Chillicothe Coffee Shop Grant
As two Chillicothe coffee shops secure $18,750 grants each for expansion, a regional economic initiative aims to brew stronger communities. Rost Coffee Company and Paper City Coffee received funding from Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth (FBP) and the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO). The grants highlight the grant impact on business growth, with both shops planning to scale operations amid rising local demand. Since 2011, FBP has awarded over $5.5 million in similar grants to enhance Southern Ohio’s economy. Paper City Coffee’s family-driven ownership, led by married couples Lance and Mackenna Harper and Cade and Madisen Harper, celebrated their first anniversary of acquiring the business on May 4 while prioritizing mentorship programs for local teens. Global coffee culture continues to shape community spaces and interactions, reflecting the evolving demand for coffee experiences.
Chillicothe’s Rost Coffee and Paper City Coffee each secured $18,750 grants from FBP and JEDISO to expand operations, part of $5.5M+ invested in Southern Ohio since 2011.
Rost Coffee will use its funds to hire more staff and expand into an adjacent property for catering and events. Paper City Coffee plans to buy a commercial roaster to roast and distribute beans, shifting part of its focus to wholesale.
Both businesses aim to meet community needs—Rost through event spaces and Paper City through mentorship programs for teens. Rost’s role as a downtown cornerstone has made it integral to Chillicothe’s revitalized Fort Collective area, which has driven foot traffic and business synergy. Their expansions align with FBP’s goal of creating jobs and diversifying the region’s economy beyond industries like manufacturing.
The grants are part of FBP and JEDISO’s effort to strengthen Jackson, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties by supporting small businesses. FBP President Greg Wilkett emphasized their commitment to funding ventures where employees live and work. Local leaders hope the growth of shops like Rost and Paper City will inspire other businesses, though not all have found equal success.
While these two coffee shops thrive, some competitors face challenges securing similar grants. The competitive process favors established businesses with clear growth plans, leaving newer or smaller ones struggling. Limited funds mean many applicants miss out, reflecting broader economic hurdles in rural areas.
Beyond business gains, both shops act as community hubs. Rost’s event space could host local gatherings, while Paper City’s teen programs foster skills and engagement.
Their expansions may create jobs and meet demand for catering, specialty coffee, and event rentals. For now, the grants offer a surge of momentum in Chillicothe, proving targeted investments can stir both economic activity and community ties—even as others wait for their turn to cultivate success.
