News Summary
Cleveland has dedicated $1.9 million in federal funds to benefit 29 small businesses in disinvested neighborhoods on the Southeast Side, aiming to stimulate economic growth. This initiative is part of Mayor Justin Bibb’s Southeast Side Promise, meant to revitalize local commercial corridors. Noteworthy recipients include Mt. Pleasant Bar-B-Q, which will receive significant grant funding for renovations, alongside other businesses in the area.
Cleveland has allocated $1.9 million in federal pandemic relief funds to support 29 small businesses along key commercial corridors on the Southeast Side, in a strategic effort to reverse decades of disinvestment in the area. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and aims to revitalize neighborhoods that have faced economic challenges for more than 30 years, aligning with Mayor Justin Bibb’s initiative known as the Southeast Side Promise.
Among the beneficiaries, Mt. Pleasant Bar-B-Q, located at 12725 Kinsman Road, will receive a grant of $93,415.50 to make significant improvements to its facilities. These enhancements include cosmetic upgrades, new signage, better exterior lighting for safety, and a new back door. Other grant recipients include Kaba’s African Market Inc., Mass Orthopedic LLC, Deja Vu Salon/Barber Inc., and Exclusive Learners Language Academy, LLC, with each receiving amounts that fall below the maximum grant allocation of $99,999 per business.
The initiative’s overarching goal is to stimulate commercial redevelopment in neighborhoods predominantly occupied by Black residents, where population decline and economic stagnation have been ongoing issues. As highlighted by Marvin Owens Jr., Southeast Side senior strategist for the mayor’s office, investment in these neighborhoods is crucial for revitalization. Cleveland’s Director of Economic Development, Joevrose Bourdeau Small, described the program as an opportunity for equitable development, directly targeting areas suffering from long-standing disinvestment.
The total funds available for business grants under this initiative amount to $5 million, which was originally earmarked for 2023. Grant applications exceeded expectations, with requests totaling over $5 million, showcasing the high demand for financial support among local businesses. The funds are anticipated to be disbursed to the selected businesses by the end of 2025, although some improvements may be delayed due to zoning and permitting requirements.
Business owners have expressed optimism about the prospective changes that these grants will facilitate within their communities. The Southeast Side Promise initiative not only addresses business funding but also aims to activate long-vacant spaces and enhance commercial corridors to attract private investments. This comprehensive approach is part of a broader strategy set forth by Cleveland’s administration, which has committed $15 million in federal recovery funds for revitalization efforts across the Southeast Side.
The program was relaunched in September 2025 by the Department of Economic Development, focusing on community enhancement, storefront improvements, and the stabilization of vacant properties. This development strategy spans several neighborhoods, including Lee-Harvard, Union-Miles, Lee-Seville, and Mount Pleasant, indicating a city-wide commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
Overall, the allocation of funds reflects a concerted effort by Cleveland to address historical inequities, revitalizing business areas while simultaneously aiming to promote broader urban revitalization. Business owners, supported by this initiative, look forward to utilizing the grant funds to create vibrant, community-focused business environments that contribute positively to their neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Cleveland awards $1.9 million in grants for Southeast Side businesses
- Wikipedia: Southeast United States
- Spectrum News: Southeast Side Promise million-dollar grants
- Google Search: Cleveland small business grants
- NewsBreak: Cleveland awards $1.9 million in grants
- Google Scholar: Cleveland economic development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Rescue Plan
- Google News: Cleveland revitalization initiative
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