The City of Cuyahoga Falls is committed to the economic growth and prosperity of our community. In order to ensure the success of our local businesses, we offer a variety of economic tools and incentives. Economic Development staff members will evaluate and review each project to determine the best option(s) available to meet the goals of your business.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding
The City of Cuyahoga Falls is an entitlement community with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a portion of our yearly allocation is dedicated to economic development incentives. Currently, the City offers gap financing in the form of a low-interest loan that can be used for working capital and/or the purchase of equipment. We also offer various matching grants to new businesses and existing businesses looking to expand. In order to be eligible for CDBG assistance, a business must create or retain jobs for low-to-moderate income individuals. The required number of jobs is determined by the amount of assistance given to the business.
For additional information, please contact Peggy Szalay at szalaypl@cityofcf.com or 330-971-8173.
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
The City offers a rebate program to commercial and industrial customers of the Cuyahoga Falls Electric System who are making applicable electrical upgrades. The rebate must be approved and the site must be inspected BEFORE the project begins.
For additional information, please contact Bryce Pulley at bpulley@cityofcf.com or 330-971-8287
Property Assessed Clean Energy Loan (PACE) Program
Administered by the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), the PACE program offers low interest rate financing for energy efficiency improvement projects in the commercial industry ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. Projects include: lighting, HVAC, windows, doors, insulation, geothermal solar panels and water heater upgrades.
For additional information, please visit NOPEC.
Savings Through Efficiency Program (STEP)
Administered by the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), STEP offers low interest rate financing for energy efficiency improvement projects in the commercial industry ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Projects include: lighting, HVAC, windows, doors, insulation, geothermal solar panels and water heater upgrades.
For additional information, please visit NOPEC.
Business Expansion and Retention Visits
City Economic Development staff members, in conjunction with the County of Summit's Summit for Success team, hold business retention and expansion visits to identify the needs of a business and to help determine ways in which the City or County can help a business meet those needs.
For additional information, please contact Diana Colavecchio at colavecchio@cityofcf.com or 330-971-8138.
Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Abatement
The City offers real property tax abatement for eligible projects located within one of the three community reinvestment areas in the city. Approved projects will receive a negotiated tax exemption on the improved tax value, as determined by the Summit County Fiscal Office.
For additional information, please contact Diana Colavecchio at colavecchio@cityofcf.com or 330-971-8138.
Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce
The Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce is a small business organization offering business programs, services and networking events. The organization consists of businesses and individuals working together to build a healthy economy and to improve the quality of life in Cuyahoga Falls.
For additional information, please visit the Chamber's website at www.cfchamber.com or call 330-929-6756.
Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership
The Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership is a community based 501c3 dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining historic Downtown Cuyahoga Falls and its riverfront as a vibrant destination by promoting events and enhancing our downtown for residents and visitors.
For additional information, please visit the Partnership's website at www.downtowncf.com or call 330-267-9788.