• Applications open June 1, 2025.
• Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2025.
• Award winners will be announced on November 15, 2025.

Spark Grant applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be locally owned and located in West Chester Township, Ohio.
• Must be a private business. No non-profit organizations or private residences may apply.
• Applicants must be property owners or tenants prior to initial application submission. Tenants must submit written approval from property owner for the project as part of their application. 
• Applicants must be in compliance with all Federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Business may not have more than 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Applicants are eligible for one (1) Spark Grant award per calendar year. If a business applies for and is awarded a Spark Grant in consecutive years, the grant award will be reduced by 25% in each subsequent year. Eligible businesses are permitted to receive no more than four (4) Spark Grant awards in their lifetime.

Spark Grants will be awarded to projects that enhance existing businesses and beautify West Chester neighborhoods, make aesthetic improvements to exterior features/facade of an existing business, and encourage redevelopment of a land parcel. Examples of potential projects are exterior painting or lighting, exterior gathering spaces (e.g., patios, seating, courtyards), hardscaping, landscaping, signage upgrades or replacements, or demolition of an existing building.

Scoring criteria are as follows:

• quality of the design proposal
• location of the project 
• job creation/impact
• positive impact to the surrounding neighborhood
• costs associated with the project and amount of private contribution the applicant will leverage beyond the requested funds

Applications will not be accepted to finance improvements that were subject to a previous building permit or have already been completed.

Note these guidelines are subject to change as necessary.

The Township’s contribution will be in the form of a reimbursement grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. The grant amount will be determined based upon the strength of the application. (See scoring criteria.) 

Grant funding will only be awarded for materials and services provided by a third party. If work is completed by the applicant, funding will be considered only for the cost of materials.

1. Pre-Application Meeting – The Economic Development Manager is available to meet with applicant before submission to review the applicant’s plans per the program requirements and to help determine eligibility.  The applicant will be provided with general guidance as to whether the proposed project is likely to qualify for program funds and whether the applicant is sufficiently prepared to move forward to submit the application. This step is not required for grant consideration but is recommended.
2. Application Submission – Applications for Spark Grants will only be accepted online. The application is available at www.westchesteroh.org/SPARK.  All supporting documentation must be uploaded electronically.
3. Grant Application Review – Once received, applications and the supporting documents will be reviewed by the Economic Development Manager for completeness and eligibility. Complete and eligible applications will be date stamped. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
   • If an application is incomplete, the applicant will have until the final day of the “application period” to provide required information. If the missing information is not provided, the applicant will have to re-apply for funding in a future round of grants, pending approval by the Board of Trustees.
4. Grant Awards – Completed applications will be reviewed and scored by a review committee according to the set criteria for the program. Awards will be announced on the dates assigned to the specific application period.
5. Approved Project Construction & Improvements – Spark Grant recipients may begin improvements immediately after notice. Once improvements are complete (must be completed within six (6) months of award letter, unless the Award Committee grants a written extension), the Economic Development Manager will inspect the project to ensure intended work is complete and the recipient submits proof of expenses for reimbursement from West Chester Township.
6. Grant Award - Approved grant funding will be distributed through ACH. A fully completed ACH authorization form is required to process grant applications. Any grant funding received is taxable income. All grant recipients will receive a 1099.
7. Progress of Work – Recipients must allow West Chester Township to document the progress of project with video/photos to share with the community. Recipients agree to post a temporary sign (provided by West Chester Township) noting they are a Spark Grant recipient.
8. Terms & Conditions – The West Chester Township Board of Trustees may, at any time, amend, or discontinue this initiative. The Spark Grant program will only be renewed by approval of the Board of Trustees. 

For more information or to schedule a pre-application meeting:
513-759-7226
mcone@westchesteroh.org