Reviving Local Businesses: Toledo's Resilience Grant Offers Lifeline Amid Construction Disruptions

In a proactive move to support small businesses weathering the challenges of major road construction projects, the city of Toledo has launched the Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant. This innovative program aims to provide financial assistance to selected enterprises, helping them offset the loss of customers and maintain operations during these disruptive infrastructure improvements.

Empowering Businesses to Thrive Amidst Roadblocks

Bridging the Gap: Toledo's Business Resilience Grant

The city of Toledo has recognized the significant impact that prolonged road construction can have on local businesses, and has taken decisive action to mitigate these challenges. The recently approved Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Grant offers up to $5,000 in financial assistance to small businesses affected by major infrastructure projects.The program is specifically targeted at businesses located along the Broadway Street corridor, from Western Avenue to Stebbins Street. April Welch, the city's deputy director of economic development, explains that the grant is "intended to help support the cost of operating expenses while foot traffic is down based on the impact of the road construction."

Ensuring Long-Term Resilience

The city's economic development department is committed to making the Business Resilience Grant a permanent fixture, recognizing the ongoing need for support during similar major road projects in the future. Welch emphasizes that the program is designed to assist businesses affected by "significant road projects that involve removal of curbs and longer-term type of projects."This proactive approach demonstrates Toledo's dedication to fostering a thriving local business community, even in the face of disruptive infrastructure improvements. By providing financial relief and stability, the city aims to empower businesses to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

Businesses Recount the Challenges

Employees and owners of businesses affected by recent road construction projects in Toledo have shared their experiences, underscoring the significant impact on their operations. Leslie Thomas, who works at the Lewis Animal Hospital in west Toledo, recounts the prolonged construction on Lewis Avenue that lasted more than a year in 2023, massively impacting their business."It suffered a little bit because they gave us an end date of October and then it extended for six months which is kind of crazy," Thomas said. "Not only just the commute to work, but our clients being able to get here. Sometimes they'd park in the driveway, shutting down the water to where we weren't able to see appointments that day."Romel Maayah, who works at Awesome Tire Shop & Auto Repair on Lewis Avenue, echoes these sentiments, stating that the business lost out on about one-quarter of their typical annual finances, amounting to around $150,000 in lost sales.

A Lifeline, but Not a Panacea

While the $5,000 grant offered through the Legacy Corridor Business Resilience Program is undoubtedly a welcome relief for affected businesses, both Thomas and Maayah acknowledge that the financial assistance may not be enough to fully offset the significant losses they have experienced."It would be appreciated, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference," Maayah said, highlighting the substantial impact that prolonged construction can have on small businesses.Nevertheless, the city's commitment to providing this support is a crucial step in helping local enterprises navigate the challenges posed by major infrastructure projects. By offering a financial lifeline, Toledo is demonstrating its understanding of the unique struggles faced by businesses and its dedication to fostering a resilient and thriving local economy.