The Planning Grant Application Opens Monday April 6th!
The City of Toledo’s Department of Economic Development announces the availability of $50,000 in funding for the Planning Grant Program. This program is part of the City’s Vibrancy Initiative, a coordinated suite of incentive programs designed to stimulate revitalization, reduce blight, preserve existing structures, and strengthen commercial corridors citywide.
The Planning Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses and property owners seeking to activate ground-floor commercial spaces for occupancy by a new business – particularly in historically significant legacy commercial corridors.
Download The Full Notice of Funding Availability
How the Grant Works
- Reimburses 50% of eligible design and architectural services for projects in designated census tracts and 75% for projects located within a designated Legacy Commercial Corridor.
- Maximum grant award is $10,000
- Building must contain vacant or underutilized ground-floor space requiring professional drawings to move toward occupancy.
- Qualifying uses are those designed for walk-in customers, such as retail shops, restaurants, service businesses, offices, and other storefront-oriented spaces.
The City partners with the Business Empowerment Alliance of Toledo (BEAT) to provide application and project support to applicants at no-cost. For more information, call (419) 245-1230 or email Vibrancy@toledo.oh.gov.
Application Process
Check Eligibility
15 minutes
There are requirements for the applicant, building use, and project type. Take a few minutes to check if you, your space, and your ideas work for this funding opportunity.
| Eligible Applicants Are: |
|---|
in good standing with– |
Owner of a ground-floor commercial space that is |
Tenant in a ground-floor commercial space and can provide – |
Note: A building owner and tenant may apply together
| Building Is: |
|---|
In the City of Toledo |
| Ground-floor commercial spaces |
| Zoned for the proposed use |
| Building Is Not: |
|---|
| Single or multi-family residential |
Self-Storage |
| Internet Café |
| Car Wash |
Payday Loan Business |
| Pawn Shop |
| Firearm/Weapons Dealer |
| Tobacco/Vape, or Marijuana Store |
| Adult Entertainment |
| Project Is: | Tenant Improvement Expenses: |
|---|---|
| Demolition or Removal of Outdated Materials | Non-Structural Interior Walls and Partitions |
| Framing, Drywall, Insulation | Drop Ceilings or Ceiling Finishes |
| Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC Rough-In | Finish Flooring |
| Life-Safety Code Compliance Upgrades | Interior Paint, Finishes, and Wall Treatments |
| ADA Accessibility Upgrades | Millwork and Cabinetry |
| Fire Suppression or Alarm System Improvements | Business Specific Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC Upgrades |
| Base-Level Lighting | Lighting Fixture Installation |
| Subfloor Repair or Base Flooring Installation | Restaraunt-Specific Requirements (hood systems, grease traps etc.) |
| Project Is Not: |
|---|
| Exterior Improvements |
| Furniture, Equipment, or Appliances |
| Inventory |
| Working Capital or Operating Costs |
| Property Acquisition |
| Design-Only Work |
If you meet these criteria, you can submit a pre-application.
Submit Pre-Application
Open April 6th - May 1, 2026
Applicant must submit a pre-application to officially determine eligibility and project readiness. The City will review pre-applications on a rolling basis.
Submit Application
Closes May 8, 2026
Successful pre-applicants are invited to apply for the grant funding. Application must be complete and submitted by 5 p.m. on March 30 to move to the Committee Review.
Committee Review
All complete applications are reviewed by the Vibrancy Review Committee. The Committee will submit the scoring results and recommendations to the Mayor who will make the final decision on which projects receive funding.
See the Evaluation Criteria
Awards
May 22, 2026
Awards will be announced. All applicants will receive an email at the end of the review period letting them know whether they have been awarded funding or not.