Commercial Programs

Storefront Renovation Program

Established in 1983, the City of Cleveland’s Storefront Renovation Program (SRP), administered out of the Department of Community Development, is an exterior rehabilitation program that combines a 40% rebate with free City design assistance using federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The City partners with Westown CDC to implement the program.

The goal of the SRP is to make a significant visual and economic impact in neighborhood retail districts to assist businesses and property owners succeed and compete in the regional shopping market.

Costs eligible for the 40% rebate include: signage, windows, awnings, sidewalks, driveways, masonry repair, lighting and landscaping.

Technical Assistance

Westown CDC staff can help anyone interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing business. Assistance for business owners includes:

• Finding a suitable location for your business
• Design assistance for projects as large as full-scale rehabilitation, or as small as display window dressing
• Guidance on Zoning, Building Standards, Planning, Liquor Licenses, Permits, Landmarks and other dealings with local government
• Design Review for the both W117th/Lorain Business Revitalization District and the Lorain-Variety Historic District