Ohio awards $20 Million in PPE Retooling and Reshoring Grants
Dan Bowerman
Ohio Development Services Agency
Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the Ohio Development Services Agency awarded $20 million in grants to 68 Ohio manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and help ensure the safety of Ohioans during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ohio PPE Retooling and Reshoring grants provide up to $500,000 to small and medium-sized manufacturers to expand production or convert their facility to start producing PPE including cleaning and sanitizing products, community dividers, components for ventilators, masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer, nasal swabs, surgical masks, and thermometers.
The projects are expected to create 829 new jobs and retain 1,133 existing jobs. More than half of the awards will help small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Grant funds can be used to retool or expand existing facilities in Ohio, construct new facilities, purchase equipment, or upgrade technology.
Ohio small businesses can learn more about other resources available through Office of Small Business Relief and Development at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/BusinessHelp.
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