Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure (CDBG-I)
WCDC can help communities obtain funds through Community Development Block Grants - Infrastructure (CDBG-I) to help offset the cost of updating and improving infrastructure related to small business projects. WCDC can help your community obtain these funds to finance the improvements that allow small businesses, and the communities they serve, to grow and prosper. To learn more about the CDBG-I, click on the questions below:
How does the CDBG-I work?
The CDBG-I assists communities in funding their infrastructure needs in relation to business projects. When a business has a project involving a job creation/retention component and the community has additional infrastructure needs in connection to the project, the applicant community can apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development to assist in offsetting these costs. The CDBG-I is a grant to the applicant community and is not required to be repaid so long as all parties meet the conditions of the grant agreement, including job creation; however, if the project would only benefit the applicant business, and not the larger community, it would take the form of a loan to the business from the community RLF. (back to top)
Where does the funding for a CDBG-I come from?
The funding comes from the Ohio Department of Development Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. Communities apply for these grants based on an eligible project. (back to top)
Is my community eligible?
Eligible communities must be non-entitlement cities or counties. Counties may apply on behalf of cities within their jurisdiction but must apply on behalf of villages and/or townships. (back to top)
What are the requirements for receiving a CDBG-I?
The applicant business must commit to creating one full-time job for every $10,000 awarded. In addition, at least 51% of the full-time jobs created must be available to persons from low-to-moderate income households. (back to top)
What projects can be funded using a CDBG-I?
Like the name suggests, eligible projects must involve improvements to infrastructure, and they must be necessary and related to a business project. (back to top)
How are grants awarded?
Community Development Block Grants are awarded to community applicants on a competitive basis based on the applicant business’ project. Various factors are taken into consideration, including equity contribution, total project costs, and job creation commitment. (back to top)
What is the maximum grant?
The maximum grant is $500,000 to the community per applicant business project. (back to top)
Are there any costs?
Yes. The community receiving the grant is responsible for all application, environmental, legal, and other fees and costs. (back to top)
How long is the approcal process?
The CDBG-I grant applications are reviewed and approved by the Ohio Department of Development Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. Typical approval takes 45 days. The application process does require an environmental review, which can take between 60 and 90 days for real estate and 5 days for equipment. (back to top)