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What does the Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation do?
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The Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation (CEC) is a non-profit entity established with the purpose of managing the federally funded Empowerment Zone (EZ) grant awarded in 1998. CEC funds projects that will enhance the economic development of the nine EZ neighborhoods and/or the businesses that serve the nine neighborhoods (Avondale, Over the Rhine, Clifton/University/Fairview Heights, Evanston, Walnut Hills, Mt. Auburn, Queensgate, Corryville, West End). CEC provides grants to non-profits, loans to for-profit organizations and tax incentives to businesses. To obtain grants, an organization should respond to CEC's request for proposal (RFP) during the open RFP period.
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What is an Empowerment Zone?
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The Federal Empowerment Zone program was designed to revitalize urban and rural communities with the investment of federal dollars and tax incentives. By providing grants, loans, tax incentives, and other resources Empowerment Zones have successfully attracted businesses, building jobs, improving property values, and injecting energy into depressed areas.
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Where are the nine zone neighborhoods?
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Avondale, Clifton Heights, Corryville, Evanston, Mt. Auburn, Over-the-Rhine, Queensgate, Walnut Hills and the West End.Click Here to view map
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Do I live in the Empowerment Zone?
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Use the EZ HUD Address locater to find out if you are located in the Empowerment Zone.Click Here for the EZ HUD Address locater
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How are the federal dollars used?
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CEC funds projects that will enhance the economic value of the nine empowerment zone neighborhoods and/or the businesses that serve them. CEC provides grants to non-profits, loans to non-profits, and tax incentives to businesses.
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How many projects has the CEC Board approved?
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Since its inception in 1998, the CEC Board has approved over 60
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How many active projects has the Board approved to serve or employ residents?
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Currently, there are over 30 active projects
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How much money has the Board committed for programs?
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Since inception, 17.9 million dollars
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How many business loans has the Board approved?
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From 1998 through October 2003, the Board has approved 20 business loans totaling 2.6 million dollars.
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How do I get funding? What is the process?
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By law the use of HUD Empowerment Zone grant funds must follow the guidelines of the strategic plan. CEC uses the request for proposal (RFP) process. RFP's are published in the classified section of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Post, and Herald. The RFP will explain exactly what the guidelines are and what the proposal needs to include. CEC directors can provide some direction and assistance in completing your proposal. After your proposal is submitted it is forwarded on to the appropriate committee for review and a decision. If the committee approves your proposal it will then go to the Board of Trustees for a final decision.
Click Here get more information or to start the RFP process
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Does the Empowerment Zone provide grants to for-profits?
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If CEC provided grants to for-profits their Federal Grant can be jeopardized. HUD Empowerment Zone grants are to be used for non-profits. However, CEC has established an E-Fund loan program.Click Here to learn more about our for-profit E-Fund Loans
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