Scioto County, Ohio Commissioners announced a new grant program to help small businesses hurt by COVID. Money for the grants comes from the federal government as part of the CARES act.
Commissioner Bryan Davis was excited. “This is something new, a great, wonderful positive step forward. The village of New Boston and the city of Portsmouth has already done this. New Boston was right on this early, they move fast.”
The program offers $10,000 grants to small businesses in the county affected by COVID. The county has $250,000 available to spend on the program. Davis said they will offer grants until the money runs out. The grants will be distributed by the director of the Office of Economic Development
The grant applications are handled by the director of the Scioto County Economic Development Department. Commissioner Bryan Davis said, “Personally, I think it will be a major win for small businesses in our community. It’s up to 25 grants. Some say it’s not a lot of money but to a small business, it’s huge. We have several businesses hanging on my a thread right now.”
Who Gets The Money?
Not all businesses are eligible for the Scioto County, Ohio COVID business grant. Businesses whose primary source of income is related to tobacco, vaping, or carryout alcohol are not eligible. Neither are sexually-oriented businesses or tattoo shops.
Other criteria for grant applications include:
- The business is located in Scioto County
- Must prove a negative impact from closures. Business revenue must be down 10% or more due to COVID since March.
- The business started operating before February 15, 2020
- Two or more full-time employees but fewer than 25 since March 15.
- Gross receipts are less than $2 million annually.
- Up-to-date on taxes.
Expenses covered by these grants include:
- Lease and mortgage assistance
- Operational expenses
- Unforeseen expenses
How to Apply
To apply for a COVID business grant, stop by the Scioto County, Ohio Economic Development Office at 502 Court Street or call 740-357-9779. Davis said the application process will be personal. Grants are awarded by a committee comprised of a commissioner, the economic development director, and the county auditor.
Commissioner Cathy Coleman said she could think of five or six small businesses that could take advantage of this. “10,000 is a lot of money to a small business.”
Davis said that combined with the grant money offered by New Boston and Portsmouth, half a million dollars is available to small businesses. “This is an exciting day. Kudos to NB and Portsmouth for getting on this and starting the process. We’ll continue to push, we need to help our small businesses.”
Businesses that applied for Portsmouth and New Boston grants are not eligible for county grants.