Governor DeWine Announces CARES Act Funding to Support Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Ohioans Impacted by COVID-19

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)?Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted today announced that the administration, in partnership with the General Assembly, is developing a package of more than $419.5 million CARES Act funding to help Ohioans. This package includes funding for small businesses, restaurants and bars, hospitals, higher education, arts, nonprofits, and low-income Ohioans impacted financially by the pandemic.

?We know that Ohioans are hurting, and the needs are great. We must do what we can to help them through this crisis,? said Governor DeWine. ?Providing financial support to small businesses, the arts, and nonprofits will help them keep the doors open and Ohioans employed. For Ohioans in need, this assistance will help them stay in their homes, which can make all the difference.?

The package is be taken to the State Controlling Board for approval on Monday, October 26.

The package includes $125 million in CARES Act funding to provide grants to small businesses with no more than 25 employees. The grant funding will help businesses pay for a variety of expenses, including mortgage or rent payments; utility payments; salaries, wages, or compensation for employees and contractors; business supplies or equipment; and other costs. The application for the Small Business Relief Program will be available November 2, 2020 at businesshelp.ohio.gov.

?This is an incredibly trying time for small businesses. Many of them are struggling to keep the doors open and the lights on, and we need to help them get through this difficult time,? said Lt. Governor Husted. ?I know from my discussions with small businesses around the state that the package we are announcing today will absolutely save businesses and jobs.?

With this package, the administration also is allocating $50 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to 47 Community Action Agencies to provide rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer assistance to Ohioans in need. This assistance will help Ohioans pay outstanding balances back to April 1, 2020.

Ohio households behind on their bills with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for assistance. For a family of four, that is an annual income up to $52,400. Starting November 2, 2020, Ohioans will be able to apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency. A list of agencies can be found at businesshelp.ohio.gov.

The administration will also designate $37.5 million of CARES Act funding for the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund. This fund will be available for Ohio restaurants and bars struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and limited in the full use of their liquor permit.

Businesses with an on-premise consumption permit will be eligible to receive $2,500 per unique business location.? Businesses need to have an active on-premise permit as of close of business October 23, 2020.? Starting November 2, permit holders will be able to apply for assistance at? businesshelp.ohio.gov.

Additionally, the package allocates $62 million in CARES Act funding for rural and critical access hospitals as the response continues for the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding may be applied to additional costs associated with the ongoing pandemic, including various safety measures, and the purchase of critical PPE for first responders.

?We are seeing a record-breaking number of hospitalizations throughout Ohio,? said Governor DeWine. ?This is deeply concerning as we are nearing the winter season. COVID-19 is not slowing down, and continues to hit our rural communities hard.?

It also includes $100 million in CARES Act funding for higher education. This funding will support critical COVID-19-related services provided at Ohio?s universities and colleges, including expanding testing for students, faculty, and staff, and mental health services.? ?

?Our colleges and universities have done a great job at promoting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff this fall,? said Governor DeWine. ?We know that there is a greater need for mental health services, and this funding may be put towards expanding access to those services on campuses.?

In addition, $25 million CARES Act funding will be designated for nonprofits, and $20 million to support Ohio?s world-class arts organizations. These funds will be used for costs incurred throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, more than $2.1 billion Coronavirus Relief Funds have been distributed to local governments, childcare, PPE, broadband access, and other critical areas in need of financial assistance.?

Today's announcement is supported by several Ohio organizations, including NFIB, Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies, Ohio Bankers League, and others.? All quotes of support can be found on governor.ohio.gov.?

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