Coronavirus: REOPEN Downtown Dayton grant program looking to help struggling businesses

DAYTON — The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Dayton Partnership have partnered to launch REOPEN Downtown Dayton, a grant program designed to provide immediate relief to downtown businesses harmed by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of the businesses in the core of our region have been forced to close their doors to customers as we take the steps necessary to combat the COVID-19 health crisis. It’s vital that we do what we can to help them reopen responsibly and bring vibrancy back to our city. That’s what this grant program aims to do,” said Chris Kershner, executive vice president, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Downtown’s $1.55 billion revitalization is thanks, in part, to the success of our community of small businesses,” said Sandra Gudorf, Downtown Dayton Partnership president.

“Our service industry businesses alone represent thousands of jobs, not to mention the fact that having such a unique collection of locally owned businesses makes downtown Dayton a desirable place to live and work. These small businesses are crucial to the long-term success of our city,” she said.

The grant program will award $2,000 to $10,000 to downtown Dayton businesses as a form of gap funding. The awards are intended to help businesses keep their doors open and lights on until their revenue sources recover.

The CareSource Foundation kick-started the REOPEN Downtown Dayton Grant program this week with a $500,000 donation. The Downtown Dayton Partnership has also contributed $200,000 to the fund.

CareSource’s corporate headquarters is in the heart of downtown, and the health care company reinforced its dedication to the area in 2019 with the opening of its second downtown office building, the Pamela Morris Center. The company also has employees working in three additional downtown buildings.

“Dayton is CareSource’s hometown and it’s difficult to see our local businesses hurting right now. Many of our members are employed in the service industry and we see this investment in the community as an extension of our mission to provide a safety net for our members and for those in need,” said Erhardt Preitauer, CareSource president and CEO.

Preitauer said he intends to extend a challenge to CareSource leadership to further support the REOPEN Downtown Dayton effort. He also encourages other companies in a position to donate to do so.

“Dayton is an ecosystem and we need to work together to help businesses get back on their feet,” Preitauer said. “Dayton has always been there for CareSource, and as we grow we will continue to be there for Dayton.”

The application for the REOPEN Downtown Dayton Grant program is simple and streamlined. The turnaround on requests and approvals will be quick, with a goal of awarding and distributing funds within a few weeks.

“Our goal is to put cash in the hands of our local business owners to get them to the other side of this crisis. We’re talking about our neighbors – the people who provide a unique flavor to our local economy. We’re honored to do what we can to help them get through,” Kershner said.

Applications can be submitted at ReOpenDayton.com starting today (May 14). The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. EDT, May 22.

A panel of Dayton area business leaders will consider grant applications. The number of grants awarded will be based on the number of applications received. Award decisions will be made based on the merit of the applicant. This is not a first come, first served grant process.

REOPEN Dayton is looking for additional funders. If you’d like to contribute, visit ReopenDayton.com or contact the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

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