Steelyard TIF Grant - Placemaking & Small Business Grant
The Steelyard TIF Grant Program was established in 2006 to support Cleveland’s neighborhood economies, which were impacted by the arrival of big-box retail at Steelyard Commons. This program has been updated to better meet the evolving needs of these communities. It offers two types of grants: the Placemaking Grant, which funds projects that enhance public spaces and the local environment, such as arts initiatives, streetscaping, and other community improvements, with the goal of creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that support economic growth and improve quality of life for Cleveland residents; and the Small Business Grant, which helps small businesses grow by providing funding for expansion, moving from a home-based operation to a storefront, and making interior improvements to retail spaces. Both grants are designed to strengthen Cleveland’s neighborhoods by investing in local businesses and public spaces.
Eligibility for Both Grants:
Placemaking Grant: Not-for-profit and for-profit entities are eligible to apply. Informed by a third-party market impact study of Steelyard Commons, legislation limits applicants to the following geographies: Ohio City, Tremont, Old Brooklyn, Clark-Fulton, Slavic Village, and Lorain Station.
Small Business Grant: Established and start-up small businesses are eligible to apply. Informed by a third-party market impact study of Steelyard Commons, legislation limits applicants to the following geographies: Ohio City, Tremont, Old Brooklyn, Clark-Fulton, Slavic Village, and Lorain Station. Applicants will be expected to create and/or retain one full-time equivalent (FTE) job.
Max Assistance:
Placemaking: Grants amount to a maximum of $100,000. Available funds will vary per funding round. For transparency, the total amount of funding for each neighborhood will be posted in the FAQ.
Small Business: Grants amount range from $5,000 to $10,000. Available funds will vary per funding round. For transparency, the total amount of funding for each neighborhood will be posted in the FAQ. With respect to the finite nature of the TIF funds, it is possible that some rounds will not result in an award.
Use of Proceeds:
Placemaking: Funds include but are not limited to: Arts (e.g. murals); Parklets; Trees and landscaping; Benches; Streetscape; Decorative lighting.
Small Business: Funds include but are not limited to interior improvements; exterior lighting & public art; landscaping/bike racks; fencing; IT installation costs; architectural, design & engineering costs; furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Equity Requirement: Applicant, for both the Placemaking and the Small Business Grant must provide a minimum of 10% equity in the total project cost. No collateral or loan terms are applicable.
Applications: