From Empty to Exciting: Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

by Kate Deangelis | Apr 14, 2025 | Announcements, Downtown Barberton, Economic Development

From Empty to Exciting:
Barberton Community Foundation Awards $230K to Bring New Business

Barberton Community Foundation, in partnership with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Main Street Barberton, and the City of Barberton, is proud to announce $230,000 in grant funding to support three new Barberton businesses as part of an ongoing, strategic effort to reinvigorate downtown Barberton.

The funding is awarded through the Foundation’s Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP) and its Restaurant & Retail Challenge—two programs designed to attract investment in dormant or inactive downtown buildings.

These programs are funded by Barberton Community Foundation and administrated by Barberton Community Development Corporation. Main Street Barberton and the City of Barberton are also involved to provide support as these business come to life downtown in the Magic City.

Grant Recipients Overview:

Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program
• Clem’s Viral Bites – $95,000 to renovate 477 W. Tuscarawas Ave.
• The Caddie Corner – $95,000 to renovate 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Restaurant & Retail Challenge
• The Tea Lady – $20,000 to establish a new tearoom experience at 190 2nd Street NW
• The Caddie Corner – $20,000 to launch an experiential golf simulation at 650/652 W. Tuscarawas Ave.

Key to these programs is the required matching investment from the business owners. Together, these businesses are committing a 100 percent match to the funding awarded through these grants. The money will be applied to building renovations and will be paid as a reimbursement once the work is complete.

“We’re building real momentum in downtown Barberton,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “These grant programs represent a coordinated strategy to bring interesting businesses into our downtown while supporting people in the business community who are stepping up and investing alongside us. We’re seeing real momentum.”

“Congratulations to these businesses for being selected and investing in downtown Barberton,” said Mayor William Judge. “Continuing to build our downtown remains a priority and this is another step in that direction. The City is proud of this collaboration with the business owners, the Foundation, BCDC, and Main Street Barberton. This kind of teamwork is exactly why we’re seeing progress—and why Barberton’s revitalization continues to be successful.”

Three Businesses, One Shared Vision

Notably, The Caddie Corner received funding from both programs—underscoring how the Foundation’s distinct grant programs work together. In addition to renovating a vacant building, the Caddie Corner is a new entertainment experience in downtown Barberton.

“We’re excited to be expanding with a new business,” said Joe Giovanini, owner of The Caddie Corner. “This isn’t just a renovation project—it’s about creating experiences. We believe in Barberton and if you haven’t visited downtown Barberton in a while, you should. It’s filled with some great businesses and even better people. We hope to be able to make a positive contribution to its growth and assist in turning downtown Barberton into a destination.”

As the “boots on the ground” partner, Main Street Barberton is ready to support them – and all new ventures opening downtown.

“We’re excited to see these businesses open their doors and bring something new to our Main Street footprint,” said Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director of Main Street Barberton. “This is exactly the kind of growth we’ve been working for, and our team is ready to support these business owners and help them succeed.”

The awarded projects highlight what’s possible when public-private collaboration is focused on a vision for downtown revitalization. Three previously vacant buildings will be brought back into active use.

“We are seeing real progress in making our downtown an attractive destination for families,” says Gordon. “We’ve set the stage for real investment in downtown, and this is just the beginning.”

Strong Partnerships, Smart Investments

Applications were researched and reviewed by the Economic Vitality Committee of Main Street Barberton and formally approved by the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) Project Review Committee. Each submission was evaluated using a scoring rubric that prioritized readiness, financial sustainability, and community impact.

BCDC plays a critical role in administering the Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program, including helping validate that the work was completed as anticipated and providing the reimbursement payments.

“This is a great example of what strong partnerships can accomplish,” said Scott Wagner, Executive Director of BCDC. “We’re proud to serve as the Foundation’s administration partner on this initiative and look forward to continuing the good work of supporting Barberton’s business community.”

What’s Next

Grant recipients are now in the process of finalizing agreements and preparing for project implementation later this year. Future funding opportunities are currently under review by the Foundation’s Economic Development

Committee, and additional announcements may be made at a later date.

For questions about the grant programs, the selection process, or upcoming opportunities, please contact Melanie Black Amato, Executive Director, Main Street Barberton at (330) 510-1335, email melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com or visit mainstreetbarberton.com

Economic Development and Downtown Rehabilitation Funding Available

by Kate Deangelis | Jan 18, 2023 | Announcements, Economic Development

New funding available: Economic Development and Downtown Rehabilitation Programs

In the summer of 2022, in partnership with BCDC, the Barberton Community Foundation launched two new programs to support businesses in Barberton, the Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) and the Downtown Barberton Rehabilitation Program (DBRP). The first round of funding for both programs was highly successful with businesses able to expand, purchase equipment, renovate buildings and establish new businesses.

