Selected businesses will receive up to $5,000 to compensate for lost customers.
TOLEDO, Ohio — The City of Toledo is offering assistance to businesses that have lost customers due to construction.
Applications are now open for the Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant, which was recently approved by the City Council and provides $5,000 to small businesses.
The city’s Economic Development Department plans to inspect businesses on Broadway Street from Western Avenue to Stebbins Street.
April Welch, the city’s deputy director of economic development, said, “The purpose is to help with operating costs as road construction reduces foot traffic.”
Welch said the city hopes to make the program permanent in the future to assist businesses as similar large-scale road projects are completed.
“Significant road projects that involve curb removal and long-term type projects,” she explained.
Employees and owners of some businesses are recovering from road construction in their areas and say some financial relief would be great for them as they face significant losses. talking.
Leslie Thomas, who works at Lewis Veterinary Hospital in west Toledo, said, “It was a little tough because the end date was October, but it’s kind of crazy that it’s been extended by six months.”
Mr Thomas said the lengthy construction work that took place at 2023 Lewis Avenue for more than a year had a major impact on business.
“Customers will be able to come here instead of just commuting,” Thomas added. “Sometimes they would park in driveways and turn off water to areas where they couldn’t see any commitments for the day.”
Companies reported losses of about $25,000 to $50,000 that year compared to the previous year.
Romell Maya, who works at Awesome Tire Shop & Auto Repair on Lewis Avenue, said the business has lost about a quarter of its finances, an amount it would normally see in a year.
“Sales are generally around $150,000, somewhere around that,” Maya said, explaining how much the business has been affected financially.
Maya and Thomas both said that while the $5,000 would be appreciated, it wouldn’t make much of a difference.
A total of $100,000 has been allocated for this program. Eligible businesses must meet certain criteria, including being in operation for at least six months before road construction begins.
The city says awards to businesses will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
