Ohio businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief grants

COLUMBUS — Applications are open for businesses and venues in the form of grant programs to help Ohio industries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiatives were implemented by Senate Bill 108 and Senate Bill 109, legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly.

 “We have seen our bar and restaurant industry hit very hard by the pandemic, and they’re the backbone of the Valley,” state Rep. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, said in a news release. “That’s why it’s so important for our small businesses to apply for some of this relief during these difficult times to help them get back on their feet.”

Cutrona introduced companion legislation — House Bill 169 — in the Ohio House.

The programs through the bills include the following allocations:

$100 million for the Food and Beverage Establishment Grant;
$20 million for the Entertainment Venue Grant;
$25 million for the Lodging Grant;
$10 million for the New Small Business Relief Grant.

The grant relief programs for Ohio restaurants, entertainment venues and lodging provides grants of $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000 based on the percentage of revenue loss from 2019 compared with 2020. The new small-businesses grant program provides $10,000 grants to new Ohio small businesses established on or after Jan. 1.

Each program will require applicants to have an OH|ID. Businesses that plan to apply can register to get an OH|ID here.

All four programs will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. Program guidelines, terms, conditions and required documentation are available here.  

For more information, email BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov.