Neighborhood Development Fund

In an effort to improve the public realm and invest in small businesses moving to and operating in the Ohio City Neighborhood, Ohio City Incorporated (OCI) has raised funds to be used in partnership with the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program, this fund is called the Neighborhood Development Program (OCI NDP).  To date 20 businesses have used this program utilizing over $50,000 from the fund to leverage $50,000 in City funding which has led to over $170,000 in Neighborhood investment. Please note that use of this program is dependent on funds being available, make sure to contact OCI before planning your project.

 

Permanent and professional signage and the appearance of its storefront have an impact not only on a business’s bottom line but also on the perception of the Neighborhood.  The City SRP offers a 40% rebate on signage up to $3,000. This rebate typically arrives 4-6 weeks upon completion of the project. The OCI NDP matches the City SRP with an additional 40% grant up to $3,000. In an effort to make this type of signage more attainable to businesses the OCI NDP funds can be issued up front as a grant to help cover the costs of a down payment after the business owner has signed their contract with the City. By combining these two programs businesses can have 80% of the cost of their signage covered up to $6,000. You can find more information on the City Storefront Renovation Program HERE.

 

The Neighborhood Development Program can also be used in conjunction with the City of Cleveland SRP Comprehensive Building renovation program but due to the size of the City rebate, OCI cannot offer a  dollar for dollar match of this program. Grant participation is dependent on the level of private investment and the impact of the project in the Neighborhood, but do not exceed $10,000.

 

Another goal of the Neighborhood Development Program is to encourage Ohio City businesses to support alternate modes of transportation. Thus Ohio City Incorporated is pleased to partner with Rust Belt Welding by offering up to 50% of the costs of bike racks for businesses up to $500. Please contact Ohio City Incorporated before speaking with Rust Belt Welding, also note that businesses are responsible for acquiring all necessary permits.

 

Ohio City Inc Staff Contact: Tom McNair, Director of Economic Development + Planning – 216.781.3222 x 107 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it