State OKs $419.5M in Virus Relief Funds; $162.5M for Businesses

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state Controlling Board has approved a coronavirus relief package of $419.5 million, including $125 million for small-business grants.

The grants are available to businesses with up to 25 employees. Funds can be used to pay for rent, utilities, payroll, business supplies and equipment and other costs. 

The applications for all grants funded by the package will be available starting Nov. 2 at BusinessHelp.Ohio.gov.

“This is an incredibly trying time for small businesses. Many of them are struggling to keep the doors open and the lights on, and we need to help them get through this difficult time,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in a statement. “I know from my discussions with small businesses around the state that the package we are announcing today will absolutely save businesses and jobs.”

Relief is also available for Ohio’s bars and restaurants, with $37.5 million provided to the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund. Businesses with an on-site consumption permit as of Oct. 23 are eligible for $2,500 per location.

In addition, $50 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund will be allocated to 47 Community Action Agencies across Ohio to provide rent, mortgage, water and/or sewer assistance, helping residents pay outstanding balances dating back to April 1. The program is available to Ohioans with annual household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. Participating agencies are listed HERE.

The package also includes $62 million for rural and critical access hospitals, $100 million for the state’s colleges and universities, $25 million for nonprofits and $20 million for arts organizations.

To date, Ohio has distributed $2.1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds to support local governments, childcare organizations, distribution of protective equipment, improving broadband access and other “critical areas in need of financial assistance.”

““This package includes funding for small businesses, restaurants and bars, hospitals, higher education, arts, nonprofits, and Ohio families, all of whom have been financially impacted by COVID-19,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “The rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer assistance is essential assistance that will help Ohioans stay in their homes and pay off outstanding bills accrued throughout the pandemic.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.