SHAKER HEIGHTS (December 18, 2023): Nine businesses in Shaker Heights have been awarded grants that promote creative, innovative projects and collaborations as well as leadership in the local business community. This new incentive, the Shaker Heights Business Microgrant, was created by the City of Shaker Heights Economic Development Department and Shaker Heights Development Corporation (SHDC).
Applications for the microgrant went live in August 2023 and small business owners located in Shaker Heights were eligible to apply to help fund a project that advances one or more of the following goals:
- Improves a Shaker Heights commercial district;
- Fosters collaboration among two or more businesses;
- Cultivates business leadership;
- Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI);
- Encourages environmental sustainability in business practices; or
- Supports entrepreneurs growing a business in Shaker Heights.
With total grant funds of $20,000 available, the microgrant was made possible by Citizens’ with a match from the City of Shaker Heights Economic Development Department. Both the City’s Economic Development Department and SHDC worked with businesses to understand their projects and goals and will remain engaged as funded projects are carried out.
Out of more than 20 project applications, the following nine businesses received awards: Abide Yoga, The Corner, DJ RevDev, the Gentlemen’s Cave, Polish Me Nail Studio, Serve University, Sha’Ran Studios, STEM Handmade Soaps, and Urban Salon Suites.
“We will use the grant funding to host a grant writing summit for nonprofits and small businesses in fall 2024,” explained Dr. Brandi Rae Hicks, recipient of the grant and founder of Serve U, a nonprofit resource development firm. “I'm looking forward to helping our community secure much-needed resources to fuel their dreams just like this microgrant has supported mine!”
Devin Moore, also known as entertainer DJ RevDev, said,“This microgrant is the conduit for collaboration between Catalyst Entertainment and Launcharts Media, two Shaker-based businesses, to support youth entrepreneurs through exposure to a new skill set by way of training, mentoring and apprenticeship. The microgrant will fund a one-day camp that will expose at-risk youth to entry-level photography, basics of being a DJ, basics of being an MC, and how to start a business.”
To learn more about the Shaker Heights Business Microgrant, click here.