Building owners may choose to participate in the downtown Facade Enhancement Program where the City will reimburse an owner for 50% of qualified expenses incurred in restoring or improving the front façade or roof of their building, up to a maximum match of $10,000. The process is relatively simple and requires the approval of the Architectural Board of Review (ABR).  Approval must take place prior to beginning the project to be eligible for the funds, which are available on a first come first serve basis.

The Façade Enhancement Program, funded by the City of Tiffin, will potentially continue annually with the approval of the City budget.  If you are interested in additional information about the program, please go to tiffinohio.gov/ABR.  It will link you to a step-by-step guide to the process.  

Please note that the ABR must approve any exterior work being done within the Historic District, including signage, even if the owner is not applying for a Façade Enhancement Grant.

The CRA Program provides real property tax exemptions for new construction and building rehabilitation in designated reinvestment zones. Several locations within the City of Tiffin are eligible.

Property owners may qualify for up to a 100 percent tax abatement on the increased value of improvements for up to 15 years.

This program remains one of the most effective redevelopment tools for attracting and retaining investment in Downtown Tiffin.

Downtown Tiffin has a unique collection of historic buildings, which is a rare find and we are working to preserve those buildings. We are fortunate to be listed on the National Register with two different historic districts, which provides an opportunity for building owners with one of the districts, to apply for both state and federal tax credits for building renovations.

The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides a tax credit in order to leverage the private redevelopment of historic buildings. The program is highly competitive and provides a tax credit up to 35% on qualified rehabilitation. Once the state tax credit is approved, the owner becomes eligible for a 20% federal tax credit.

Tiffin is a designated PACE community, offering long-term, fixed-rate financing for energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades to commercial and industrial buildings.

A private lender funds the improvements upfront, and repayment occurs through a special assessment on the property tax bill. Eligible upgrades include HVAC systems, solar panels, insulation, roofing, and energy-efficient windows.

The program is administered in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council and is available to qualifying properties within Tiffin city limits.

The Seneca County RLF provides flexible, low-interest financing to small businesses for startup costs, equipment purchases, or building improvements.

This locally managed program often fills financing gaps and complements bank loans or private investment. Loan terms depend on the project’s scope and financial need. Applicants must complete a brief intake and review process.

TIF helps fund public infrastructure improvements tied to new development. When property values rise, the resulting tax revenue (the increment) can be reinvested in streets, sidewalks, and utilities that support the development site.

Agreements are structured in collaboration with local governments to meet specific project needs, enabling growth without raising taxes.

The Tiffin New Jobs Program provides a local tax credit of up to 50% on new income tax generated by newly created jobs, for up to five years. Download the Application (PDF).

We partner with local lenders, credit unions, and support organizations to help entrepreneurs access funding and resources.

Whether you’re applying for an SBA-backed loan, looking for a banking partner, or seeking early-stage advice, we can connect you to the right place.

In particular, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a valuable resource that provides no-cost business counseling, startup guidance, and support services for new and growing businesses in Downtown Tiffin and across Ohio.