$300,000 in New Funding Available to Grow Restaurant, Retail Business in Downtown Barberton

$300,000 in New Funding Available to Grow Restaurant, Retail Business in Downtown Barberton

by | Jan 17, 2025 | Downtown Barberton, Economic Development

$300,000 in New Funding Available to Grow Restaurant, Retail Business in Downtown Barberton

Barberton, OH – January 16, 2025 – Barberton Community Foundation (BCF), in collaboration with the City of Barberton, Barberton Community Development Corporation, and Main Street Barberton, announces $300,000 in funding to support the revitalization of Barberton’s historic downtown.

Approved on Thursday, January 16 by BCF’s Board of Directors, the funding will be administered by Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) and allocated to two key programs: the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP) and the newly launched Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant.

This funding expands on the successful efforts of all four organizations.

Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP)

Since its launch in 2022, DBRP funding has been supporting businesses assisting with facade and brick work, window replacements, HVAC updates, and more.

New in 2025 is a focus on two awards – up to $100k each in a grant matching formula – versus spreading out smaller awards, over more recipients.

“The DBRP program and our downtown building inventory received a thorough review in 2024 and we learned that we need to target bigger projects with more permanent building upgrades and improvements,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation.

“We want the Barberton community to have the most compelling programs in Northeast Ohio.”

Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant Program

The Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant, introduced for the first time in 2025, is designed to address downtown vacancies by supporting restaurant or retail businesses looking to open in Barberton.

The challenge grant program will award up to $20k in five separate awards to help absorb the expense of tenant improvements and configuring a space for a restaurant or retail business within Barberton’s downtown footprint.

“This new program directly responds to the challenges of downtown vacancies by creating opportunities for business owners and restauranters that are unique in Northeast Ohio,” said Josh Gordon. “This funding makes Barberton’s downtown more competitive and removes or reduces barriers for businesses, from start up to established.”

Barberton Mayor William B. Judge shared his excitement for the new programs, stating, “The City of Barberton is sending a clear message: we are open for business.”

“These new funding programs from Barberton Community Foundation build on the momentum started by the city with the various programs we’ve established as well as progress we’ve made with Main Street Barberton and represent a significant step forward for attracting new businesses to our community.”

The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program and Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant are part of a broader effort to enhance Barberton’s downtown, blending economic opportunity with the city’s historic charm. Together, these initiatives aim to attract new businesses, revitalize underutilized properties, and create opportunities for investment.

“We have a major employer across the street from our downtown, towpath access that brings thousands of visitors to Barberton each year, and Lake Anna remains a well-trafficked attraction,” added Josh Gordon. “These programs help businesses take advantage of access to a customer-base while making it affordable to upgrade in a business-friendly environment.”

Main Street Barberton’s Executive Director, Melanie Black Amato, emphasized the significance of the funding. “Meeting with business and property owners over the past year, it is clear this funding is both needed and timely.”

“We are proud to partner with the City of Barberton and Barberton Community Foundation on these transformative programs, which benefit established businesses and create opportunities for new ventures to thrive,” she added.

Program Summaries:

Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program 2.0

The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP) will focus on restoring historic properties within Barberton’s downtown. With $200,000 allocated for this program, two grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to property owners or tenants who match the funding dollar-for-dollar.

Key Details:

  • Purpose: Encourage investment in downtown properties with deferred maintenance.
  • Eligible Uses: Structural repairs, façade restoration, energy efficiency upgrades, safety enhancements, and more.
  • Application Opens: February 1, 2025.
  • Application Deadline: April 1, 2025.
  • Completion Deadline: December 31, 2025.

Priority Considerations: Projects that restore historically significant properties, align with Barberton’s Master Plan, and leverage additional funding sources, such as state or federal tax credits, will receive priority consideration.

Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant

The Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant will provide $100,000 to support five new or expanding restaurant and retail businesses with grants of up to $20,000 each. Grant recipients are required to match the funding dollar-for-dollar, creating a total potential investment of $200,000.

Key Details:

  • Purpose: Empower business owners to establish or expand restaurant or retail in Barberton’s historic downtown.
  • Eligible Uses: Tenant improvements, equipment purchases, accessibility upgrades, and marketing and branding.
  • Application Deadlines:
    • Short Application: April 1, 2025.
    • Business Plan Submission: April 8, 2025.
    • Pitch Interviews: Week of April 21, 2025.
  • Operational Deadline: Businesses must be open by December 1, 2025.

