Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation’s (CEC) vision is to develop and strengthen local businesses through stimulating minority business ownerships, inducing growth of micro-enterprises, revitalizing neighborhood business districts, facilitating cooperative and employee-owned businesses and assisting in acquisition and redevelopment of business locations within the zone. CEC envisions a vibrant and self-sustaining “community of unity” in which well-educated children and families can develop and mobilize their potential and secure their future by building personal and community wealth.

CEC funds non-profit venture-only projects that could enhance the economic development of the neighborhoods and/or the businesses serving the nine zone neighborhoods.

The Empowerment Zone (EZ) enjoys various incentives and tax reductions for businesses located in these designated neighborhoods. Employers can substantially reduce their tax burden by employing EZ residents.

The Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation is:

> Increasing communication between various entities to foster developmental opportunities to underserved areas.

> Building upon existing funding opportunities to help generate additional monies for EZ residents and businesses.

> Creating a positive social psychological transformation of residents traditionally neglected to foster self-sufficiency and strengthen values.

With the help of our wonderful sponsors, we were able to give away many remarkable door prizes.

CEC, is bringing the community and businesses together for a common purpose.

Y. Laketa Cole Council Woman

Frank Tocci explains the $130 Million in Empowerment Zone Tax Exempt Bonds

The CEO and staff, would like to thank Milton Dohoney Jr., City Manager, Y. Laketa Cole, Council Woman, stakeholder groups, Board of Directors, and our business and residential community for coming out and participating in this event which was held on September 25, 2007. We would also like to thank our Co-Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank for their sponsorship, and their remarkable door prizes. Key Note Speaker, Mr. Francesco Tocci, Executive Director of the Boston Industrial Financing Authority

talked about the $130 Million in Empowerment Zone Tax Exempt Bonds and Tax Incentives designed to encourage businesses and developers to invest in the following communities and developable sites: Avondale, Clifton Heights, Corryville, Evanston, Mt. Auburn, Over-The-Rhine, Queensgate, Walnut Hills, West End, IAMS-Swifton Commons-Vine Street Dump and vicinity, Blue Ash Airport Development Site and the Conrail Site.

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

THE RELAUNCH OF THE E-FUND LOAN

The Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation E-Fund Loan Program is focused on providing access to capital for qualified for-profit businesses in Cincinnati’s qualified empowerment zone communities. Loans from this fund will be made to new and existing businesses within the defined Empowerment Zone neighborhoods. These communities consist of the following nine neighborhoods: Avondale, Clifton / University / Fairview Heights, Corryville, Evanston, Mt. Auburn, Over-The-Rhine, Queensgate, Walnut Hills, West End.

Financing available for:

A new businsess in operation for less than or equal to twenty-four (24) months may apply for financing up to $150,000. An existing business in operations for more than twenty-four (24) months may apply for financing up to $250,000.

E-Fund Check List

Here is a list of additional information you will need to provide.

CEC RESULTS 1998-2007

JOBS(created & retained) directly or indirectly from CEC = 4,522 EZ residents

Business Assisted = 447

Organizations supported = 181

Training (job, career, professional development, and neighborhood leadership) = 2,934 EZ residents

Homeownership Assistance = 33 families

Homeless Assisted = 722

Non-Profits Assisted = 75

EZ Children's Health&Culture Development = 18,571

EZ Youth Job&Leadership Education and Development = 5,839

Collaborations = 100

EZ Youth Served = 61,000

EZ Residents Served = 63,415

Areas of Focus

Civic Infrastructure

Economic & Workforce Development

Housing & Neighborhood Environment

Individual & Family Well Being

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Avondale - Patricia Milton/President - Meeting 3rd Tue. @ 6:30pm / Avondale Community Pride Ctr. 3520 Burnet Ave.

CUF - Robert Neel, MD./President - Meeting 3rd Tue. @ 7:30pm / Deaconess Hospital 311 Straight Street Ave.

Corryville - Clyde Nowlin/President - Meeting 2nd Tue. @ 6:00pm / Corryville Recreation Ctr. 2823 Eden Ave.

Evanston - Sharon Muyaya/President - Meeting 3rd Thur. @ 7:30pm / Evanston Community Ctr. 3204 Woodburn Ave.

Mt. Auburn - C. Freeman McNeal/President - Meeting 3rd Mon. @ 7:00pm / Senior Citizens Building 2010 Auburn Ave.

Over-The-Rhine - Walter Reinhaus/President - Meeting Last Mon. @ 5:00pm / OTR Community Ctr. 1715 Republic St.

Walnut Hills - Dan Goepper/President - Meeting 2nd Thur. @ 7:00pm / Douglass School 2627 Park Ave.

West End - Shirley Colbert/President - Meeting 3rd Tue. @ 7:00pm / Lincoln Recreation Ctr. 1027 Linn St.

Queensgate - Business District

HELPFUL LINKS

CITY LINKS:

CITYGUIDE.AOL.COM/CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI-OH.GOV

513-352-3250

BUSINESS LINKS:

EMPOWERCINCY.ORG

513-487-5200

HCDC.COM

513-631-8292

SBA.GOV

513-684-2814

COMMUNITY LINKS:

CINCINNATIHOME.ORG

513-961-2800

CINCINNATI.COM