Grant recipients include 19 small businesses and three community development corporations across six neighborhoods.
June 10, 2025— Cleveland — The City of Cleveland has announced the first round of recipients for the revitalized Steelyard Tax Increment Financing Grant (SYTG) program. A total of $475,220 has been awarded to 19 small businesses and three community development corporations (CDCs), supporting neighborhood revitalization and economic opportunity in six Cleveland communities.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy and the soul of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “Through placemaking and entrepreneurship, these local visionaries create jobs, foster community pride, and drive the innovation that makes our communities thrive. This Administration will continue to be our community’s biggest ally, investing in the people and places driving Cleveland forward.”
Originally established in 2006, the Steelyard Tax Increment Financing (TIF) was created to assist neighborhoods impacted by the economic shifts caused by large-scale retail development. In 2025, the City relaunched the program with a renewed focus on equity, accessibility, and neighborhood-based economic development.
“This grant program is a reflection of how we’re changing the way we do economic development in Cleveland,” said Tom McNair, Director of Economic Development. “By prioritizing equity and access through a neighborhood lens, we’re shifting power into the hands of people who know their communities best.”
About the Awardees
The 22 grant recipients—representing Ohio City, Tremont, Old Brooklyn, Clark-Fulton, Slavic Village, and Lorain Station—are undertaking projects that range from public art and placemaking to infrastructure improvements and small business expansion. All six neighborhoods were identified through a third-party market impact study as eligible for SYTG support.
The application process emphasized inclusivity and community benefit, with proposals evaluated by a cross-departmental review committee from the Department of Economic Development, the City Planning Commission, and the Department of Community Development.
Small Business Grant Awardees:
Vic's Floral, Slavic Village
Fleet Music, Slavic Village
Your Place & Mine, Slavic Village
Sub Station, Slavic Village
Nikki’s Place, Slavic Village
Quisqueya La Bella Restaurant, Old Brooklyn
Deli Delights, Lorain Station
Assad’s Bakery, Lorain Station
A1 Auto-Fix, Lorain Station
Schindler's Upholstery and Fabric Shop, Lorain Station
Martha on the Fly, Tremont
All Things For You, Tremont
Chippies, Tremont
Pawsh CLE, Clark-Fulton
Maria’s Hair Creations, Clark-Fulton
Mooncat Boba Cafe, Clark-Fulton
Las Dos Fronteras, Clark-Fulton
Elevate Barbershop, Clark-Fulton
Design Flowers and Gift Shop, Clark-Fulton
Placemaking Grant Awardees:
Slavic Village Development
Tremont West Development Corporation
Ohio City Inc.
A More Inclusive, Equity-Driven Approach
The SYTG program was revamped to remove systemic barriers and reflect a more holistic understanding of neighborhood vitality. Key improvements include:
- Bilingual access: All materials provided in English and Spanish
- Online, narrative-driven applications: Centering applicants’ visions and lived experiences
- Expanded criteria: Valuing community benefit and job retention alongside job creation
To align with local needs, City staff engaged with City Council members and Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to understand neighborhood priorities and guide a targeted, bilingual outreach strategy. Working with CDCs, the City conducted door-to-door visits along key commercial corridors to share program information and identify strong applicants. CDCs also provided hands-on support with narratives, scopes, and budgets, helping businesses with limited capacity compete equitably.
Two additional rounds are scheduled for 2025, with awards then granted biannually until all funds are allocated. For additional information, visit the City of Cleveland’s Economic Development webpage.