 

How to Apply

Interested applicants for either program must schedule a pre-application meeting with Main Street Barberton to discuss eligibility and project scope. For more details, contact Melanie Black Amato at 330-510-1335 or melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com.

Applications are available on Barberton Community Foundation’s website beginning February 1. Visit barbertoncf.org and click “Goapply.”

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $195,715 to Support Local Businesses and Spur Job Growth 

Barberton Community Foundation Awards $195,715 to Support Local Businesses and Spur Job Growth 

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Uncategorized

(September 19, 2024- Barberton, Ohio) – The Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) Board of Directors has approved two rounds of funding, totaling $195,715, to support Barberton’s local businesses and revitalize the downtown area. The grants will be distributed through the Foundation’s granting partner, the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC).

The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP) awarded $100,000 to seven local businesses: Pregame Tavern, Al’s Market, Erin’s Studio, Green Diamond Grille, Joy Wagner & Associates, Sydmor’s Jewelry & Loan, and KAVE Coffee Bar. These businesses will use the grants to enhance and renovate their downtown properties.

Additionally, the Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) provided $95,715 to four businesses: Magic City PC, Skoops, Pedal Stompers Production, and Always Anglen Inc. This funding will help them expand their operations and create new jobs in Barberton.

“Not only are we supporting businesses in the heart of our downtown, but we’re also encouraging growth and job creation throughout the city,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “We’re thrilled to back this economic expansion.”

Business Recipients Speak on the Impact:

“This grant allows Olsen Sheet Metal to expand our manufacturing facility here on 5th St. by bringing a custom grinding company from Florida to Barberton. This will create more jobs and expand the services we offer in Northeast Ohio.”
— Michael Bailey, Olsen Sheet Metal

“I don’t know what we would have done without this grant from the Barberton Community Foundation. Since I opened my business in 1998, Barberton has felt like home. These much-needed repairs are going to be a game changer, and I’m so excited to start renovations.”
— Joy Wagner, Joy S. Wagner & Associates

“I’ve been committed to cultivating my woman-owned business in Barberton for over 30 years, with 18 years at our W. Tuscarawas location. I see so much charm in our historic downtown, and this grant from the Foundation is helping me bring new life to these spaces. I’m incredibly grateful for their support.”
— Erin Flesher, Erin’s Studio of Hair and Nail Design

Program Details

DRP focuses on supporting businesses in downtown Barberton by providing grants for property improvements. 

EDAP helps established businesses looking to expand and create jobs. 

Both programs are critical to the Foundation’s mission to promote economic growth and revitalization in Barberton.

Applicants are evaluated by BCDC, and approved concepts get the green light to proceed. 

Gordon praised Gil Gonzales, the Director of Economic Development, for his role in advancing these initiatives: “Gil’s professionalism in running these programs ensures we make meaningful progress on economic development outcomes for the community.”

Looking Forward

Both the DRP and EDAP programs are reimbursement-based, meaning businesses must complete the work before receiving funds. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the positive changes these investments will bring to downtown Barberton and beyond.

 

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About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. 

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.  

Barberton Community Foundation’s Board of Directors Meets on September 19, 2024

Barberton Community Foundation’s Board of Directors Meets on September 19, 2024

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Uncategorized

(September 19, 2024- Barberton, Ohio) – The Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) Board of Directors held a regular meeting on September 19, 2024. The meeting included discussions on key initiatives, grant approvals, and the introduction of new board members.

Guest Presentations and New Board Members

The meeting featured guest speaker April Brewer, Director of Prevention and Community Services at Greenleaf Family Center, who spoke about the importance of suicide awareness among teens. The Foundation granted $5,000 to support suicide awareness and education during its July board meeting. 

Jason Ondrus, Superintendent of Barberton City School District, was sworn in as an ex-officio member of the Board.

The Board also approved the nomination of Justin Chenault for a three-year term. His appointment is pending approval by Barberton City Council.

Economic Development Grant Approvals

The Board approved two rounds of funding for the Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) and Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP), totaling $195,715. The funding will be distributed by BCF’s granting partner, the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC).

