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Foundation unveils downtown matching grants program to attract retail and restaurants
Summary
A local foundation presented two matching grant programs for downtown Barberton businesses: up to $100,000 for building rehabilitation and five $20,000 challenge grants for tenant/operational costs; applications open Feb. 1 and close April 1.
A representative of a local foundation told the Rules, Marketing & Development committee on Feb. 24 that the organization has launched two grant programs intended to spur investment in downtown Barberton.
The programs described: a matching grant of up to $100,000 for brick‑and‑mortar retail, experiential retail or restaurant businesses that wish to move into downtown and rehabilitate buildings; and five challenge grants of up to $20,000 each for tenant improvements, equipment purchases, accessibility upgrades, or marketing. The larger award is a dollar‑for‑dollar match, and applicants awarded a $100,000 match may also apply for a $20,000 challenge grant to combine funding up to $120,000, the presenter said.
Applications opened Feb. 1 and close April 1. Main Street Barberton is operating the program; Melanie Blackamato at Main Street Barberton was named as the contact to assist prospective applicants. The foundation representative said seven applications had already been submitted at the time of the committee meeting.
Why it matters: The city and its partners have prioritized downtown revitalization; the grants aim to lower the financial barrier for new business and building rehabilitation. Committee members asked whether licensing costs were eligible and were told licensing was “not specifically called out” in the program materials; applicants were directed to Main Street Barberton for details. The foundation representative also described a broader strategic planning effort to differentiate community development from economic development and to align the foundation’s role with existing local governments and nonprofits.
Quotes and logistics: “If you are awarded one of the $100,000 grants, you can actually also apply for this grant program and mix them together for a potential match of up to $120,000,” the foundation representative said. The presenter recommended contacting Melanie Blackamato at MainStreetBarberton.com to get started; the presenter said the foundation staff and a special projects director were available for questions.
Ending: Committee members welcomed the program and staff said foundation and Main Street materials would be placed at city facilities and online to help interested business owners apply before the April 1 deadline.
