From Empty to Exciting:
Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Main Street Barberton, and the City of Barberton, is proud to announce $230,000 in grant funding to support three new Barberton businesses as part of an ongoing, strategic effort to reinvigorate downtown Barberton.

The funding is awarded through the Foundation’s Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP) and its Restaurant & Retail Challenge—two programs designed to attract investment in dormant or inactive downtown buildings.

These programs are funded by Barberton Community Foundation and administrated by Barberton Community Development Corporation. Main Street Barberton and the City of Barberton are also involved to provide support as these business come to life downtown in the Magic City.

Grant Recipients Overview:

Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
• Clem’s Viral Bites – $95,000 to renovate 477 W. Tuscarawas Ave.
• The Caddie Corner – $95,000 to renovate 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Restaurant & Retail Challenge
• The Tea Lady – $20,000 to establish a new tearoom experience at 190 2nd Street NW
• The Caddie Corner – $20,000 to launch an experiential golf simulation at 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Key to these programs is the required matching investment from the business owners. Together, these businesses are committing a 100 percent match to the funding awarded through these grants. The money will be applied to building renovations and will be paid as a reimbursement once the work is complete.

“We’re building real momentum in downtown Barberton,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “These grant programs represent a coordinated strategy to bring interesting businesses into our downtown while supporting people in the business community who are stepping up and investing alongside us. We’re seeing real momentum.”

“Congratulations to these businesses for being selected and investing in downtown Barberton,” said Mayor William Judge. “Continuing to build our downtown remains a priority and this is another step in that direction. The City is proud of this collaboration with the business owners, the Foundation, BCDC, and Main Street Barberton. This kind of teamwork is exactly why we’re seeing progress—and why Barberton’s revitalization continues to be successful.”

Three Businesses, One Shared Vision

Notably, The Caddie Corner received funding from both programs—underscoring how the Foundation’s distinct grant programs work together. In addition to renovating a vacant building, the Caddie Corner is a new entertainment experience in downtown Barberton.

“We’re excited to be expanding with a new business,” said Joe Giovanini, owner of The Caddie Corner. “This isn’t just a renovation project—it’s about creating experiences. We believe in Barberton and if you haven’t visited downtown Barberton in a while, you should. It’s filled with some great businesses and even better people. We hope to be able to make a positive contribution to its growth and assist in turning downtown Barberton into a destination.”

As the “boots on the ground” partner, Main Street Barberton is ready to support them – and all new ventures opening downtown.

“We’re excited to see these businesses open their doors and bring something new to our Main Street footprint,” said Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director of Main Street Barberton. “This is exactly the kind of growth we’ve been working for, and our team is ready to support these business owners and help them succeed.”

The awarded projects highlight what’s possible when public-private collaboration is focused on a vision for downtown revitalization. Three previously vacant buildings will be brought back into active use.

“We are seeing real progress in making our downtown an attractive destination for families,” says Gordon. “We’ve set the stage for real investment in downtown, and this is just the beginning.”

Strong Partnerships, Smart Investments

Applications were researched and reviewed by the Economic Vitality Committee of Main Street Barberton and formally approved by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) Project Review Committee. Each submission was evaluated using a scoring rubric that prioritized readiness, financial sustainability, and community impact.

BCDC plays a critical role in administering the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program, including helping validate that the work was completed as anticipated and providing the reimbursement payments.

“This is a great example of what strong partnerships can accomplish,” said Scott Wagner, Executive Director of BCDC. “We’re proud to serve as the Foundation’s administration partner on this initiative and look forward to continuing the good work of supporting Barberton’s business community.”

What’s Next

Grant recipients are now in the process of finalizing agreements and preparing for project implementation later this year. Future funding opportunities are currently under review by the Foundation’s Economic Development

Committee, and additional announcements may be made at a later date.

For questions about the grant programs, the selection process, or upcoming opportunities, please contact Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director, Main Street Barberton at (330) 510-1335, email melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com or visit mainstreetbarberton.com