top of page

Columbiana County
Downtown Building Renovation & Signage Program

Revitalizing downtown Columbiana County by transforming vacant buildings and enhancing business visibility through targeted renovation and signage investment

What is the program?

The program was awarded $220,000 through the Governor’s Office of Appalachia to support downtown revitalization efforts across Columbiana County. These funds have been strategically divided into two complementary initiatives, the Downtown Building Renovation Program and the Downtown Signage Program, to address both structural improvements and business visibility. The program originated from planning efforts led by the Columbiana County Port Authority, which analyzed building vacancies and overall vibrancy across the county’s seven walkable downtown communities to guide targeted investment.

intro-1762872647.jpg

Downtown Building Renovation Program

The Downtown Building Renovation Program, administered by the Columbiana County Port Authority, is designed to revitalize vacant and underutilized commercial properties across the county’s walkable downtown districts, including Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, Leetonia, Lisbon, Salem, and Wellsville. Through targeted financial assistance of up to $50,000 per project, the program supports building rehabilitation, code compliance, and modernization efforts that return properties to productive use. This is a competitive program, with applications evaluated based on project readiness, impact, and alignment with revitalization goals. The program is specifically intended to increase the vibrancy of our walkable downtown communities by activating vacant spaces, supporting new and expanding businesses, and enhancing the overall energy and appeal of downtown districts, while also stimulating business growth, increasing occupancy, creating jobs, and strengthening long-term economic vitality.

Program Goals

  • Reactivate vacant and underutilized buildings

  • Increase downtown business activity and job creation

  • Improve building safety, code compliance, and structural integrity

  • Encourage private investment in downtown cores

  • Enhance long-term economic sustainability in participating communities

Eligible Communities

  • Columbiana

  • East Liverpool

  • East Palestine

  • Leetonia

  • Lisbon

  • Salem

  • Wellsville

Eligible Applicants

  • Commercial property owners

  • Prospective building owners (with site control or pending acquisition)

Examples of Eligible Projects

  • Rehabilitation of vacant commercial buildings

  • Structural improvements and code compliance upgrades

  • Interior and exterior renovations

  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) improvements

  • Façade restoration (as part of a broader renovation project)

Program Requirements

  • Buildings must be currently vacant or significantly underutilized (see definitions)

  • Projects must demonstrate economic impact (job creation, business occupancy, etc.)

  • Applicants must provide a letter of intent from a prospective business to occupy the space or a portion thereof, detailed scope, budget, and timeline

  • All improvements must meet local codes and ordinances

  • At minimum 50% match is required

Apply Now

Downtown Building Renovation Program

We will begin accepting applications on June 1st, 2026. All applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, August 31st, 2026 to either bsmith@ccpa-ohioriver.com or haedanp@ccpa-ohioriver.com.​

Downtown Signage Program

The Downtown Signage Program provides funding to enhance the visibility, branding, and overall aesthetic of businesses within Columbiana County’s walkable downtown districts, including Columbiana, East Liverpool, East Palestine, Leetonia, Lisbon, Salem, and Wellsville. Administered by the Columbiana County Port Authority, the program offers grant support of up to $1,000 per project for high-quality, code-compliant exterior signage, helping businesses attract customers and contribute to a more cohesive and inviting streetscape. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program is specifically intended to increase the vibrancy of our walkable downtown communities by improving storefront visibility, strengthening business presence, and creating a more engaging and active pedestrian environment, while also supporting small business growth and reinforcing community identity across participating downtowns.

Program Goals

  • Improve downtown visibility and wayfinding

  • Support small business growth and customer attraction

  • Enhance the visual character of downtown districts

  • Encourage cohesive and attractive streetscapes

Eligible Communities

  • Columbiana

  • East Liverpool

  • East Palestine

  • Leetonia

  • Lisbon

  • Salem

  • Wellsville

Eligible Applicants

  • Commercial property owners

  • Small business owners located in downtown districts

  • Tenants (with property owner approval)

Examples of Eligible Projects

  • Installation of new exterior business signage

  • Replacement or upgrade of outdated signage

  • Wayfinding or multi-tenant signage (where applicable)

  • All signage must comply with local zoning and design guidelines

Program Requirements

  • Signage must be permanent and externally visible

  • Designs must be approved by the local municipality prior to installation

  • Projects must comply with local zoning, permitting, and design standards

  • Applicants must submit design renderings and cost estimates

  • Applicants much submit a completed commitment letter

  • At minimum 50% match is required

Apply Now

Downtown Signage Program

We will begin accepting applications June 1st, 2026 and will continue accepting applications until funds are exhausted. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. All applications must be submitted to either bsmith@ccpa-ohioriver.com or haedanp@ccpa-ohioriver.com.

Town Center Facade Gallery

Signage applicants are encouraged to reference the Town Center Facade Gallery for design guidance

bottom of page