Represent Cincy outlines grants and supports for Black-owned downtown businesses; council questions parking and larger capital needs

Represent Cincy told the Cincinnati City Council Economic and Cultural Opportunity Committee that it is working to "recruit, retain, and advance black businesses in Over The Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati" through stabilization grants, one-on-one financial coaching and advocacy.

Jasmine Costin, executive director of Represent Cincy, told the committee the organization's model has three parts: direct grants to help businesses move "from surviving to thriving," access to subject-matter experts and at least five hours of one-on-one coaching with financial-institution partners, and quarterly business-owner meetings to identify and advocate around barriers such as parking. "Our mission is to recruit, retain, and advance black businesses in Over The Rhine and Downtown Cincinnati," Costin said.

Costin said Represent Cincy's footprint covers about 50 businesses and that the group's first round of grants will total about $75,000, with individual awards starting in the $15,000–$20,000 range; she said awards should be announced within a week and that applications are processed through GCMI. On the size of needs, Costin told the committee that "many" of the initial applicants required as much as $150,000, which drove the decision to pilot smaller grant awards first and explore low- or no-interest loans in later rounds.

Council members pressed Costin on eligibility and permitted uses. Costin said the program is currently focused on capital needs — for example, build-outs and equipment — rather than ongoing operating subsidies, and that the program tends to consider businesses that are established enough to show some profit rather than very early-stage startups. Eligibility questions and application intake are routed through GCMI, which serves as the financial reviewer.

Vice Chair Seth Walsh told Costin the city office is exploring ways to use city-owned parking assets to reduce costs for downtown workers, including discounted monthly passes. "It's such a gamble to open your business," Walsh said, arguing that lower parking costs for employees and discounted passes could help small-business owners retain staff and reduce day-to-day burdens.

Council Member Anna Albee asked about broader economic pressures such as rising food and supply costs and downtown rents; Costin said food-service operators are feeling higher input prices and that inconsistent foot traffic and high rents remain challenges for recruiting and retaining businesses downtown. Other committee members recalled earlier multi-stakeholder parking work around Findlay Market and suggested revisiting prior plans involving county-owned garages and CDC-owned lots.

Represent Cincy and council members agreed to follow up: Costin will return with more information on demand and funding needs for future rounds, and Walsh offered to connect the organization with staff working on parking solutions. The committee adjourned after brief closing remarks.

Next steps: Costin told the committee she expects to award the first round of grants within about a week and to return to council with updated needs and metrics for subsequent rounds.