Why Cleveland Heights

Why does Cleveland Heights continue to attract a variety of independently owned businesses?

Cleveland Heights’ history and culture creates an atmosphere unmatched in Northeast Ohio in terms of supporting locally-owned businesses. Cleveland Heights’ “main street” style commercial districts offer the perfect landing place for any small business. When it comes to Cleveland Heights, you’re not just opening a business, you are joining a community.

What tools does the City of Cleveland Heights offer to businesses locating or relocating to Cleveland Heights?

The City has a robust toolbox of programs to help support businesses looking to locate or expand in Cleveland Heights. These include a variety of financing options and possible tax abatements tailored to meet the needs of diverse businesses. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a startup or an established business looking for a new location, Cleveland Heights is able to provide customized support to help facilitate your project.

For established businesses looking to expand or locate in Cleveland Heights, the City has several loan programs, typically featuring below market rates, to help facilitate your project. Ideal uses for City loan funds are leasehold improvements, equipment and real estate. The City’s Storefront Renovation Program provides design and financial assistance (rebates and loans) to make improvements to the exterior of your building. For entrepreneurs and startups, we have a Microloan Program that makes smaller loans to help you launch a brick and mortar location in the City. There is also a grant program available to businesses utilizing an SBA loan to provide additional equity in your project.

What are some of the benefits of doing business with and in Cleveland Heights?

With more than 500 unique independently-owned businesses, Cleveland Heights offers your business access to a large and diverse market of customers and a highly educated workforce. With walkable commercial districts integrated into residential neighborhoods and located just up the hill from major downtown and University Circle institutions and along major commuting corridors, Cleveland Heights gives your business unparalleled opportunities not available elsewhere in Greater Cleveland.

Contact Business Development Manager Brian Anderson at 216-291-2617 or banderson@clevelandheights.gov to learn more about becoming a part of Northeast Ohio’s home for small business.