Grants of $3,000 to $20,000 will be available to entrepreneurs and growing small businesses in a competitive process this month. The contest is one of several programs funded by $130,000 in grants that Charter One announced in September.
Jeff and Lynn Campbell work the popcorn stand at the West Side Market in September. Public markets can be incubators for small businesses.The small-business contest is one of several programs funded by $130,000 in grants that Charter One announced in September. The bank has been working with Ohio City Near West Development Corp. and other partners to promote job creation, local food and neighborhood redevelopment from West 24th Street to West 28th Street between Jay and Chatham avenues -- an area being called the Market District.
The small-business grants are designed to launch start-up businesses and support the growth of existing businesses. The contest, which involves an application process, runs through 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, and grant recipients will be announced the week of Feb. 21. Businesses will receive the money by March 22.