What is the Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative?

The Lincoln & Gilbert Initiative is part of a $2.5 million dollar fund designed to help double the number of Black (MBE) employer firms in Cincinnati to 1,000+ in 5 years. The initiative is named for the Lincoln & Gilbert intersection of Walnut Hills, the site of the neighborhood’s historic, bustling Black Business District of the 1840s.

You can apply for a grant based on your business revenue. These grants are open to MBEs and individuals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or that predominately serve businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. The first round of grants opens for applications in May 2022. Second and Third rounds will be in June and July 2022.

In addition to grant funds, all grant recipients will be required to work with a Lincoln and Gilbert Collaborative Partner Organization to discuss and receive Technical Assistance support.

Grants are open to small, medium, and large MBE’s based on revenue. There are three applicant tiers:

• $10,000 to $75,000 in revenue ($2,500 grant) 
• $75,000 to $250,000 in revenue, ($5,000 grant) or
• $250,000 TO $1.5 million in revenue ($15,000 grant)

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can apply for one grant tier only. You cannot apply multiple businesses or for multiple tiers.

How much is the grant award?

There are 3 award grant tiers: $2,500, $5,000, and $15,000. Each level has business revenue minimums. To be eligible for any of the grant offerings your MBE must have generated at least the minimum revenue in 2021 for the tier you are applying for this period. BONUS: The $5,000 grant applicants with revenues of $100,000 or more, will be eligible for an additional $5,000.

Can Non-profits apply?

Unfortunately, at this time the Lincoln & Gilbert Grants are for For-Profit businesses only.

Does my Business have to be located within the City of Cincinnati Corporate limits?

Yes, at this time the funding for the Lincoln and Gilbert Initiative requires that all businesses receiving Grants are limited to the City of Cincinnati Corporate limits. Businesses located in other municipalities like Blue Ash, Springdale, Norwood, Silverton, etc… are not eligible for relief Grant Funds at this time. 

How Can I apply?

You can fill out the application here.   

When does the application process start?

There are three rounds of application submissions.

• The first application period opens May 10th at 12:00 noon. 
• The second application period opens June 8th at 12:00 noon.
• The third application period opens July 13th at 12:00 noon.

What is the submission deadline?

• The deadline for the first application portal is May 21st at 11:59 PM. 
• The deadline for the second application portal is June 18th at 11:59 PM. 
• The deadline for the third application portal is July 30th at 11:59 PM. 

Who is administering the grants?

The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio, The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Cincinnati Chamber USA Minority Business Accelerator will cooperatively lead Lincoln & Gilbert. It will do so by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of these economic development organizations: the Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI), MORTAR and Lightship Foundation.

How many grants are available?

There is a limited number of grants per application period for each of the tiers. The number of available grants will be listed on the application portal. It will also show a running total of grants that are available at the time of your submission. Once the limit has been reached that application tier will close. 

What can grant funds not be used for?

Funds are not restricted, but should be used for the purpose you listed on the grant application.

Can I apply for multiple grant tiers Lincoln & Gilbert Grant funds?

No, if you submit multiple applications, you will be ineligible for any grant offerings for that application period. If you are selected to receive a Lincoln & Gilbert Grant you are NOT eligible for any future grant offerings.

This includes your ownership in multiple businesses. You may not apply for multiple applications under different business names.

How will funding requests/applications be evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated for completeness, accuracy of financial data, and explanation of need.

What should applicants do if they have questions about the grant process?

We ask that you email us at grants@gcmination.org. We will respond to your questions within 2 business days.

What is the application process?

All Applicants must complete their application and submit the required documentation via the submittable platform. Once the Application deadline has expired, all applications will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. If the L&G grant team has any additional questions they will communicate through the Submittable portal. It will be important to check your Submittable portal weekly. The system should send you a notification of any communication to the email address you used when signing up.

All decisions will be communicated through the portal.

How long before a decision on the grant application? 

The process will take up to 3-4 weeks before a decision is communicated. If selected it will be an additional 2-3 weeks before checks are issued. Your response to additional information will also dictate the timeline. 

What happens if I am declined?

You will receive an email communication about your status. You are eligible to reapply for future grant offerings but please review eligibility and required documents to help ensure your submission of the best application for your business.

Can I still receive Technical Assistance support through the Lincoln and Gilbert initiative if I am not eligible for the Lincoln and Gilbert Relief Grants?

Yes, you are still eligible to receive Technical Assistance Support through the Lincoln and Gilbert initiative just complete the request for support form and someone will get in touch with you within 3-5 business days.  

How will I receive the Grant Award?

A check will be issued to the name of the business. It will be issued to the name of the business listed on the W-9 that is completed. We will provide an option to allow participants to pick up their check from a specified location. 

What happens if I am accepted?

If selected, you will be required to complete a Technical Assistance Survey. This must be completed before a grant agreement is sent to you for your signature. You will be required to sign a grant agreement via DocuSign. Once this is completed your grant award will be processed for payment. 

Is Technical Assistance Required for all Accepted Grant Awardees?

Technical Assistance is required by ALL Lincoln and Gilbert Grant Award Recipients. The initial Assessment is required and some level of utilization of the supportive services is required. The Technical Assistance support is the areas but not limited to the following: Accounting, Financial Management Systems, Legal, Marketing, Branding, IT Solutions, Social Media Support, Business Model Evaluation, and more.