finance
Dayton Small Businesses Confront Headwinds This Year
Operators such as the Stop-n-Save grocery on Third Street continue operations while city and chamber programs supply targeted assistance.
How we reported this
Stop-n-Save, the grocery store on Third Street co-owned by Joe Abboud and his father, has remained open since 1997 while appearing in the current Downtown Dayton.org business spotlight series.
Small business owners across Dayton face sustained pressures this year that test daily operations and expansion plans. National supply and cost conditions combine with local competition to create headwinds even for established spots. The Dayton Area Business Journal and Downtown Dayton.org continue their Small Business Spotlight and OPEN* Business Spotlight segments to draw attention to these operators.
City loan programs provide concrete support
The City of Dayton channels resources through the $7 million First Floor Fund, which has approved 29 loans and activated 100,000 square feet of space. A separate $1.5 million Resiliency Fund delivered loans to 140 Black- and Brown-owned businesses by 2024. These programs target first-floor commercial activation and operational stability for businesses that include long-running stores like Stop-n-Save and newer additions such as Val’s Bakery, which recently opened a third location, and a new Filipino eatery.
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce reports that more than 85 percent of its members qualify as small businesses and participates in Small Business Saturday as a Community Supporter. Spotlight coverage has also featured Now & Zen DIY Studio and Heart Mercantile, showing the range of retail and service operators that rely on foot traffic in downtown corridors.
Next steps for local operators
Businesses seeking assistance can review eligibility details for the First Floor Fund and Resiliency Fund through city channels or contact the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Saturday planning resources. Continued spotlight features on platforms such as Downtown Dayton.org offer additional visibility options without requiring new capital outlays.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.