The City of Akron has announced the recipients of its 2025 Great Streets grants, investing more than $390,000 to strengthen neighborhood business districts across the city.

Through the Great Streets Akron program, the city awarded $165,000 in Micro Enterprise Business Improvement Grants and $229,785 in Building and Façade Improvement Grants. The funding will support 40 local businesses and help improve 14 properties in neighborhoods throughout Akron.

Mayor Shammas Malik said the program continues to play a key role in strengthening local economies. “We were thrilled with the interest across all 10 wards,” Malik said. “These investments help small businesses grow while building stronger neighborhoods.”

The Micro Enterprise grants support small businesses with five or fewer employees, while the Façade and Building Improvement grants help improve storefronts and property conditions. Funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program.

City leaders say the program not only supports individual businesses but also helps create walkable, vibrant commercial districts across Akron. A full list of grant recipients and program details can be found through the City of Akron’s Great Streets initiative.