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$419 million Cares Act is approved for Ohio's small businesses. What you need to know.

Posted Oct 27, 2020

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday the state controlling board has approved a CARES Act package of more than $419.5 million.

“I’m very pleased the State Controlling Board has approved our CARES Act package of more than $419.5 million. We worked closely with the General Assembly, and I am grateful for their continued partnership in supporting Ohioans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," DeWine said.

DeWine said the package includes funding for small businesses, bars and restaurants, hospitals, higher education, arts, nonprofits, and Ohio families who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's what you should know.

The Small Business Relief Grant is designed to provide relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

Governor Mike DeWine has designated up to $125 million of funding received by the State of Ohio from the federal CARES Act to provide $10,000 grants to small businesses to help them through the current crisis. The program, which will begin accepting applications on November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Download Small Business Relief Grant Fact Sheet PDF

The Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund is designed to assist Ohio’s on-premise liquor permit holders. Governor Mike DeWine has designated $37.5 million of funding received by the State of Ohio from the federal CARES Act to provide $2,500 assistance payments to on-premise liquor permit holders to help them through the financial difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These permit holders have not been able to fully use their liquor permit and it’s had an impact on their business. The program, which will begin accepting applications on November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Click here for more information on how to apply PDF.

Home Relief Grant

Starting November 2, 2020, the state of Ohio, working with local Community Action Agencies, will help eligible Ohioans who are behind on rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills catch up on past payments back to April 1, 2020, and provide additional assistance through December 30, 2020.

Ohioans can apply for assistance through their local Community Action Agency starting November 2, 2020.

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Download Home Relief Grant Fact Sheet PDF.