Business Development Resources

The Cleveland Industrial Retention Initiative (CIRI) is a program of the City of Cleveland, managed by Manufacturing Works, that links Cleveland manufacturing companies to valuable community resources.

ECDI is a Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to investing in small business growth.  They offer training, loans, advice, and more.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Northeast Ohio (HFLA) provides interest-free loans to promote the economic self-sufficiency and growth of Northeast Ohioans who are unable to access safe and fair lending.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal agency that helps support small businesses. The SBA has a local office and conducts some programs jointly with the City of Cleveland.

Small Business Development Centers are government-funded entities that offer technical assistance, specifically for new businesses. They offer free consultation and can help write and/or review a business plan and create resource connections.

• CSU Small Business Development Center

• Northeast Ohio Hispanic Business Center

• Women’s Business Center

• Urban League of Greater Cleveland

SCORE Cleveland is a national organization with a local chapter affiliated with the SBA.  SCORE is committed to fostering and educating the small business community.  Volunteers share their experiences and knowledge to help potential and existing small business owners achieve success.

Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) is the small business division of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.  COSE offers its members networking and educational events, advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues, and cost-effective group purchasing programs.

PLEXUS is the LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce. It serves as a point of connection for corporations, supporters, LGBT businesses, and professionals.

JumpStart Inc. provides valuable services and crucial investment capital to help grow businesses including funding, personalized business assistance, and structured programming.

City of Cleveland Business Resources

Environmental Studies and Remediation

The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County do offer grants for environmental phase 1 and 2 and some remediation funds. The application associated with those funds can be found through the Ohio Department of Development.

Storefront Renovation Program (SRP)
The City of Cleveland offers a 50% rebate of up to $5,000 for the cost of signage and a building rebate of 50% up to $50,000 for comprehensive exterior renovation projects. The program is run through the City’s Community Development Department and is one of the most regularly used programs.

Neighborhood Retail Assistance Program (NRAP)
NRAP is a program that assists existing and start-up small business entrepreneurs by providing low interest loans.  Locally-owned businesses that will upgrade the exterior and interior appearance of their storefront can benefit from the program. 

Available Services

• Direct Outreach to Growing Businesses & Entrepreneurs

• Site Selection Assistance

• Incentive, financing and permitting consultation & advocacy

• Downtown Commuter Consultations

• Networking, Development and Brand Awareness Opportunities through Business Engagement Program

•  Demographic & Market Trend Research & Consultation

• Adaptive Reuse and Historic Tax Credit Technical Assistance and Advocacy

• Access to Neighborhood Retail Assistance and Storefront Renovation Programs

Ready to Join the District?

Contact (216) 505-4801 for support today.