Grant approved by City Commission to be used for small business growth

DAYTON — The City of Dayton announced the newest investment of Dayton Recovery Plan funds after the City Commission approved a grant Wednesday.

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An investment of at least $82,000 was awarded to JM Enterprise for the Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar through the Dayton Recovery Plan’s Supporting Black and Business Initiative, according to a city spokesperson.

Third Perk will use the funds to expand operations and offerings at its existing location on E Third Street in Downtown Dayton and it is also developing a new concept, Soul Food Carryout, at the 3900 block of W Third Street which is expected to open in July.

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“We are recovering from 2022, which was our most challenging year in business for a number of reasons, and it took us a while to snap back,” said Juanita-Michelle Darden, owner of Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar. “This grant from the Dayton Recovery Plan is helping us spring forward and bloom. This opportunity allows us to focus on both our original location and our new endeavor with Soul Food Carryout led by Chef Mark Brown. We plan to be the sweetest corner in downtown Dayton!”

Grant funds will be used to build a commercial kitchen, landscaping, new interior and exterior seating, and accessories for both locations, the city announced.

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