With support from the Foundation, BCDC granted $99,714 to eight new businesses through the Economic Development Assistance Program and $146,609 to seven downtown property owners through the Downtown Barberton Rehabilitation Program. Read more about the success of the initial round of funding.

New for 2023

The Foundation has agreed to expand the available funding, and to create two funding periods for applicants. The first round of funding opens Tuesday, January 17, with an application deadline of Monday, February 13 at 4:30 p.m.

If you are a resident of Barberton, own a business in Barberton or are interested in moving your business to Barberton, or own property in Barberton’s historic district, you may qualify for one of these programs.

View applications and detailed program descriptions >>

Ted Herncane

Director of Economic Development

Contact Ted Herncane with any questions about the Economic Development Assistance Program, Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program or scholarship to Bounce Innovation Hub.

P: 330-745-5995

Email: therncane@barbertoncf.org

Example of Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) – Big Mike’s Automotive purchased four scissor lifts with their funding and plans to hire four more technicians. (L-R) Michael and Felicia Cowans, with their daughters Lydia and Alexis, and VP John Prouty.

Economic development programs provide funding to businesses

by Kate Deangelis | Aug 17, 2022 | Economic Development

Photos: A Scissor Lift at Big Mike’s Automotive & Collision (L-R) Michael and Felicia Cowans, with their daughters Lydia and Alexis, and VP John Prouty

Chad Morrison, and his son, Chad Jr. are co-owners of Pregame Tavern

Foundation awards 16 recipients in first economic development initiative

Big Mike’s Automotive & Collision and Pregame Tavern are among 16 recipients to be awarded funding from two of Barberton Community Foundation’s newest economic development initiatives.

Big Mike’s received funding through the new Economic Development Assistance Program, which awarded a total of $99,714 to eight different Barberton businesses for expansion or job creation.

Michael Cowans, aka Big Mike, says, “Barberton is such a strong community. The people – they embraced us. It’s been wonderful to have the community behind us, and now with the Foundation’s support, we can reach our goals even faster.”

Mike will put funding toward the purchase of four additional scissor lifts for the company’s mechanical and repair building. “These lifts get the car up and make it easier for technicians to work on them,” said Mike. “It makes a huge difference for our staff, who will have better access to the car for repair.” In addition to the lifts, Mike is hoping to hire four more employees to support his growing business.

Pregame Tavern was a recipient of the assistance from the Downtown Building Rehab Program, which awarded $146,609 to eight different projects for brick-and-mortar updates to buildings located within Barberton’s Downtown Historic District.

Chad and Amanda Morrison purchased the properties at 105 and 107 2^nd St. NW in downtown Barberton. Chad opened the Pregame Tavern with his son, Chad Jr.

“I’d say our food sets us apart,” said Chad Jr. “The meatballs and sauce in our meatball sub are homemade from my great-grandma Rose’s recipe.”

Chad said they heard about the Foundation’s program during their grand opening. Amanda also owns and operates a beauty salon in Barberton, along with the Pale Petal, an online boutique that she recently expanded as a location at 107 2^ndSt. “We had been talking about expanding and it was perfect timing.” Chad intends to use funding from the Foundation to update the restrooms and add a patio space.

About the programs:

With the final payment on Barberton High School completed, the Foundation has turned its attention to economic development with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, business expansion, job creation and building improvements downtown.

The Foundation partnered with Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC) to facilitate the programs. Applications opened in May and were reviewed by a committee of both BCDC and Foundation board members. By June, the Foundation had received more than $500,000 in requests, double the budgeted amount for the programs. Both the Economic Development Assistance Program and the Downtown Building Rehab Program are coordinated by Barberton Community Foundation, with funding provided through a grant to BCDC, which distributes this reimbursement-based funding to businesses.

Executive Director Suzanne Allen, Ph.D. said that the community has been greatly receptive to these programs. “We were very pleased with the number of applicants. We want to thank BCDC for promoting these new programs and for partnering with us.”

Ted Herncane, director of economic development, said that the project review committee chose to partially fund most projects, in an effort to support as many applicants as possible. “This is a pilot project, one that we believe will be very successful. It’s our hope that we can continue the project next year.”