Millions in COVID grants still available

The Ohio Department of Development this week issued a reminder that millions of dollars in grants are still available to help entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels and new small businesses hurt by the pandemic.

$200 million is available, $120 million of which is set aside for restaurant and beverage facilities. New small businesses can apply for $10,000 grants while the other grants are for $10,000, $20,000 or $30,000. The size of the grants are determined by the amount of lost revenue by businesses during 2020.

The grants are for:

• Personal protective equipment to protect employees, customers, or clients from COVID-19.
• Measures taken to protect employees, customers or clients from COVID-19.
• Utility payments.
• Mortgage or rent payments for business premises (personal residences explicitly excluded).
• Salaries, wages, or compensation paid to contractors or employees, including an employer’s share of health insurance costs.
• Business supplies or equipment.

For more information and to learn how to apply, visit businesshelp.ohio.gov.