Through funding received from the Federal CARES Act, Governor DeWine has created two new programs to help businesses harmed by the COVID-19 crisis.

Small Business Relief Grant: –

Eligible small businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible businesses are for-profit entities with no more than 25 Ohio employees. They must also have a physical location in Ohio and earn at least 90% of annual revenue based on activities performed in and taxable to Ohio. Grant funds can be used to reimburse businesses for expenses such as personal protective equipment, mortgage or rent payments, utility payments and employee compensation.

Applications are approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Of the total $125 million designated for this program, $44 million has been set aside to ensure that at least 50 businesses will be funded in each county. When a county’s allocation is depleted, grants will be awarded from the remaining funds on a first-come, first served basis regardless of the business location in Ohio.

Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund: –

On-premise liquor permit holders can apply for a $2,500 assistance payment per business location to help them through financial difficulties experienced by not being able to fully use their liquor permit during the COVID-19 crisis. Active permit holders that qualify for assistance include bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries and casinos. Funds are to be used on COVID related expenses due to business interruptions caused by the pandemic.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control has indicated that more than 15,000 permit holders will qualify for the $37.5 million assistance available. Applications will be accepted through December 30, 2020 and require the business FEIN, liquor permit number and address for each unique business location.

How to Apply: –

Applications will be available online for both programs starting on November 2, 2020 at https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/small-business-relief-grant.html.

If you have any questions on the relief programs or on the application process please reach out to us.