The City of Cincinnati is accepting applications for its Commercial Tenant Improvement Program to encourage economic development by reducing barriers that small businesses face when securing commercial space.
Donor Name: City of Cincinnati
State: Ohio
City: Cincinnati
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/18/2023
Size of the Grant: Up to $20,000
Details:
The funds can be used for tenant improvements to commercial properties. Up to 10% of the total grant award can be used for soft costs, such as architectural and/or engineering costs.
Funding Information
Grants up to $20,000 for tenant improvements to small businesses:
- relocating to Cincinnati
- opening a new business in Cincinnati
- expanding within Cincinnati restaurant,
Eligible Improvement Examples
This program is intended to fund repairs, upgrades, and improvements that will, in general, stay with the property. Generally accepted improvements include, but are not necessary limited to the following:
- Lighting fixtures;
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC; Carpeting and/or flooring;
- Painting and/or drywall;
- Windows and/or doors;
- Green initiatives;
- Permanent fixtures;
- Interior demolition and renovation;
- Remediation of environmental contamination on the interior of the building, including lead paint, mold, and/or asbestos;
- Acquisition and installation of a security system;
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment with a useful life of at least five years; and
- Architectural or engineering costs for interior work (not to exceed 10% of the total grant award).
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a for-profit business engaged in the restaurant/dining, retail, service, or office sector.
- Business must have 50 or fewer employees.
- The business must be one of the following:
- A business that is new to the City of Cincinnati;
- A business that is expanding ; or
- A business that is a first-time storefront operator.
- The Leased Premises to which improvements will be made (“Leased Premises”) must be located within the geographical boundaries of the City of Cincinnati.
- The Leased Premises may not be used as a residence.
- The business must have a written lease agreement for the Leased Premises with a minimum of 2 years remaining or an existing renewal option (if 1 year remains on the lease) under the lease term. The business must have at least 1 year of continuous operations.
- The business must be in good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State, the City of Cincinnati, and the IRS.
- Neither the business nor its owners may be included on any debarred vendor list of or otherwise be restricted from doing business with the City, the state of Ohio and any of its agencies (“Ohio”), or the federal government and any of its agencies.
- The business must demonstrate a commitment to the Program Guidelines set forth below.
Ineligible Businesses
Businesses that do not meet the eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to:
- Religious institutions;
- Non-profit service providers;
- Private clubs with membership restrictions;
- Businesses proposing any use prohibited by the City, Ohio, or federal regulation or law;
- Predatory lending entities; and Stores that primarily sell alcohol / liquor.
For more information, visit City of Cincinnati.
