The East Palestine Business Vibrancy Grant Program provides meaningful, matching funds to support exterior improvements and business development within the Village. Eligible businesses and commercial property owners may apply for up to $2,500, with a minimum of 50% match required. This program is structured as a forgivable loan, which will be forgiven after project completion and two (2) years of continued operation and compliance with program requirements.
Applications must be complete, include a clear projection description, and demonstrate matching funds (In-Kind labor does not qualify). Approved projects must comply with all Village codes and regulations. Funding is limited and applications will be reviewed on a first-come first serve basis, as determined by the Village.
Applications are limited to one (1) award per entity or individual (except in the case of mutli-tenant spaces). A maximum of twelve (12) awards will be given annually.
Eligible applicants include: Business Owners operating within the municipal limits of East Palestine, including tenants (with owner approval) or owner operators, and Owners of commercial property located within the municipal limits.
The following shall apply: Home-based businesses (i.e., home occupations, cottage industry businesses) are not eligible. Applicants must be in good standing with the Village, such as no delinquent Village utility accounts, no unpaid civil fines/assessments due the Village, no unresolved zoning/code enforcement violations and taxes must be in compliance. Multi-tenant property owners may apply for multiple improvements, subject to administrative review and funding availability, where multi-tenant improvements may be subject to additional funding in excess of $2,500 maximum, but not exceed $1,250 per tenant.
Grant funds may be used for exterior and business-visible improvements, including but not limited to: Exterior Lighting Improvements, Signage/Branding, Facade Improvements, Exterior Painting, Code Compliance or “codified” improvements including Repointing or Tuckpointing, and Exterior Structural or Aesthetic Upgrades.
Additionally, new businesses locating within the Village may apply for startup-related assistance, including: Initial Rent or Occupancy Costs, Equipment and Point-of-sale systems, and Verified Startup Expenses.
Grant Structure, Performance Requirements and Forgiveness:
No individual grant shall exceed $2,500. All grants shall require a minimum 50% match from the applicant. All awards shall be structured as reimbursable, forgivable, loans, subject to compliance with Program requirements. Existing Businesses funds shall be forgiven after two (2) years of continued operation and compliance and must remain open and compliant for a minimum of two (2) years. New Businesses must be open and operational within 30 days of receiving funds, must remain open and compliant for a minimum of two (2) years, and must be fully licensed and compliant prior to opening. Failure to mee the above conditions shall result in repayment of funds, in full or pro-rated as determined by the Village Manager, within 30 days notice from the Village Manager or their Designee.
If there are questions regarding the East Palestine Business Vibrancy Grant Program, or the Application of the Program, please call Courtney Stewart, Village of East Palestine Marketing Coordinator, at 330-426-4367 EX. 22 or by emailing c.stewart@eastpalestine-oh.gov.