Today Governor DeWine, along with Speaker Bob Cupp, Senate President Larry Obhof and select members of the General Assembly, announced the establishment of the Ohio Small Business Assistance Program. The initiative, which is funded by a portion of CARES Act dollars, will provide grants up to $10,000 to businesses who have been adversely impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Approximately $125 million will go to small businesses in need with 25 employees or less. Eligible expenses under the program include costs relating to the purchase of PPE and sanitizing products, payment of wages, retrofitting business/office space for social distancing, rent and mortgage payments, and utility bills.
In addition, the administration also announced the establishment of the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund. This program will dedicate $37.5 million for liquor permit rebates in the form of a $2500 check per permit holder. A full list of eligible permit holders can be found here.
These two programs are part of a larger $429 million package announced by the Governor, which also includes funding for non-profits, rural hospitals and higher education. The funding is subject to final approval by the Ohio Controlling Board.
Businesses interested in finding out more about these programs can visit businesshelp.ohio.gov. The application process opens November 2, 2020. For questions, please contact Alex Boehnke at AlexB@ohioretailmerchants.com.
