City of Cleveland Announces New Grants for Restaurants and Retail Businesses

The City of Cleveland announced that as part of Mayor Frank Jackson’s ReStart CLE plan, the Department of Economic Development has established an Emergency Working Capital Program to assist specially impacted businesses. The Emergency Working Capital Program – Specially Impacted Businesses will provide a loan of up to $20,000 to reimburse for operating costs incurred for the months of March onward. The program is open to restaurants, personal care businesses, and storefront retail establishments. Up to 50% of the low interest loans ($10,000) is forgivable for costs associated with the purchase of personal protective equipment.

Click here to learn more and access the application for this opportunity. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Businesses eligible for the Emergency Working Capital Program should apply as soon as possible.

The Department of Economic Development also announced the Winter Restaurant Operations Support Grant program, which is designed to help provide restaurants with resources to offer safe outdoor dining experiences through the winter. The program will allocate $500,000 (up to $5,000 per business) in grant assistance to local restaurants to help support winter operations through purchases and rental of equipment like heaters or fire pits and other fixtures.

Click here to learn more and access the application. Applications for the Winter Restaurant Operations Support Grant program will be accepted up to November 30, 2020.