Grant Money Available for Sharon Businesses

SHARON, Pa. – The grant application for local entrepreneurs and businesses is open through the city and the Shenango LaunchBox.

The resources are available through the Sharon Economic Development Fund, and letters of intent are being accepted on a rolling basis.

With $4 million in endowments introduced in 2022 to start the Shenango LaunchBox and fund the Sharon Economic Development Fund, there are funds available to support existing and new businesses that operate specifically within the city.

“I believe that both the Shenango LaunchBox and the Sharon Economic Development Fund will prove to be a significant part of the dynamic revitalization of the city of Sharon’s downtown business district,” said Bob Fiscus, Sharon city manager. “Not only will this strengthen our current businesses, but it will also help spur city growth and innovation by attracting new businesses for years to come.”  

The application process is as follows: 

1. Letter of Intent application can be found on the city’s website.  
2. Review by the Shenango LaunchBox and Economic Development Fund Committee.  
3. Selected applicants are notified and asked to submit a formal application.  
4. Applicant gives funding pitch to the Grant Selection Committee.  
5. The grant decision is communicated to the applicant.  
6. Grant recipient submits final grant report.  

The Sharon Economic Development Fund is a partnership of Penn State and the city of Sharon, which each contributed $2 million, as well as the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, which is where the endowments exist.

“This collaborative effort represents the best of what can be accomplished when organizations and leaders work together toward a common goal,” said Kyle English, executive director of the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. “The citizens of Sharon will benefit greatly from the economic vitality that has been created here.”

Assistance with developing a business idea or plan can be found at the Shenango LaunchBox, located on the second floor of the Hope Center for Arts and Technology.

Pictured at top: Tom Roberts, executive director of Shenango LaunchBox, speaks during the Oct. 18 ribbon-cutting for Penn State’s new LaunchBox location at the Hope Center for Arts and Technology.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.