Business Incentives

Starting or growing a business can be challenging. To help, the City of Shaker Heights offers business incentives to make it easier to do business in Shaker. City-funded small business grants and loans can help a business build out a new or expanded business location. The City also offers a Storefront Renovation Program to help business and commercial property owners improve building exteriors and install business signage. 

 The Shaker Partnership Loan

Created in partnership with Cuyahoga County, the Shaker Partnership Loan is available to small businesses for buildout, expansion, or equipment. Through the program, the City and County contribute equity toward a private business loan. The program improves loan-to-value, decreases risk, and facilitates business openings and expansions.

  • The business obtains private financing for approximately 75% of total project cost.
  • The business contributes a minimum 10% equity toward the loan.
  • The Shaker Partnership Loan provides up to 15% of required equity as a performance grant. It is fully forgivable if job and income tax targets are met.

Download a PDF summary of the Shaker Partnership Loan. 

 The Shaker Vision Fund

To make it financially feasible for established, professional businesses to expand or locate new offices in Shaker Heights, the Shaker Vision Fund offers a forgivable loan to defray the costs of expansion or relocation. Funds are most often used for buildout of tenant improvements. Businesses must meet agreed upon payroll and income tax targets. Download a PDF summary of the Shaker Vision Fund. 

Storefront Renovation Program

To improve the appearance of Shaker’s commercial districts and help commercial property owners and businesses improve building exteriors, the City offers two rebate options of up to 50% of project costs: a signage-only rebate (maximum $3,000) and a full-façade rebate (maximum $15,000).  View more information about the Storefront Renovation Program.

 Small Business Support and Additional Resources

Shaker Heights works closely with regional partners and organizations that offer additional funding opportunities, technical assistance, and other small business opportunities. The City’s Economic Development Department can help you navigate regional small business resources.  View more information on Business Support.

For help determining the best incentive program for your business needs, email the Economic Development Department or call 216-491-1335.