The Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District created the SEED Business Grant to help businesses with operating equipment, interior enhancements, selected improvements, and professional services. The program provides funding of up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The Grant assists those business owners to promote reinvestment, strengthen Fort Wayne’s commercial activity, and enhance economic vitality in the SEED District.

Program Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Job Creation
• The proposed project’s ability to transform business activities.
• The impact the proposed improvements will have on the corridor.
• The long-term durability and sustainability of the improvements and businesses

Program Guidelines

• The Grant Program provides up to $5,000 per calendar year eligible as reimbursement or direct vendor pay to eligible SEED District Businesses.
• Each building on a parcel and each business in a multi-tenant commercial building is permitted to qualify as a separate project and apply for an individual Grant. Multiple applicants in one building or parcel of land do not have to apply as one entity.
• A business can receive one award per 12-month calendar year. Businesses are limited to $5,000 per business over a period of five (5) years.

Eligible Projects and Businesses

• Businesses must be domiciled within the 7 square miles of the Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District (See online map-https://www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org/seed-map).
• Mobile businesses are not eligible for the SEED Business Grant unless they can prove that more than 50% of their revenue is derived from SEED District Business Activities and that they are domiciled in the SEED District.
• Businesses must have commercial activity as their primary purpose such as retail and specialty stores, services, restaurants, cultural venues, professional offices, and manufacturing business/industrial use.
• Mixed-use buildings are eligible if the ground floor is predominately used for commercial activity. Properties used primarily for residential purposes, including assisted living centers, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.
• Businesses operating in the Fort Wayne Urban Enterprise Center are eligible for the SEED Business Grant. Tenants must be current on their rent. This grant is not eligible for rental payments or payroll expenses.
• Businesses that operate virtually must be domiciled in the SEED District.
• Not-for-profits are eligible as long as they include commercial uses and services.

Submission Guidelines, Approval, and Timeline

All projects receiving a financial award must comply with the SEED Business Grant Guidelines.

Review grant guidelines for eligibility - Guidelines 

Submit an Application - Application

Application to SEED Business Grant does not guarantee approval for funding. 

The Director of Community Development reserves the right to make changes/exceptions as needed.”

For all SEED Business Grant-related inquiries, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. subject line SEED Business Grant. NO walk-ins or paper applications will be accepted.