Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant

The Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant is a pilot program created by the City of Toledo, Department of Economic Development to support businesses directly impacted by City-led road reconstruction projects along historic commercial corridors. For the 2025 program year, a total of $80,000 has been allocated by Toledo City Council to fund eligible businesses. The grant provides $5,000 to help businesses cover eligible operating expenses, with the possibility of additional awards for businesses affected by multi-year reconstruction projects, subject to future appropriations. This program is structured as a first-come, first-served grant opportunity. Applications are reviewed and awarded in the order received until all available funds are depleted. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize their chances of receiving funding. For 2025, the only eligible corridor is Broadway Street from Western Avenue to Stebbins Street, a designated Legacy Commercial Corridor currently undergoing reconstruction. To qualify, applicants must be either a for-profit business merchant or a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates with a client-facing business model relying on customer foot traffic. Businesses must maintain a brick-and-mortar storefront directly on the eligible corridor, be actively registered with the City of Toledo Division of Taxation, have been in operation for at least six months prior to the start of the road reconstruction project, and be in good standing with all relevant government entities. The grant may be used for specific operating expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, payroll, business insurance, and marketing and advertising costs. Some businesses are explicitly excluded from eligibility, including payday loan businesses, liquor/tobacco/cannabis stores, pawn shops, firearms dealers, sexually oriented businesses, franchises owned outside the Toledo metro area, national chain businesses, religious organizations, and charter schools. The application process requires submission of a paper application along with a W-9, vendor registration form, and tax registration form. Applications must be physically submitted to the City of Toledo, Department of Economic Development at One Government Center, Toledo, OH 43604. Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2025, or until all funds are allocated. Once selected, recipients must sign a Grant Agreement, after which funds will be disbursed by check.