Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program

The Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program ("NBDIP") brings transformative neighborhood business district projects to life through an innovative, multi-stage review process. Each year, City Council sets the program's funding level, and the Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") Neighborhoods Division works closely with recognized Neighborhood Business Districts ("NBDs") to identify and support high-impact projects in two funding categories: major and minor.

The NBDIP program supports projects in two funding request categories: major and minor. The program funding level is established each year by City Council, with the Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") staff working to identify eligible projects in recognized NBDs. Eligible applicants can submit up to two proposals annually – one in each of the two funding categories. Minor projects can receive up to $50,000 in funding, while major projects have no cap (however, projects that have a higher private-to-public investment ratio have a better chance of success).

The City partners with Cincinnati Neighborhood Business Districts United ("CNBDU"), a non-profit organization comprised of members representing the City’s recognized neighborhood business districts, to oversee the NBDIP peer review process. CNBDU members participate in the evaluation of capital project applications alongside City staff in Community & Economic Development, Planning & Engagement, and Department of Transportation & Engineering.

Goal

The goal of the NBDIP program is to build thriving neighborhood business districts that serve the needs of residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike by funding projects that:

Expand the availability of essential goods and services
Foster vibrant small businesses
Boost the identity and branding of business districts
Ensure safety and accessibility for customers and visitors; and
Revitalize public spaces to create welcoming environments.

NBDIP Projects Across Cincinnati

17 benches were installed throughout Clifton Heights in 2019, funded in part through NBDIP funding.

A gateway sign for Lower Price Hill was installed in 2023 following Price Hill Will's application for NBDIP funding in 2019 to fund the design and construction.

Warsaw Avenue Creative Campus received NBDIP funding in 2021 to help with creating needed parking and include façade improvements.

For more ongoing NBDIP projects, check out our 2023 Annual Report.

*2024 Application Closed; Check back for 2025*

Who Can Apply?

Non-Profits
Non-profit Community Development Corporations
Neighborhood Business Associations

Eligible Projects

Property development
Facade improvements
Business district wayfinding/placemaking signage
Public parking
Other NBD improvement projects

Overview of Process

Project applicants submit a pre-application using the link below. DCED staff review pre-applications as part of the mandatory pre-application meeting. With input from other applicable City departments, DCED provides project feedback and input to applicants. Applicants then incorporate City staff feedback into project proposals and submit a final application (also found at the link below) for consideration. Funding awards are based on (1) ratings from a peer review of applications and presentations, (2) project recommendations received from CNBDU, and 3) a final review by City staff that takes into consideration both (1) and (2). The City Manager makes final project recommendations to City Council, who must approve all recommended funding requests prior to project implementation.

Timeline

Pre-applications and Final Applications are typically released in early February, with the pre-applications due in March and Final Applications due in April. The peer review and awarding process covers a few months; it includes a bus tour of all proposed projects and a presentation by each applicant. Final funding awards are announced no later than July 30.

Interested? Have questions? For more information, contact:

Diana Vakharia, diana.vakharia@cincinnati-oh.gov

Documents & Helpful Links

*2024-2025 Application Process Closed; check back later for next round*