City of Toledo Economic Development Launches Vibrancy Initiative Grant Programs

The City of Toledo Department of Economic Development is excited to announce the launch of four grant programs under the Vibrancy Initiative. Eligible businesses and property owners can now apply online until March 5, 2025. The Vibrancy Initiative is a comprehensive revitalization effort focused on enhancing Toledo’s vitality through building exterior improvements and the activation of first-floor commercial spaces.

This initiative aims to create jobs, reduce blight, and preserve and improve buildings.“Toledo’s future depends on the strength of our neighborhoods and the success of our small businesses,” said Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. “The Vibrancy Initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the people and places that make our city special and building a Toledo that we can all be proud of.”Four grant programs are now available:

White Box Grant Program helps property owners bring vacant first-floor commercial spaces up to code and prepare them for occupancy. These matching grants provide up to $75,000 to address interior accessibility, building code, and fire code deficiencies, resulting in a customizable “white box” for a new business.

White Box Planning Grant Program provides funding for a comprehensive feasibility study of a vacant first-floor commercial space located in a low-to-moderate income census tract. The program is designed to help property owners assess the cost and viability of upgrading vacant first-floor commercial spaces to meet building, fire safety, and accessibility codes in order to transform their properties into vibrant, business-ready spaces.

Facade Improvement Grant Program is designed to help property owners transform the facades of commercial, industrial, and mixed-use buildings currently occupied by businesses. The program provides a matching grant of up to $40,000 to reimburse eligible expenses associated with a facade improvement.

Facade Improvement Planning Grant Program provides funding to conduct conceptual design services for an existing small business located in a low-to-moderate income census tract. The study will equip property owners with critical information on the feasibility and cost of upgrading their building’s façade. The program is designed to empower property or small business owners to enhance their building’s aesthetic appeal by transforming their building’s façade into a vibrant and inviting space.

“Since the launch of the Vibrancy Initiative, these programs have leveraged more than $109 million of private sector investment, assisted 30 existing businesses, helped to attract 21 new businesses, and helped to create and retain more than 480 jobs throughout our City,” Brandon Sehlhorst, Economic Development Director, said. "While we have made tremendous progress in revitalizing our City, there is still much work to do. We’re excited to build on this momentum with the launch of the 2025 Vibrancy Initiative applications."

Upcoming Informational Events To assist applicants, the Department of Economic Development will host the following events:

Webinar: Learn about program guidelines and the application process.
Date: Monday, February 3Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: https://toledo.oh.gov/events/vibrancy-initiative-office-hours

Office Hours: Meet one-on-one with our economic development team to learn more about the programs and get assistance with your project.
Date: Wednesday, February 5
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Main Library, Downtown Toledo

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