Support Great Streets Business Districts

Description

Drive vitality and business growth in Akron's neighborhood business districts through the Great Streets program, which serves 13 Neighborhood Business Districts in these areas: Copley East, Ellet, Firestone/Aster Ave, Goodyear Heights, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Merriman Valley, Middlebury, North Hill, South Arlington, Sherbondy Hill, Wallhaven, and West Hill.

Why is This Important

Strong neighborhood business districts mean more local jobs, more walkable neighborhoods, and more economic activity across Akron. Great Streets invests directly in the businesses and buildings that make these corridors work for residents.

Initiative Wins

Integrated Great Streets businesses into the City's Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction (BREA) program in 2025.
Published neighborhood data sheets in 2025 to help attract investment to each Great Street corridor.
Announced $155,000 in Micro Enterprise Business Improvement Grants and up to $229,000+ in matching Building Improvement Grants in early 2026 to support 15 properties and 31 entrepreneurs -- all with the goal of supporting and building walkable, vibrant neighborhoods through investments in the built environment, the public realm, and locally owned businesses.

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

Paid 19 Micro Enterprise Business Improvement Grants and 1 matching Building Improvement Grants.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

Compiling a database of Great Streets businesses and integrating them into the Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) portfolio.
Refining the grant programs and the grant-making process, including by coupling funding with business assistance connections.
Preparing grant agreements for awardees of the Great Streets Building Improvement grants.
Finalizing remaining Great Streets Building Improvement grants and Micro Enterprise Business Improvement grants.