When the COVID crisis hit last year and Gov. Mike DeWine shut down the state’s economy, DeWine and state lawmakers were determined to provide businesses that were hurt financially to get some help on their road to recovery. It began with a $150 million grant program signed into law in March, 2021. Now the dollar amount has risen to $310 million thanks to a boost from the new state budget.
The money headed to businesses will come in the form of grants. “Those grants will be based on established loss of revenue and the number of employees,” DeWine said as he signed SB 108 and SB 109, two companion bills providing the first round of funding for businesses.
Applications for the grants, along with terms and requirements are available at BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov.
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The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce supports the program. Holly Allen, the Chamber’s Director of Marketing and Communication, said it will help companies here.
“There are some specific industries that were hit the hardest, not just restaurants, hospitality and lodging. And one of the categories is small businesses that were started during the pandemic,” Allen said.
Companies can receive up to $30,000 depending on the number of employees and their losses.
The grants are being made through the Ohio Department of Development. The process begins with each county receiving $1 million and if all of that money is not claimed by July 31st, the remainder goes to a state pool to be distributed to other companies statewide. Allen is encouraging companies in the Dayton region to make an application if they qualify.
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“You need to make sure you are applying for this money. Don’t miss out on this opportunity because this might be that little piece of funding in Dayton that you need to continue on,” Allen said.
Applications will continue to be accepted at BusinessHelp.Ohio.Gov. until the entire $310 million is allocated.
Here is a list of the applications so far in several counties around the Miami Valley according to the Ohio Development of Department:
Auglaize – 22 applications received requesting $440k
Clark – 46 applications received requesting $1.37M
Greene – 67 applications received requesting $2.3M
Logan – 16 applications received requesting $2.1M
Mercer – 28 applications received requesting $659k
Miami – 51 applications received requesting $3.3M
Montgomery – 309 applications received requesting $8.2M
Preble – 11 applications received requesting $310k
Shelby – 26 applications received requesting $2.6M
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