DRP awarded $100,000 to seven local businesses for downtown property improvements, including Pregame Tavern, Al’s Market, Erin’s Studio, Green Diamond Grille, Joy Wagner & Associates, Sydmor’s Jewelry & Loan, and KAVE Coffee Bar.

“Our commitment to building up our business community in downtown is an important focus for the Foundation in years past and in years to come,” said Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon. 

EDAP provided $95,715 to four businesses – Magic City PC, Skoops, Pedal Stompers Production, and Always Anglen Inc. – to support business expansion and job creation in Barberton.

“Workforce development is an increasingly critical part of building Barberton’s business base, and this program enables strong businesses to add full time and part time employees,” Gordon said. 

Polymer Pathway Grant Approved

The Board also approved a $125,000 matching grant to the Greater Akron Chamber for the Polymer Sector Partnership. This grant aligns with the region’s designation as a federally recognized tech hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Total funding at $250,000 will be invested in Barberton Schools to create a classroom pilot program, introducing Barberton students to the fast-growing polymer industry in Northeast Ohio. 

“This collaboration between the Greater Akron Chamber, Barberton City Schools, and BCF is going to place Barberton at the leading edge of modern workforce development in the fastest growing industry sector in our region,” said Gordon. “It signals that Barberton is the place to go to educate your workers. The world should know: we built it here in Barberton first!”

There are additional exciting updates on this partnership that will be announced soon. 

Long-Term Grant Obligations 

The Board voted to table a motion to cap long-term grant obligations at $300,000 per year for no more than 25 years. BCF paid off its last long-term grant obligation in 2021, and has been working to rebuild its endowment for future long-term grant obligations. 

“The community has the need for high impact, high-cost projects that must be paid for over the course of years, even decades,” Gordon said. 

The City of Barberton and the Foundation are in ongoing dialogue about how to structure funding for a City Hall and Justice Center. 

Other Business

The Board approved the second-quarter Investment Performance Report from Clearstead Advisors. The Board also approved the Barberton Band Boosters’ request for new band uniforms. Finally, the Board made updates to the Foundation’s policy manual, including expanding its ad hoc committee structure to invite more community members into its work.

“I want the Foundation to be something that’s enjoyed and celebrated by our entire community,” Gordon said. “We are hopeful that inviting more community members into the Game Changer award process and our events is a great way to engage with the community and build momentum into the future.”

 

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About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. 

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.  

Meet our 2024 Game Changers

Meet our 2024 Game Changers

by | Sep 9, 2024 | 2024 Game Changer

Purchase Tickets or Sponsor the Annual Dinner

Barberton Community Foundation will celebrate Phil Hodanbosi and Barberton Public Library as the 2024 Game Changers at the Annual Dinner, held on November 7, 2024 at the Galaxy Restaurant. Tickets can be purchased online, or call 330-745-5995.

 

 Honoring Phil Hodanbosi

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to announce Phil Hodanbosi as the recipient of the 2024 Game Changer Award.

This award celebrates Hodanbosi as a selfless leader who always made time for people and students. He passed away on February 28, 2024.

Hodanbosi was a life-long educator, beginning with his career at Barberton Middle School, where he was an 8th grade math teacher at U.L. Light for over 30 years. He had an incredible reputation as a patient teacher who could inspire students to like algebra. He coached middle school football, boys’ basketball and high school girls’ basketball. Later, after he retired from teaching, he worked as an instructional coach for Barberton City School District.

Hodanbosi’s co-workers at Barberton City Schools wrote a 32-page letter of support, sharing their favorite stories of Phil and his unwavering dedication to his students. In addition, many other coaches and past students wrote in with stories of Phil’s impeccable character, joy for teaching, and how he encouraged them through their careers.

“Phil was one-of-a-kind. His positive energy was welcomed by everyone in the system. He was relentless in support of good teaching and teachers. He shared his experience and insight in ways that were uplifting and encouraging. He never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He loved his profession, and it was infectious. I won’t forget him or the influence he had on students and colleagues.”

