In a move aimed to spur local growth and community renewal, Mayor Justin M. Bibb of Cleveland has announced a significant financial boost for small businesses in the city's Southeast Side. A sum of $1.9 million was earmarked to finance 29 different projects in a bid to kick-start economic resurgence in an area marked by long-term disinvestment. According to a recent press release from the City of Cleveland, the Southeast Side Commercial Corridor Program has been relaunched to create vibrant, economically resilient neighborhoods.
"Cleveland’s Southeast Side is one of our city’s crown jewels facing the challenges of disinvestment, yet rich in potential, resilience, and culture," Mayor Bibb stated through the City of Cleveland's official website. This program is not only a statement of confidence in the Southeast Side's potential but also serves to tangibly address persisting economic barriers. The initiative looks to distribute grants and offer technical assistance, helping small businesses and property owners to both enhance existing infrastructure and to potentially activate long-vacant spaces.
Set in motion by the Department of Economic Development, the program provides diverse forms of support, including storefront improvements, white boxing, and vacant property acquisition. Joevrose Small, Director of Economic Development, described the initiative as "a model for equitable economic development," emphasizing the importance of building momentum for lasting change across the Southeast Side.
Recent enhancements to the program have been implemented to easily allow small and minority-owned businesses to participate, expanding eligibility and improving overall transparency with direct City oversight. The program also strives to foster a sense of partnership in the local community, working closely with Community Development Corporations and City Council members to help applicants with the technical aspects of their projects.
A wide variety of businesses are set to benefit from the program's grants, with recipients listed from various sectors such as restaurant and catering services, health providers, and learning institutions. Celebrated neighborhood spots like Grandma Ida’s Kitchen, Mt. Pleasant Barbecue, and Samone’s Southern Cuisine LLC are among the local businesses slated for project funding. Small business owners looking for more details on the support available can visit the "Make it in Cleveland" website for further resources.
