CLEVELAND — Applications open Tuesday for four new grant programs offering $155 million in funding to help small and medium-sized businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
"These four new grant programs will help industries that experienced losses over the last year because of the pandemic,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio’s economy is moving forward, and with new grant programs like the ones we are announcing today, we are optimistic that our economy will only continue to grow stronger from here."
The programs will provide funding to businesses that opened in 2020. This includes food and beverage establishments, entertainment venues and lodging venues. The funds were made available by the Ohio General Assembly as part of Senate Bill 108 and Senate Bill 109.
The four grants available are:
- Entertainment Venue Grant—provides $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to theaters, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums and other entertainment venues.
- The Food and Beverage Establishment Grant— provides grants of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other food and drink businesses.
- The Lodging Grant— provides $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000 to hotels, motels and bed and breakfast operations.
- The New Small Business Grant—provides grants of $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020.
“The focus of this funding is primarily on Ohio-owned, small businesses that are important contributors to their local economy and the quality of life for the people who live there,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “The grants will help these businesses buy equipment, hire more employees and make needed updates to their facilities, so they, and the communities they serve, can recover faster.”
To apply, click HERE.
This story is part of The Rebound: Northeast Ohio, News 5's initiative to help people through the financial impact of the coronavirus by offering one place to go for information on everything available to help and how to access it. We're providing resources on:
Getting Back to Work - Learn about the latest job openings, how to file for benefits and succeed in the job market.
Making Ends Meet - Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques.
Managing the Stress - Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress.
Doing What's Right - Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community.
Do you have an idea for a Rebound story? Email us at rebound@wews.com.
