Barberton is Back!
Main Street Barberton is coordinating two new programs in partnership with Barberton Community Foundation, the City of Barberton and Barberton Community Development Corporation.
These programs are for building owners who are investing in their downtown building to make significant/transformational improvements, or for new restaurant and retail owners who are looking to move into Barberton’s downtown.
Eligible buildings are in Main Street Barberton’s footprint.
Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
The Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DBRP) will focus on restoring historic properties within Barberton’s downtown. With $200,000 allocated for this program, two grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to property owners who match the funding dollar-for-dollar.
Key Details:
- Purpose: Encourage significant investment in downtown properties with deferred maintenance.
- Eligible Uses: Structural repairs, façade restoration, energy efficiency upgrades, safety enhancements, and more.
- Application Opens: February 1, 2025.
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025.
- Completion Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Commercial Signage Grant Reimbursement Program
Main Street Barberton is proud to offer the Commercial Signage Grant Reimbursement Program, designed to support small businesses in enhancing their storefront presence with high-quality signage that reflects the character and vitality of Downtown Barberton.
This matching grant program helps offset the cost of sign design, fabrication, and installation—fostering economic growth and visual appeal in our historic downtown.
The application period begins August 1, 2025 and ends September 30, 2025 at midnight.
Grant Program Application 2025
Key Details:
- Purpose: The Commercial Signage Grant Reimbursement Program offers 50% reimbursement (up to $5,000) for eligible expenses related to the design and installation of permanent commercial signage.
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Whether you’re a new business looking to make your mark or an established storefront updating your image, this grant is here to support your investment in downtown revitalization.
- Eligible Uses: To qualify for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The business must be located within the Main Street Barberton District.
- The business must be an active Main Street Barberton Small Business Sponsor.
- The business must:
- Own the property OR
- Have a signed lease or contract for at least one year.
- Subleases may be considered at staff discretion with appropriate documentation.
- Only one signage grant per business entity is allowed, even if the business operates multiple locations nearby.
- Non-profit, residential, and temporary signage are not eligible.
- Sign must be installed by December 31, 2025.
- Application Deadlines:
- Application Begins: August 1, 2025.
- Application Ends: September 30, 2025.
Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant
The Restaurant & Retail Challenge Grant will provide $100,000 to support five new or expanding restaurant and retail businesses with grants of up to $20,000 each. Grant recipients are required to match the funding dollar-for-dollar, creating a total potential investment of $200,000.
Key Details:
- Purpose: Empower business owners to establish or expand restaurant or retail in Barberton’s historic downtown.
- Eligible Uses: Tenant improvements, equipment purchases, accessibility upgrades, and marketing and branding.
- Application Deadlines:
- Short Application: April 1, 2025.
- Business Plan Submission: April 8, 2025.
- Pitch Interviews: Week of April 21, 2025.
- Operational Deadline: Businesses must be open by December 1, 2025.
Applications go live on February 1!
Create an account and complete the application at barbertoncf.org
Are You Eligible?
Interested applicants for either program must schedule a pre-application meeting with Main Street Barberton to discuss eligibility and project scope.
Contact Melanie Black Amato at 330-510-1335 or [email protected].
