Client Alert: October Surprise - Ohio Small Business Relief Funds

On October 23^rd, Ohio Governor DeWine announced the creation of small business relief programs designed to provide relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19.

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT

Eligible businesses:

• Business must be a for-profit entity with no more than 25 total (or FTE) Ohio employees as of January 1, 2020
• Business must have a physical location in Ohio
• At least 90% of annual revenue must be based on activities performed in and taxable to Ohio
• Business must have been in continuous operation since January 1, 2020 (except for COVID-19 related interruptions)
• Certain industries are ineligible (lobbying and political firms, hospitals and long-term care facilities, adult entertainment and gambling businesses, businesses engaged in sale of liquor, tobacco or vaping products, etc.)

Businesses can use the grants to pay for various expenses:

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

The application window opens Monday, November 2, 2020, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. At least 50 businesses will be funded in each county.

Eligible businesses can apply here:  https://www.businesshelp.ohio.gov/

BAR AND RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE FUND

Eligible businesses:

• Applies to 30 permit types including bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries, casinos and private clubs (A1, A1A, A1C, A2, D1, D2, D2X, D3, D3A, D4, D4A, D5, D5A, D5B, D5C, D5D, D5E, D5F, D5G, D5H, D5I, D5J, D5K, D5L, D5M, D5N, D5O, D7)
• Permit holders need to have had an active on-premise permit as of close-of-business October 23, 2020.
• The business does not have to be currently open but must have an active liquor license.

After applying, a licensee will receive $2,500 per unique business location.

The application window opens Monday, November 2, 2020, and applications will be accepted through December 30, 2020. Funds cannot be distributed after December 31, 2020.

Eligible businesses can apply here:  https://www.businesshelp.ohio.gov/

The attorneys at Brouse McDowell are here to serve as your trusted small business advisors and can help your small business navigate the impacts of COVID-19. Please reach out with any questions relating to state and federal COVID mandates, relief programs or other issues your small business is facing during these unprecedented times.