In recognition of Small Business Month, the City of Cleveland today announced the third round of Steelyard Tax Increment Financing Grant (SYTG) awards and the reopening of the Storefront Renovation Program (SRP), continuing the Bibb Administration’s commitment to strengthening neighborhood business districts and expanding economic opportunity across Cleveland.
A total of $280,099.12 has been awarded through the latest round of the Steelyard TIF Grant Program to 19 small businesses and one community development organization across six Cleveland neighborhoods. In addition, the City has officially reopened the Storefront Renovation Program under the Department of Economic Development with updated processes designed to better serve business owners and accelerate projects.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Cleveland’s neighborhoods and a driving force behind our city’s comeback,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This Small Business Month, we are doubling down on our commitment to local entrepreneurs by investing in the storefronts, corridors, and community spaces that power neighborhood vibrancy. Through the Cleveland ERA, we are making sure every neighborhood has the tools to grow and thrive.”
“Economic development must work block by block and business by business,” said Joevrose Bourdeau Small, Director of Economic Development. “These investments help entrepreneurs expand, improve commercial corridors, and create stronger neighborhood destinations where residents want to shop, dine, and gather.”
Third Round of Steelyard TIF Awards
This funding round includes $180,099.12 for small business grants and $100,000 in placemaking support for Metro West Community Development Organization’s Clark-Fulton Multicultural Gateway initiative.
Small Business Grant Awardees:
- The Miscreant and the Muse, Old Brooklyn
- Dahlia Coffee Co., Old Brooklyn
- Slices Fabulous Cakes, Old Brooklyn
- Presswork Graphics, Old Brooklyn
- Shag Vintage, Old Brooklyn
- Bless Up Jamaican Restaurant, Slavic Village
- Sam's Beverage and Deli, Slavic Village
- Vine & Vintage, Slavic Village
- BMDS ComfortFood, Clark-Metro
- Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas, Clark-Metro
- Jukebox, Ohio City
- Kolou's African Market, Ohio City
- Kim's Caribbean Kitchen, Lorain Station
- Scrubs Galore Uniforms, Lorain Station
- Corner 11 Bowl and Wrap, Tremont
- Jossi's Bakery, Tremont
- Edison's Pizza Kitchen, Tremont
- Enclave Cafe, Tremont
- Cookie Boy CLE, Tremont
Placemaking Grant Awardee
- Metro West Community Development Organization
Projects supported include storefront upgrades, interior renovations, signage improvements, equipment purchases, landscaping, and public space enhancements.
About the Steelyard TIF Program
Originally established in 2006, the Steelyard TIF was created to reinvest in neighborhoods impacted by large-scale retail development. Relaunched by the Bibb Administration, the program prioritizes equity, accessibility, and neighborhood-based economic development.
The application process includes bilingual materials, streamlined online submissions, and evaluation criteria that emphasize community impact, job retention, and corridor vitality.
Storefront Building Renovation Program Reopens with Major Improvements
The City also announced the reopening of the Storefront Building Renovation Program, a long-running initiative that helps commercial property owners and business tenants improve exterior façades and building conditions.
Now housed within the Department of Economic Development, the program includes several new improvements:
- Faster digital contracting through DocuSign
- Direct support from Neighborhood Investment Managers
- Streamlined application and review processes
- Reduced administrative barriers for applicants and contractors
- Continued design assistance at no cost to approved participants
The Storefront Building Renovation Program remains a 50% rebate up to $50,000 for building projects and 50% rebate up to $5,000 for sign-only projects.
Since reopening, the City has already received strong interest, with dozens of inquiries and multiple applications already moving through the pipeline. Interested parties can fill out an interest form to get in touch with the Neighborhood Investment Manager in their region.
Together, the Steelyard TIF Grant Program and Storefront Renovation Program are a cornerstone of Mayor Bibb's Cleveland ERA agenda, driving economic resurgence through industrial revival, neighborhood vibrancy, and government innovation citywide.
