New program will provide targeted financial assistance through grants

Media Contact:
Jennifer Ciaccia, Press Secretary
216-250-5863 | jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.gov

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – The Cuyahoga County Office of Small Business (OSB) is proud to announce the Business Boost Initiative, a new program designed to provide targeted financial assistance to the County’s smallest businesses, while connecting entrepreneurs with resources that can help them modernize and grow.

The Business Boost Initiative will make available $250,000 in grant funding, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods and the cornerstone of our economy, so we need to do all we can to support them,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.  “Through the Business Boost Initiative, we are expanding access to funding and resources for even more entrepreneurs and small businesses across Cuyahoga County.”

Unlike a traditional grant program focused only on distributing funding, the Business Boost Initiative will combine financial assistance with business engagement, resource navigation, and technical assistance through the County’s Office of Small Business. The initiative is intended to support small businesses and entrepreneurs by helping them to stabilize their business models and reduce the barriers to capital often faced by small businesses.  

“The Small Business Boost is about more than funding. It is about building a coordinated ecosystem where small businesses are connected to the right resources at the right time including capital opportunities and access to programming and training,” said Vaughn Johnson, Deputy Director for Economic Development and Lead of the Office of Small Business. “As we look ahead, we remain focused on strengthening that ecosystem and expanding access, so every small business has the opportunity to grow and thrive.”

Cuyahoga County is home to over 30,000 small businesses, employing close to 300,000 residents. The Office of Small Business fosters connections and collaborations between businesses and various stakeholders in the county, including local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and industry leaders, opening opportunities for growth and collaboration. 

Applications open on Wednesday, September 16 and must be submitted by Monday, October 19. Applicants can visit the Cuyahoga County Office of Small Business page to learn more about eligibility and to apply.