Small businesses can use the funds for fixed asset improvements to the interior of commercial properties, and up to 10% of the total grant award for soft costs, such as architectural and/or engineering costs. The Department of Community and Economic Development ("DCED") partners with the Department of Economic Inclusion (“DEI”) to execute this program, promoting CTIP through a variety of mediums, and conducting a robust review process of the grant applications received.

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Goal​

 

Supporting and empowering local business owners is critical to creating vibrant communities and fostering a healthy regional economy. In honor of this, the City of Cincinnati established CTIP in 2023 to reduce barriers small businesses face when securing commercial space and mitigate some of the risks they assume.

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Who Can Apply?

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• Small Business Owners

  • ​Business must have 50 or fewer employees and be one of the following:

    • relocating to Cincinnati;

    • opening a new business location in Cincinnati; or

    • expanding within Cincinnati.

 

For more information on eligibility, read the CTIP Program Guide linked below.

 

Overview of Process

 

Applicants submit a complete application to DCED by the stated deadline for the current round of CTIP. To apply, applicants must:

• Complete the online application and email required attachments to DCED at communitydevelopment@cincinnati-oh.gov; OR

• Drop off their application and required attachments in person to the Department of Community and Economic Development, at:

Two Centennial Plaza

805 Central Avenue, Suite 700

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

 

The Small Business Team ("SBT") will then conduct an initial review of applications for minimum eligibility requirements and completeness, before interviewing selected applicants in conjunction with a visit to the project location. They approve applicants, issue them a letter of award, and conduct a ‘Meet and Confer’ session. After which, DCED works with each applicant to execute an official funding agreement with the City. Awarded applicants must begin work within 90 days of executing the agreement, which the City will inspect for compliance; following approval and review of awarded applicants invoice requests, DCED issues grant payments.