Downtown Canton Rental Assistance Program

New or expanding businesses in Downtown Canton, Ohio can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance during their first year of operations. Through this program, the Downtown Canton Partnership (DCP) reimburses 50% of a business’ annual rent payments when they have secured a multi-year lease within the Special Improvement District (SID).

See guidelines below and apply today

Is My Business Eligible?

Your business qualifies if it is:

  • A commercial establishments (food businesses, retail and wholesale trade)
  • A professional service (doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, etc.)
  • A personal service (tailors, laundromats, gyms)
  • A repair service (office equipment, electronics, bicycles, furniture)
  • A business service (advertising, office management, printing)

Priority is given to small businesses, businesses new to downtown Canton, and current downtown businesses expanding to larger spaces.

Note: national banks, chain stores, payday lenders, social service organizations, gas stations, used car lots, and adult entertainment establishments are not eligible.

Space Requirements

Your chosen space must:

  • Be located within the Downtown Canton SID
  • Have a valid occupancy permit before assistance begins
  • Be leased through a multi-year agreement
  • Have a landlord current on real estate taxes with no active building code violations

How Payments Work

The rental assistance award is distributed in two equal payments across your first year. You’ll receive your first reimbursement payment six months after your award date, followed by the second payment at the twelve-month mark. For businesses that open by the 15th of any month, rental assistance can begin for that current month.

Application Steps

  1. Find an eligible location within the SID and negotiate a letter of intent with the landlord.
  2. Gather required documents:
    • Business Plan
    • 12-month Projected Cash Flow Statement
    • Letter of Intent or draft lease agreement
    • Three personal/professional reference letters
  3. Complete the application form.
  4. Submit your application along with all required documents via email. See the application for further details.

Review Process

Your application will be evaluated by a diverse committee of downtown stakeholders. This seven-member group includes representatives from the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District (SID), Downtown Canton Land Bank (DCLB), Downtown Canton Partnership (DCP), and the Stark Community Foundation’s Redevelopment Fund. The DCP Executive Director chairs the committee and convenes meetings as applications are received, ensuring timely review of each submission.

This collaborative approach brings together key organizations invested in downtown Canton’s growth and development, allowing for thorough evaluation of each application based on the program’s goals and requirements. For more details, review the scoring rubric.

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