Updates
Akron to award facade grants to 43 businesses
Nov 08, 2018
The city is poised to award grants to 43 small businesses in the first façade-improvement program under the Great Streets initiative.
The city announced Great Streets earlier this year, offering businesses revolving loans, or grants for neighborhood improvements, façade upgrades and street enhancements.
The city’s goal is to bring business and vibrancy back to small-business districts in 10 Akron neighborhoods - West Hill, North Hill, Copley Road East, Maple Valley, Middlebury, Ellet, Firestone Park, Wallhaven, Kenmore and Goodyear Heights.
The city earmarked $600,000 for the façade program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.
Through an application process, the city is awarding up to $30,000 to businesses in the designated Great Streets areas to help them improve exterior fixtures, such as signs, doors, walkways, lighting and awnings, said Helen Tomic, Akron’s capital planning manager.