COLUMBUS — Lt. Governor Jon Husted recently reminded Ohio small businesses that the application period for the Small Business Relief Grant is now open. Small businesses with at least one but no more than 25 W-2 employees are eligible for the grant.
“Businesses throughout the state have applied to take advantage of these grants, however, there are still small businesses in certain regions that have not yet reached out,” Husted said. “I encourage eligible companies that haven’t done so already to visit the BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov site and learn more about this great opportunity.”
The Small Business Relief Grant provides a $10,000 grant to small businesses with at least one, but no more than 25, W2 employees. The grant funding will help businesses pay for a variety of expenses, including mortgage or rent payments; utility payments; salaries, wages, or compensation for employees and contractors; business supplies or equipment; and other costs.
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure the grants are spread throughout the state, $500,000 is set aside for businesses in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. When a county’s allocation is depleted, businesses in that county will be eligible to receive grants from the remaining funds in the overall grant program.
“We want to provide grants to at least 50 eligible businesses in each county,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Development Services Agency. “Small businesses are an important part of Ohio’s economy, and we want them to be with us in the years to come.”
The Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund provides $2,500 for those permit holders who haven’t been able to fully use their liquor permit. Businesses with an on-premise consumption permit through the Ohio Department of Commerce will be eligible to receive $2,500 per unique business location. Businesses need to have an active on-premise permit as of close of business Oct. 23, 2020.
Currently, less than half of all eligible liquor establishments in Morrow County have applied for the relief funds. Deadline to apply is Dec. 31.
“We want to see every establishment that serves alcohol take advantage of this $2,500 check,” said Sherry Maxfield, Director of the Department of Commerce. “At this moment, many have not. This money will give them an opportunity to pay their rent, buy important supplies, or take care of other expenses that are foundational to their day-to-day work.”
Small business owners can learn more about the program and apply for assistance at BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov.
