Homewood Nation

A grant competition offering up to $100,000 to Homewood business owners and want-to-be business owners is entering its final week.

Friday, Feb. 15, is the deadline for applications in the Small Business Grant Competition sponsored by Urban Innovation21, a Hill District-based public-private partnership.

The competition, first announced in October, will award up to $40,000 to businesses located in the Homewood Innovation Zone, an area bounded roughly by Lang Avenue, Race Street, Brushton Avenue and Hamilton Avenue:

Half of that $40,000 will be reserved for businesses planning to locate in the first floor of Homewood Station, the senior residence being built at Homewood Avenue and Finance Street. The developers, Oxford Development and S&A Homes, plan to complete the building by the end of the year.

The other $20,000 will be for businesses throughout the Zone.

The remaining $60,000 will go to businesses outside the Zone, but in Homewood.

Simply being located in Homewood will not be enough to win one of the grants, which will be awarded in amounts up to $10,000. The Urban Innovation21 website explains that "Applications that show a clear business idea, add value to the community, create new jobs or strengthen the economy of Homewood will be given strong consideration." And that gambling concerns, liquor stores check cashing or pawn shops will will not be considered. Nor will multi-level businesses.

Want to apply? You can complete the application online, or download it, here.

(DISCLOSURES: 1 - I am preparing an application for Luminaria Productions, the corporate parent of Homewood Nation. 2 - On the map of the Homewood Innovation Zone shown in October, Frankstown Avenue was the Zone's northern boundary. I suggested to Bill Generett that the zone include Homewood Avenue up to Race Street.)