Program Announcement: Economic Development and Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program Applications Open
(May 30, 2024 – Barberton, Ohio) – Applications open June 1 for Barberton Community Foundation’s EDAP and DBRP funding.
The Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) and Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP) are two of Barberton Community Foundation’s programs focused on supporting local business growth and developing a strong downtown. Beginning in 2022, the programs have awarded a combined $615,433 to 17 businesses and 12 building owners downtown.
The programs are run in partnership with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) and are reimbursement based.
Business or building owners interested in applying
The application period is open from June 1-30.
EDAP Highlights: This program focuses on promoting business expansion. Eligible businesses must be in Barberton or are moving to Barberton. Job creation is a required component of this application. Funding is used to upgrade equipment or machinery, support building improvements, site development, and infrastructure.
DBRP Highlights: This program focuses on improving buildings in historic downtown Barberton. Eligible buildings must be within the downtown footprint (map available on our website). Funding is used for interior rehab projects, window and door replacement or repair, roof repairs, structural systems, façade repairs, or for the purchase of equipment.
Full program details, including full eligibility and ineligible uses, can be found on the Foundation’s website. To start an application, create a login through the Foundation’s GOapply portal.
Call Gil Gonzales, director of economic development, with questions at 330-745-5995 or email ggonzales@barbertoncf.org.
Photo 1: Example of Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) – In August, 2022, Big Mike’s Automotive purchased four scissor lifts with their funding and plans to hire four more technicians. (L-R) Michael and Felicia Cowans, with their daughters Lydia and Alexis, and VP John Prouty.
Photo 2: Example of Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP) Beltline Hobbies, building owner Mark Kozarevich stands with his son Kyle Illingworth, owner of Beltline Hobbies. Mark’s family bought their building in 1937. He used the DBRP funding to repair the side of the wall, where brick work was crumbling.
Photo 3: Example of Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP): Pregame Tavern, owned and operated by Chad Morrison Sr. and his son, Chad Morrison Jr. received funding through a downtown rehab grant for building improvements at 105 and 107 2nd St. NW including updating a bathroom and installing a patio.