Grant Programs Available to Help Ohio Businesses

Dan Bowerman
Ohio Department of Development

Millions of dollars remain available in four new grant programs that target businesses that have suffered significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ohio Department of Development is administering the grants. To apply, businesses can visit the For Businesses section at InvestingInOhiosFuture.Ohio.Gov. The site includes documents for each grant program’s terms and conditions, fact sheet, and frequently asked questions.

The programs are:

• Food and Beverage Establishment Grant: This program provides grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other food and drink businesses. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020.
• Lodging Grant: This program provides grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ decline in occupancy rate in 2020.
• Entertainment Venue Grant: This program provides grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to theaters, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums, and other entertainment venues. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020.
• New Small Business Grant: This program provides grants of $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020.

Each program requires applicants to have an OH|ID. Register at OH|ID (ohid.ohio.gov) by creating an account with a username/password. For help with the process, click here.