Collaborate
We envision an improved quality of life for Barberton residents, now and forever.
Economic Impact
Barberton Community Foundation has long partnered with the City of Barberton and Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) to support businesses and economic development in Barberton.
In 2020 the Foundation contracted with the Greater Ohio Policy Center to assist with the creation of a new impact plan for economic development and the Foundation’s role within that space. The resulting plan outlined several action steps focusing on downtown development, investing in Barbertonians and hiring a project specialist to build programming.
The programs and partnerships listed here are the result of the efforts of the Foundation to strategically look at ways to increase our community-wide impact.
Who to Contact
News
Contact Gil Gonzales, Director of Special Projects, with any questions. Call 330-745-5995 or email gro.fcnotrebrab@selaznogg
Barberton Community Foundation
460 W. Paige Ave.
Barberton, OH 44203
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$300,000 in New Funding Available to Grow Restaurant, Retail Business in Downtown Barberton
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Opportunities and Partnerships
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Growing Downtown Barberton – A partnership with Main Street BarbertonMain Street Barberton is coordinating two new programs in partnership with Barberton Community Foundation, the City of Barberton and Barberton Community Development Corporation. These programs are for building owners who are investing in their downtown building to make significant/transformational improvements, or for new restaurant and retail owners who are looking to move into Barberton’s downtown. Eligible buildings are in Main Street Barberton’s footprint. |
How to Apply
Interested applicants for either program must schedule a pre-application meeting with Main Street Barberton to discuss eligibility and project scope.
Contact Melanie Black Amato at 330-510-1335 or melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com
To apply:
1. Create a login on GOapply. If you are creating a new account, make sure to register as an individual.
2. Select the program DBRP or Retail by clicking “View”
3. The application is 5 easy steps: personal information, financial information, background, project scope, and sign/submit.
Project Requests are accepted February 1 – April 1
Your property must be located in Main Street Barberton’s footprint to be eligible to receive funding for building improvements.
Questions about the application?
Call us at 330-745-5995
Program Details
Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
The 2025 Barberton Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program provides financial support for the renovation and restoration of historic downtown properties. Funded by the Barberton Community Foundation and administered in partnership with the Barberton Community Development Corporation, the program offers two matching grants of up to $100,000 each.
The grants aim to address deferred maintenance and promote the reuse of commercial or mixed-use properties within the Main Street Barberton service area. Eligible projects include structural repairs, façade improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility enhancements.
The program prioritizes projects that align with local development goals, leverage additional incentives, and contribute to the revitalization of downtown Barberton.
The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program 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 who match the funding dollar-for-dollar.
Key Details:
- Purpose: Encourage significant 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.
Restaurant and Retail Challenge
The Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant supports new or expanding retail and restaurant businesses in Barberton’s downtown district. Funded by the Barberton Community Foundation and administered by the Barberton Community Development Corporation, the program provides five grants of up to $20,000 each, with a matching investment requirement.
Funds can be used for tenant improvements, equipment purchases, permitting fees, and other eligible expenses. The program seeks to enhance Barberton’s downtown business offerings while addressing underutilized spaces.
Applicants are evaluated on project feasibility, economic impact, and alignment with Barberton’s strategic goals.
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.