As an instructional coach, Phil worked with Elyssa Young to write grants for the school district. He was working in this capacity when he passed, having written a grant to the Ohio Department of Education for $1.4 million to bolster two Barberton High School Four Cities Compact programs: Advanced Manufacturing and Network Systems and Cyber Security. The schools received notice of the award on March 1, two days after Hodanbosi passed. Young said it was the largest and most difficult grant she and Hodanbosi had worked on.

The grant will purchase state-of-the-industry equipment for the Advanced Manufacturing program and a cyber range — the only one in an Ohio high school — for the Network Systems & Cyber Security program.

The size of the grant alone is a game changer for the students in Barberton’s Four Cities Compact Program, but Hodanbosi led his life with a true passion for Barberton, encouraging educators, students, athletes and families to be their best.

 

Barberton Public Library 

Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to announce our 2024 Game Changer Award organization – the Barberton Public Library.

Few organizations in Barberton have the library’s history – serving the community for 121 years – while adding and adapting services to meet the needs of today’s residents.

One of the most recent additions to the library is called the “Library of Things” where card holders can check out “non-traditional materials” meaning a whole range of items from a fishing pole to a steel drum.

Governed by a seven-member board of directors and lead by executive director Ann Hutchison, the library provides more than 63,000 printed items like books and magazines, more than 23,000 av materials like movies and music, and more than 2.2 million digital materials. Librarians also provide outreach to homebound individuals, process passport applications, notarize documents, and generally answer more than 25,000 questions a year. The library offers meeting space, computer access, and a wide variety of programs for all ages.

Residents might not know that the library recently went fine free with most of their materials, became sensory inclusive certified, is a Summit Bike Share site, and has two satellite locations – the Health Library at Summa Hospital -Barberton Campus, and a partnership with Barberton preschool, where librarians provide weekly stories and enrichment for the young students.

Barbertonians who visit the library might learn about their genealogy in the Local History Room, attend a community meeting, or browse books for sale from the Friends of the Library.

The scope of services at Barberton Public Library is only part of what makes this organization a Game Changer. It is the staff, with their unwavering dedication to this community, their commitment to expanding services, growing programs, and responding to the needs of the community with new and innovative concepts that bring the library forward.

Help us congratulate Barberton Public Library and let us know what services or programs you use at the library!

 

Board Approves Final Loan Extension for Weintraub Barberton Project

Board Approves Final Loan Extension for Weintraub Barberton Project

by | Aug 27, 2024 | Board

NEWS RELEASE

(August 20, 2024- Barberton, Ohio) – Barberton Community Foundation’s (BCF) Board of Directors met for a special meeting on August 19, 2024, to review and approve a final 24-month loan extension to Weintraub Barberton Turkeyfoot QOF LLC to complete a 56-unit housing development at Trucen Farms, located in Barberton off State Route 619.

The loan was originally approved in October 2021 for $1 million. Funding comes through BCF’s Program Related Investments, which is non-grant dollars utilized by Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) to make loans supporting community development.

The extension’s terms include a maturity date of November 1, 2026, and set forth specific conditions to ensure the project’s progress and completion. The most critical condition of this extension requires a fully executed purchase agreement with K. Hovnanian home builders for 56 residential units by December 31, 2024. Because this is the second time this loan has been extended, the Foundation’s board will not consider any further extensions.

“Adding more quality housing stock to Barberton is an important pursuit, and we are glad to be helping people who may be looking to relocate to be closer to work or to who wish to move to the Magic City and experience all the Barberton community has to offer,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “We are committed to seeing this project move forward at pace.”

The project has been a focal point for the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing Barberton’s housing stock.

“The land at Trucen Farm is well-suited for high-quality housing, which is in great demand as more people seek to move into Barberton,” said Lynne Holcomb, Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors Chairperson.

The project, which includes 56-homes priced to start at $250,000 to $300,000, is designed to meet Barberton’s need for additional housing. The City of Barberton Design Review Board has implemented standards to ensure that these homes maintain a unique aesthetic, avoiding a ‘cookie-cutter’ look.

“The Foundation is interested in pursuing intentional projects that positively impact the community, and we must make these choices with limited resources,” Gordon said. “As a result, the Board indicated this is the final extension of this loan as financial resources are needed for other projects in the Foundation’s pipeline,” Gordon said.

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About Barberton Community Foundation

Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs.

To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.