Microgrants Available for Copley Road Better Block

Microgrants are available for businesses along Copley Road as part of the upcoming Better Block event. The Summit County Think Tank Coalition and Progressive Alliance CDC have partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to bring a Better Block initiative to the area. In preparation of the upcoming Copley Road project, the groups have been working closely with neighbors to identify what works and what doesn’t work, and will demonstrate the proposed changes May 24-25.

As a part of the project, business owners located on Copley Road between Frederick Boulevard and South Hawkins Avenue can apply for a microgrant from the delegated $8,500 of funding for small business improvements in the area. These improvements can include applying a fresh coat of paint, putting up new signage, offering cafe seating, and other renovations.

“It has been a joy to see the collaboration among the Progressive Alliance CDC, the Knight Foundation, the Summit County Think Tank Coalition, and Better Block to revitalize the local economy in West Akron,” says Petar Nenadov, Pastor of Lakeside Christian Church. Pastor Nenadov believes in the microgrant initiative so much that he donated $6,000 to help businesses spruce up their spaces. “I grew up going to church on Copley Road in West Akron and consider it an honor to serve on the microgrant committee. We hope the microgrants will enable existing businesses and new entrepreneurs to invest in their ideas for the good of the community.”

Eligible businesses may apply for a grant here: https://goo.gl/forms/MyV2PSqYN7TgZnNG.

Applications are due for review by the selection committee on March 31. Winners will be announced by April 7, and the projects must be implemented in conjunction with the Copley Road Better Block May 24-25.

For more information about the Copley Road microgrant initiative, contact Colin Amos, colin@betterblock.org.