Sharon Grants $95K to Three Local Businesses

Downtown Sharon is getting a serious boost thanks to grants totaling $95,000 awarded to three local businesses committed to building a stronger community. The funding represents the second year of a program that's already invested $245,000 in the area's entrepreneurs.

Allie's Sweet Tooth, CycleLife Studio, and the Sharon Community Development Corporation pitched their growth plans to a selection committee in May and earned the grants through the Sharon Economic Development Fund. Each business demonstrated how their expansion would create lasting positive change in the downtown area.

The money comes from a smart investment made in 2022, when Penn State and the city of Sharon created two endowments totaling $4 million through the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. These funds generate approximately $100,000 each year specifically to support businesses within Sharon's city limits.

Allie Adams and Amy Javens, owners of Allie's Sweet Tooth and CycleLife Studio respectively, won funding based on their proven track record as downtown pillars and their concrete plans for sustainable growth. Both businesses have become community staples that draw residents and visitors alike.

The Sharon Community Development Corporation will use its grant differently, investing in regular business enhancement initiatives across the entire downtown district. Executive Director Angie Urban explained these efforts will help residents discover local shops, connect with merchants, and experience downtown as a vibrant destination worth exploring.

The Ripple Effect

This funding model does something remarkable. It creates a perpetual cycle of support that will continue helping Sharon businesses for generations. The $4 million endowment keeps growing while generating consistent annual grants, meaning today's investment multiplies into tomorrow's opportunities.

The impact extends beyond the three grant recipients. When the Community Development Corporation improves the downtown experience, every shop and restaurant benefits from increased foot traffic and visibility. When established businesses like Allie's Sweet Tooth and CycleLife Studio expand, they create energy that attracts more entrepreneurs to the area.

The Shenango LaunchBox, powered by Penn State, provides free consulting, legal advice, and business training to all applicants. Eight businesses received grants in the first funding round last year, proving the program's commitment to spreading opportunity widely across the community.

City Manager Bob Fiscus praised the creativity and collaboration shown by this year's recipients, noting their success demonstrates that innovation thrives in Sharon. The results show what becomes possible when universities, local government, foundations, and business owners unite around a shared vision for economic growth.

The application window for next year's grants opens again soon through the Shenango LaunchBox website, offering another $100,000 in funding to businesses ready to grow alongside their community.