McColley Reminds Ohioans of Relief Funds Available During Pandemic

COLUMBUS—State Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) today reminded eligible Ohioans of the multiple pandemic relief programs established with funding from the federal CARES Act. "These programs are currently available to Ohioans who are in need of relief due to COVID-19 and the related shutdowns," McColley said. "My colleagues and I in the Senate worked hard to provide these funds to help protect Ohioans. I urge all eligible Ohioans to take advantage and apply to the programs below." The Small Business Relief Grant program provides $125 million in funding for small businesses (under 25 employees) to use for pandemic-related expenses. Eligible businesses will receive up to $10,000 to help them through the current crisis. This fund was based in part on the federal government’s successful Paycheck Protection Program, which was used earlier this year by tens of thousands of Ohio businesses to continue operations in the aftermath of the coronavirus-related shutdown. For more information on how to apply, click here.

Nearly $40 million in grant dollars are also available to Ohio’s approximately 15,000 bars and restaurants through the Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund. This Fund will provide $2,500 assistance payments to on-premises liquor permit holders to help them through the financial difficulties caused by the pandemic. For more information on how to apply, visit businesshelp.ohio.gov.

The Nonprofit Relief program provides $25 million in grant dollars to assist charitable groups who are working every day to help those in need. For more information on eligibility and to apply, click here.

To date, more than $3.3 billion in CARES Act relief dollars have been distributed in Ohio to help with the prevention, relief and recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.