ReStartCLE - Safe Operations Grant

The City of Cleveland is prepared to help businesses through the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The continued vibrancy of Cleveland's commercial corridors is vital to our community. In order to help maintain our business community, and in accordance with Mayor Frank G. Jackson's ReSTART CLE plan, the Department of Economic Development has established the  Safe Operations Grant.

The Safe Operations Grant is to reimburse for costs incurred to operate safely during the pandemic. Eligible costs include PPE (personal protection equipment), partitions, single-use menus and other equipment required to operate safely during the pandemic. Invoices can date back as far as March 1, 2020. 

In order to be eligible for the program the business must have been operating on March 1, 2020 and must demonstrate impact from the coronavirus on cash flow or revenue. Preference will be given to entities that are unable to access other coronavirus-related capital, able to retain and/or restore pre-coronavirus employment, and that show a substantial negative impact on revenues. The application will be subject to credit review. Additional criteria and conditions may apply.  

With the lifting of the Mayor’s Emergency Declaration on May 31 and the Governor’s Health Orders on June 2 for most businesses, the Department of Economic Development will no longer be accepting applications for the Emergency Working Capital Loan program and the Safe Operations Grant program after June 11, 2021. 

Send completed applications directly to economicdevelopment@clevelandohio.gov.

For other federal, state and local resources available for businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic Learn more