On Friday October 23, 2020, Ohio Governor DeWine announced the creation of the Small Business Relief Grant and the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund programs. The programs are designed to provide relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. Businesses can use the grants to pay for various expenses including mortgages, rent, utilities, salaries, health care premiums, business supplies and other related operational costs. Grants will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Timing is critical!
The Small Business Relief Grant Details
The program, which will begin accepting applications on November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. The Agency is establishing an online application for the program and businesses applying for funding will be required to establish a registration ID with the state of Ohio. You can establish your registration ID here.
Each business that meets the criteria and submits a complete application will be eligible for a grant of $10,000. The business must be a for-profit entity with no more than 25 total or full-time equivalent Ohio employees as of Jan. 1, 2020. The business 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.
The business must have been in continuous operation since Jan. 1, 2020, except for interruptions required by COVID-19 public health orders, and have the ability to continue operations as a going concern.
Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund
The program, which will begin accepting applications on November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. The Agency is establishing an online application for the program and businesses applying for funding will be required to establish a registration ID with the state of Ohio. You can establish your registration ID here.
Each business that meets the criteria and submits a complete application will be eligible for a grant of $2,500 per unique business location.
The business must hold an on-premise liquor permit. These permit holders need to have had an active on-premise permit as of close-of-business October 23, 2020. The business does not have to be currently open but must have an active liquor license. You can check the status of your liquor permit here. If it’s active, it will be listed as “issued.”
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions. We can be reached at (513) 455-8200.