obligations.   

For more information on the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program, contact the Department of Community & Economic Development at (203) 256-3120.

PHOTO (left to right): Owners Kathryn Kirton and Kelly Kegan-McGee with Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart.

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Submitted by Fairfield, CT

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