The Community Development Department is not accepting applications at this time, as these programs are temporarily on hold. Please check back to our website regularly for updates.

If you would like to learn more about the program in the meantime, feel free to review the guidelines and applications below. If you read the information below and have additional questions, you can contact Chief Development Officer Matt Lasko, at mlasko@ci.sandusky.oh.us or 419-627-5707.

The Sandusky City Economic Development programs intend to spur and support economic development activities within the City of Sandusky. Financial assistance is available for new or expanding businesses and/or property owners that will positively affect the economic and employment climates in the City and broader Firelands Region.

The city strongly believes that investments in economic development activities are vital to job creation and attracting and retaining a talented workforce to fill newly created or available positions.  Increased economic development will also stimulate investments in underutilized or vacant buildings and sites – which will strengthen the real estate market, increase property values, create a more walkable community and improve overall quality of life.  Understanding that not all businesses or their needs are the same, the city offers various programs to assist business based on differing stages of development and growth. 

  1. Substantial Redevelopment - The intent of this program is to spur large scale development and expansion efforts within the city. 
    Click here for PY 2020 Guidelines & Application.

  2. Signage & Façade - The intent of this program is to aid downtown and other neighborhood commercial/retail districts in becoming more attractive, economically viable, and diverse places to visit and shop by assisting in the design and funding of substantial rehabilitation of building facades and storefronts.
    Click here for PY 2020 Guidelines & Application.

  3. Small Business Assistance - The intent of this program is to aid new or existing small business with access to capital that otherwise may not be available from traditional avenues.  These resources aim to assist with start-up and due diligence costs and intend to help stabilize cash flow during the infancy stages of new businesses or expansion periods of existing businesses. 
    Click here for PY 2020 Guidelines & Application.

  4. Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement - Certain new construction or renovation projects may be eligible for multi-year real estate tax abatement on the increased real estate tax liability of their project.  This abatement will provide real estate tax relief for a period of years and provide operations savings during the term of the abatement.  All projects awarded real estate tax abatement under this program will be required to meet or exceed an negotiated level of capital investment, new job creation and new payroll.


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