Business
KeyBank Foundation Supports EMMA and Beechwood Businesses with $300,000 Investment in Connected Communities
CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / April 8, 2026 / The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in Connected Communities to support small businesses and commercial property owners located in the EMMA and Beechwood neighborhoods through its Small Business ...
About this update from Keycorp
[{"type":"text","content":"CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / April 8, 2026 / The KeyBank Foundation is investing $300,000 in Connected Communities to support small businesses and commercial property owners located in the EMMA and Beechwood neighborhoods through its Small Business Fund.","length":259,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Supporting small businesses through targeted investment","length":55,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The Small Business Fund, a new project within Connected Communities' Economic Empowerment pillar, provides grants to support capital improvements, including façade upgrades, lighting, signage, interior repairs, accessibility enhancements, and safety improvements-immediately enhancing the appearance, functionality, and walkability of the corridors. Grants will range from $2,500 - $10,000. Participating businesses will engage in peer support through Founder's Tables at the Connect Lab, along with connections to additional funding opportunities and business resources.","length":579,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"This neighborhood corridor approach helps drive improvements that lead to measurable business stability, increased customer activity, and stronger commercial presence for locally owned enterprises.","length":197,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Building economic momentum in EMMA and Beechwood","length":48,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Local small businesses create jobs, energize neighborhoods, and keep commercial corridors active," said Vince Lecce, KeyBank Rochester Market President. "This investment pairs targeted capital improvements with hands-on guidance so entrepreneurs can strengthen operations, attract more customers, and remain rooted in EMMA and Beechwood. It's an approach designed to build business stability today and economic momentum for the community tomorrow."","length":473,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"At the community level, the fund will help reduce vacancies, activate storefronts, and improve safety and visibility along key blocks. By investing directly in existing businesses-and pairing that investment with practical guidance, partner support and warm handoffs-the project builds a self-sustaining network of entrepreneurs who can grow, collaborate, and remain rooted in place. This work helps lay the foundation for lo...