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Workforce and Small Business Development
The Workforce and Small Business Development Department's mission is to meet the needs of workforce and small business development in the City of Lima. We design, implement, and manage multifaceted small business and workforce development projects and programs to meet those needs and overcome barriers.
Our Vision
The City of Lima will be the regional hub for commerce in Allen County, known as the city of quality workers where household income exceeds the state average, creating a robust and diverse epicenter of business.
Our Values
- Inclusive - All residents and local businesses have the same opportunities to participate in the development and ownership of our thriving local economy. Conscious efforts will be made to include under represented individuals and groups.
- Efficient - Deliver simplified processes for creating and doing business in the City of Lima.
- Collaborative - Economic development activities will support mutual county goals which include; job creation, increase population and expansion of manufacturing in the area.
- Committed - Dedicated to providing support and resources for economic stability and vitality.
- Forward Thinking - Looking towards innovation and trends as we envision the Lima of tomorrow.
Funding Sources
The Historically Disadvantaged Microenterprise Loan Program offers small, for-profit businesses forgivable financing. This program serves minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned businesses operating in the city of Lima. Businesses may apply for this one-year, forgivable loan, at an interest rate of zero percent, for up to $5,000 in funding.
Please email the completed the application form to Amber Martin at amber.martin@cityhall.lima.oh.us.
Eligibilty*
- The business must have five (5) or fewer employees.
- At least one owner must have total household income below 80% of the median income.
- The business must be within the city limits of Lima.
- Business must be for-profit.
- Business must have been in operation for at least six months and have made at least ten thousand dollars in revenue.
*Additional eligibility details on application and borrower must pass underwriting.
| Size of Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Income at 80% of Median | $41,550 | $47,450 | $53,400 | $59,300 | $64,050 | $68,800 | $73,550 |
The Small Business Revolving Loan Program is a loan for micro businesses operating in the city of Lima. For-profit businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in funding. The loan can be used for equipment, inventory, necessary fixed assets, and business improvements.
Eligibilty*
- The business must have five (5) or fewer employees.
- The applicant must be the business owner and over the age of 18.
- The business must be within the city limits of Lima.
- Business must be for-profit.
*Additional eligibility details on application and borrower must pass underwriting.
The Neighborhood Business Facade Loan is a matching loan aimed to improve the exterior or curb appeal of business properties in Lima. This is a competitive loan with priority given to areas of blight, high traffic, and group projects. The dollar-for-dollar matching loan provides funds up to $5,000.
Eligibilty*
- The applicant must be the property owner and over the age of 18.
- The building must be within the city limits of Lima, and have a street facing entrance.
- Businesses can be for-profit or non-profit.
- The applicant must have matching funds of no less than 50% of the amount requested in the application.
*Additional eligibility details on application and borrower must pass underwriting.
The Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant offers up to $5,000 on a first-come-first-serve basis to businesses that have suffered a loss of at least $5,000 or more during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please email the completed the application form to Amber Martin at amber.martin@cityhall.lima.oh.us.
Eligibilty*
- The business must have five (5) or fewer employees.
- At least one (1) employee must have a total household income below 80% of the median income.
- The business must be within the city limits of Lima.
*Additional eligibility details on application and borrower must pass underwriting.
| Size of Household | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Income at 80% of Median | $41,550 | $47,450 | $53,400 | $59,300 | $64,050 | $68,800 | $73,550 |