The Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant is a pilot program designed to assist eligible businesses located directly on Legacy Commercial Corridors that are being improved by a City road reconstruction project. The program offers a grant of $5,000 for eligible operating expenses. For multi-year road reconstruction projects, additional awards may be available, subject to annual appropriations by Toledo City Council.
This is a first-come, first-served grant program. Applications will be reviewed in the order received, and funds will be distributed until all available funds are exhausted. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to maximize their opportunity for receiving funding.
The Legacy Commercial Corridor currently eligible for this program is Broadway Street from Western Avenue to Stebbins Street. Applications will be accepted through October 1, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated. Toledo City Council has approved $100,000 for this program for the 2024-2025 program years.
Download program guidelines and application
Descargar las pautas del programa y la solicitud
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are businesses that meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a for-profit business merchant or a registered 501(c)(3) organization that operates with a client-facing business model, meaning it relies on customer foot traffic to generate revenue.
- Have a bricks-and-mortar storefront on the eligible Legacy Commercial Corridor undergoing roadway reconstruction.
- Have an active registration with the City of Toledo, Division of Taxation.
- Have been in operation for at least six months prior to the start of the road reconstruction project.
- Be in good standing with governmental entities.
Ineligible Applicants
The following types of businesses are not eligible to receive this grant:
- Payday loan businesses
- Liquor, tobacco, and cannabis stores
- Pawn shops
- Firearm or weapons dealers
- Sexually oriented businesses
- Franchise businesses whose ownership resides outside the Toledo MSA
- National chain businesses
- Religious organizations
- Charter schools
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used to cover the following operating expenses:
- Rent/lease/mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Payroll
- Business insurance
- Marketing & Advertising
Application Instructions
Completed applications must be submitted to the City of Toledo, Department of Economic Development, at One Government Center, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Applications will be accepted through October 1, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated. Required documentation upon submission includes:
- Paper Application
- W-9
- Vendor Registration Form
- Tax Registration Form
Application Review & Award Process
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to businesses that meet all eligibility requirements and submit all required documentation. Once awarded, recipients will enter into a Grant Agreement with the City of Toledo. Grant funds will be disbursed by check.
Definitions
Road Reconstruction: The complete removal and rebuilding of an existing roadway. This process includes replacing curbs, drive aprons, and sidewalks, as well as adding or replacing pedestrian curb ramps. City road reconstruction projects do not include repaving projects or any project performed by an entity other than the City of Toledo.
Business Merchant: A for-profit enterprise that sells goods directly to consumers through a physical storefront, such as retail shops or restaurants. These businesses primarily depend on customer foot traffic for sales.
Legacy Commercial Corridor: A long-standing corridor that has historically served as a hub for commercial activity within residential neighborhoods. These corridors reflect the cultural, historical, and economic vitality of the community.
Questions?
Please email your questions to EconomicDevelopment@toledo.oh.gov.