The SBA-County-Municipal Initiative was created in partnership with Cuyahoga County, participating municipalities, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It is a supplemental investment program designed to assist small business growth and job creation. Project funding consists of an SBA-backed loan from a participating bank lender and a performance grant/forgivable loan from the program’s participating municipality.

For qualified businesses, the Small Business Initiative Program’s Performance Grant/Forgivable Loan can provide capital for a project up to 15 percent of the total cost, up to a maximum of $50,000. This funding assistance is utilized as the “gap-filler” between the bank loan offered and the total project cost. Ten percent equity from the business is also required.

This leveraging of resources makes difficult projects possible and solves working capital gaps, creating jobs, opportunities, and economic development.

To date, Cuyahoga County has provided competitive grants to six cities: Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Fairview Park, Maple Heights, Cleveland Heights and Lakewood. Each city has individually matched its County grant with its own funds to fully capitalize their respective programs.

“The SBA program was huge for us. When I had heard about it, I thought, maybe if I get a couple thousand dollars it would be helpful. I had no idea I would end up getting a $50,000 grant. I would highly recommend this program,” said Jeffrey Grano, Owner of Gone to the Dogs, a premier dog daycare and salon in Fairview Park.


For more information please visit the links below:

• Shaker Heights SBA-County-Municipal Initiative
• Maple Heights SBA-County-Municipal Initiative - Under Construction
• Fairview Park SBA-County-Municipal Initiative
• Cleveland Heights SBA-County-Municipal Initiative
• Lakewood SBA-County-Municipal Initiative