Business Alliance Empowers SMBs

Roselawn, known for its abundance of small businesses, faced an unprecedented challenge as the pandemic hit. Numerous businesses, including daycares, hairdressers, and barber shops in Roselawn faced struggles during COVID. Recognizing the dire situation, the Roselawn Business Alliance aimed to inject funds into struggling businesses, allowing them to sustain their operations. "That was what we were trying to do, put money into their hands so they could operate," explained Mosley, emphasizing the importance of financial support during and after such a crisis.

The grants proved to be highly sought-after, Mosley stated "We want to boost our [Roselawn Business Alliance] appearance with the City of Cincinnati, and we got that money, and in two weeks' time, it was gone." The quick depletion of funds underscores the demand for financial assistance among small businesses in Roselawn and highlights the importance of such programs in supporting local economic development.

The RBA’s efforts to invigorate Roselawn’s business district through grant distribution demonstrate their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and community growth. By implementing stringent and diligent evaluation criteria and processes, the RBA ensured that grants were awarded to businesses that needed them the most. Having a transparent and accountable application and evaluation approach not only benefited the grant recipients but also bolsters Roselawn’s standing within the larger Cincinnati community.

The RBA's Grant Team understood the importance of face-to-face interactions during the process, recognizing that personal outreach was vital to ensure that businesses were aware of the available financial support. Describing their proactive approach to getting grant money to businesses that needed it, Mosley revealed, "Over 300 forms were printed up and we began going door to door, handing out forms." This hands-on strategy involved delivering printed forms to businesses personally, spreading news of the opportunity through word-of-mouth, and engaging directly with the local community.

Mosley stressed the significance of legitimacy when the RBA considered applicants. "You have to be a legitimate business," he emphasized. He explained that the recipient evaluation process involved a three-person, board-member panel, comprised of individuals well-versed in business acumen. One member was designated to verify the legitimacy of the business by conducting a real-time check on the state website. This step minimized the possibility of fraudulent applications and ensured that the grants were awarded to deserving recipients. To verify the authenticity of businesses, the RBA Grant Team relied on the State of Ohio's records. They cross-referenced the provided business name with the State's list of registered entities, ensuring that only genuine businesses received financial support.

The evaluation process carried out was meticulous to ensure accountability and transparency. "We asked you [the business] to bring us a copy of your bank statement and tax filings to prove that you are paying taxes to the city and that you are a legitimate business," Mosley explained. By scrutinizing these documents, the board members gained insight into the financial standing and tax compliance of the applying businesses.

The board members carefully assessed each application, taking into account various factors such as the business's financial needs, potential for growth, and contribution to the local economy. This personalized approach enabled the Roselawn Business Alliance to allocate the grants effectively, maximizing their positive impact on the recipients' businesses and the community as a whole.

Additionally, NBDSG checks were hand-delivered to make sure they were going to a legitimate business. We only wrote checks in business names, no personal names, to make sure the money was going for what it was designated for.”

As small businesses continue to play a vital role in driving economic prosperity, initiatives like the Roselawn Business Alliance's hands-on approach to grant applications and fund disbursements serve as a beacon of hope for impactful funding, empowering local entrepreneurs and cultivating a vibrant business environment in Roselawn. The continued efforts of the RBA highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives in supporting small businesses. By working closely with businesses, city officials, HomeBase, and other stakeholders, Roselawn Business Alliance’s approach exemplifies the collaborative spirit necessary for fostering a prosperous business ecosystem.

Thanks to this effective approach, HomeBase leadership recommended Roselawn Business Alliance to receive an additional $30,000 in NBDSG remaining funding due to the RBA’s ability to disburse the funding quickly and effectively. HomeBase looks forward to witnessing the impacts of the small business grants and facilitating more success stories like this across our City of Cincinnati communities!