About the grants
Small retail businesses may qualify for grants of $1,500 to $20,000 to open stores in PlayhouseSquare, a downtown center for both entertainment and residential living. The grants are being offered by Charter One in partnership with Downtown Cleveland Alliance and PlayhouseSquare. The grants will help support small businesses and retail services that serve downtown residents and employees.
How grant money can be used
Grant recipients may use the money to pay rent, purchase equipment or buy merchandise for their retail business. Entrepreneurs may apply for a grant by submitting a Request For Proposal (RFP) and must also submit an essay and their business plan. Businesses have until May 16, 2014 to submit their application for grants.
The Charter One and PlayhouseSquare Retail Grant Competition is a new grant competition for downtown small businesses. Charter One has also helped small businesses in the past in the Fifth Street Arcades downtown area, and in the downtown neighborhoods of Ohio City and Gordon Square Arts District.
For more information, visit www.downtowncleveland.com/business/charter-one-playhousesquare-retail-grant-competition.aspx
