Rapid Tenancy Program for Minority Businesses- May 2023 Rapid Tenancy Program for Minority Business is designed to support black and brown minority businesses that are in need of funding support for costs associated with relocating their business to a new commercial space or growing or expanding their current business into a new or larger area.  The RTP Grant is for up to $75,000 to support the relocation of your business.  The amount will be determined based on the information provided in your application. 

Eligibility Requirements:
I. Is an African American or Hispanic majority-owned (51%) for-profit business;
II. Registered to do business in Ohio;
III. Provide a Certificate of Good Standing from the Ohio Secretary of State; and
IV. Evidence that Applicant’s business:
a. is currently operational at the time of Application submission and has been operational for a period of at least 12 months, with a limited exception for proven hardship from a change in employment due to Covid-19; or
b. is located at, or relocating to, a commercial space within the City of Cincinnati Corporate limits  and intends to remain at the said location for a minimum 2-year period or
c. has experienced at least a 15% reduction in revenue caused by COVID-19-related conditions.

Required Documentation (includes but not limited to):
V. 2020 Business Tax Return (if Applicable)
VI. 2021 Business Tax Return

VI. 2022 Business Tax Return
VII. 2022 Income Statement and Balance Sheet;
VIII. 3 Months of Business Bank Statements from the Application Date;
IX. 2023-24 Projections or Pro forma statements
X. Project Budget and Budget Narrative; and
XI. Evidence that Applicant’s business:
a. is currently operational at the time of Application submission and has been operational for a period of at least 12 months, with a limited exception for proven hardship from a change in employment due to Covid-19;
b. is located at, or relocating to, a commercial space within the City and intends to remain at the said location for a minimum 2-year period
c. has experienced at least a 15% reduction in business revenue or household revenue caused by COVID-19-related conditions

Technical Assistance Requirements:
ALL Rapid Tenancy Program Awardees are REQUIRED to work with a Technical Assistance Consultant(s) designated and selected by the Rapid Tenancy Program. This required attending meetings, providing data and documentation, and ongoing support for 12-18 months from the application date. Technical Assistance is to support your business's transition, stability, and growth opportunities.

Rapid Tenancy Program for Minority Businesses is sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio and The City of Cincinnati. This program is administered by the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI). The program support partners include the Lincoln & Gilbert Collaborative Partners and The PORT, Cincinnati.
All communication for this program will initially be through the portal by email only unless selected.

All communication with him will be through the Submittable portal initially. 

You may only apply for one of the Rapid Tenancy Program slots. There will be a limited amount of program slots available. More grant opportunities may vary depending on available funding in the future.

Good Luck!

Willie Hill Executive Director, GCMI

Welcome to the start of your entrepreneur discovery! Do you want to learn how to create a plan to launch your concept, and want to deepen your thought process on how to attract and keep customers? Then, these hybrid course is for you!

Great for: Startup/ Advanced Entrepreneurs or idea-ready business owners, and/or small businesses who are ready to launch and looking for education, access to capital and business structuring.

Our Ice House Entrepreneurship Program is a 9- week hybrid program meaning the traditional classroom can be online training and in-person. Our blended Ice House Entrepreneur program is facilitated using an online learning platform and classroom labs that run typical twice a week currently on Zoom because of COVID-19 Guidelines. 

Participants will learn to:

• Identify and evaluate business opportunities that others overlook
• Transform a simple idea into a sustainable success
• Embrace an entrepreneurial mindset as a life-skill
• Identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs

Additionally what should students expect?

• Master the eight entrepreneurial mindset lessons as outlined in the book "Who Owns the Ice House" by Clifton Taulbert 

• Have access to online interaction with experienced classroom facilitators and coaches via Zoom

• Meet one-on-one virtually with facilitators to reach your full potential

• Interact and receive ongoing support from peers who are on a similar journey

• Develop or re-engage your entrepreneurial spirit

Online Delivery Options:

Digital Classroom (9) weekly 2- hour sessions (twice a week) Time: 6:30-8:30pm (evenings only)

• Weekly reading and content discussion sessions 

• Required Homework submitted through IHEP Classroom

• Related "Real World" activities 

• Multiple Choice Assessment assess your basic knowledge and comprehension 

• Virtual Whiteboard Canvas Coaching

• Personal Experience – Reflection survey on your entrepreneurial learning experience