Millions of dollars in COVID recovery grants still available for Ohio small businesses

COLUMBUS — Small business sectors hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic are still able to apply for a portion of millions of dollars still available in state recovery grants, according to the Ohio Department of Development.

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The grants are broken down into four business categories: food and beverages establishments, lodging, entertainment venues, and newly established small business, a spokesperson for the department said in a media release Tuesday.

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“These funds were prioritized to help small businesses rebound from the pandemic and can be used to modernize equipment, hire more employees and make needed upgrades to their facilities, so they can continue to be competitive, create jobs and serve their communities,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted said in the release.

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Businesses that fall in the food and beverage, lodging, or entertainment venues can receive a grant up to $30,000, depending on the loss of revenue the business sustained in 2020, the spokesperson said.

The grant for newly-established small businesses a $10,000 grant for businesses that opened between during the 2020 calendar year.

Millions of dollars remain available in each category including over $120 million for food and beverage establishments, over $36 million for lodging businesses, $26 million for entertainment venues, and over $12 million in the newly-established business category.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the Ohio economy, and these grants can make a critical difference to businesses that saw their revenue drop in 2020,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

“Ohioans rely on these businesses every day, and the businesses can rely on us to help them rebound.”

Small business owners looking to apply are encouraged to go to InvestingInOhiosFuture.Ohio.gov for details on how to apply for more details.

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