Mayor Bibb’s Administration has delivered more than $2.6 million to small businesses this year, advancing revitalization efforts in communities that have traditionally lacked access to investment.
CLEVELAND, OH — November 25, 2025 — Mayor Justin M. Bibb today announced a major investment in Cleveland’s small business community, committing nearly $300,000 in new support as part of the Steelyard Commons Tax Increment Financing (TIF) grant. The announcement comes in celebration of Small Business Saturday, underscoring the Bibb Administration’s ongoing mission to strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors and expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
This investment will help small businesses access critical resources—including storefront improvements, build-out assistance, and technical support—to grow, hire locally, and enhance the neighborhoods they serve. The new funding reflects Mayor Bibb’s broader vision of ensuring that economic development reaches every corner of Cleveland.
“Through this funding, we’re doubling down on our commitment to driving investment directly into our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “These awards will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, create jobs, and continue driving innovation in our neighborhoods. Small Business Saturday is the perfect moment to highlight our commitment to making sure local business owners have the resources they need to thrive.”
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.
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.
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. The grant awardees are:
Island Beats
Barberia Cache
Daisy's Ice Cream
The Darl Center for the Arts
Bob & Sheri's 49ER
Krusinski Finest Meat Products
Philomena Bake Shop
Belky's Hair Place
The Latin Touch Beauty Salon
Living Dolls Boutique of Beauty
Kristina's Family Restaurant
Budare's
Tienda Guatemala
Professor Market
Pace Café
Cool Water Dry Goods
The Polish Veterans' Alliance
Kaiser Gallery
6th City Barbershop & Salon
La Bodega
Clark Bar
Placemaking Grant Awardee
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation
This year, the Steelyard TIF grant has delivered more than $760,000 in support, alongside $1.9 million through Mayor Bibb’s Southeast Side Promise—totaling over $2.6 million driving revitalization in communities that have long been underserved and overlooked for investment.
The small business support provided by the Steelyard TIF Grant Program is a cornerstone of Mayor Bibb's Cleveland ERA agenda, driving economic resurgence through industrial revival, neighborhood vibrancy, and government innovation citywide.
Residents are encouraged to shop local this Small Business Saturday and support entrepreneurs whose storefronts bring vibrancy, culture, and character to Cleveland’s streets.
For more information on small business programs and upcoming opportunities, contact the City of Cleveland Department of Economic Development.
