Montgomery County Has $40 Million in Grants for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

The Office of CARES Act knows small businesses drive Montgomery County’s local economy, and it’s distributing $40 million in grants to help those local businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic inflicted swift and massive damage on our local economy, and that’s why we are focusing first on providing assistance to small businesses,” said Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commission President. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy—they anchor our neighborhoods, add vibrancy and culture to our community, and provide employment opportunities for many of our citizens.”

The intent of the grants is to help small businesses that have been impacted the most by COVID-19 and have not already received federal assistance. It is aimed at those small businesses that were interrupted through required closures, those that voluntarily closed to promote social distancing, or those that were impacted by decreased customer demand due to the pandemic.

Eligible small businesses can apply for amounts from $5,000 up to $10,000 to use for rent/mortgage, utilities, and business insurance.

“I encourage our small business owners to apply immediately so they can get the help they need to recover,” said Marvene Mitchell-Cook, Director of the Office of CARES Act, “We are thrilled to have this grant program up and running so that we can help thousands of small businesses in our community who suffered during the economic downturn. They sacrificed to protect the health of our citizens, and now it’s our turn to help them.”

To qualify for the grant program, businesses must:

• be locally owned and located in Montgomery County;
• have fewer than 30 employees and gross annual receipts of less than $1 million;
• have a physical storefront and/or be an allowable home office as reported in most recent
• filed tax return;
• be current on all state, federal, and local taxes;
• be in compliance with State of Ohio small business requirements;
• and retain one full-time employee for at least three months after grant award.

Applications can be completed online here and will be available until November 30, 2020 or until the funds are depleted. Certain documents must be uploaded during the application process. Lists of required vetting documents for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations can be found here. Applicants must not have already received any federal assistance (CARES or COVID-19, SBA loans, Payroll Protection Program Loan, etc.). 

The next program to be rolled out will be for mortgage and rental assistance for individuals and families. Additional CARES Act programs that are on their way will help education, agriculture, and healthcare industries. Sign up for the email distribution lists to keep updated on future relief programs.

These programs will be funded out of the received $92 million of a planned $200 million allocation coming directly from the U.S.Treasury.

It is through the email list that updates to program eligibility and the availability dates of the online applications will be communicated. Visit www.mcohiocares.org to sign up for these vital alerts.

For questions about eligibility or additional information regarding Montgomery County CARES Act - Small Business Grants, contact:

Julius Ruby Sr., Coordinator

Montgomery County Office of CARES Act

(937) 224-FUND (3863)

(937) 813-1200 (Main)

McCaresJR@mcohio.org

1435 Cincinnati Street

Suite #300

Dayton, OH 45417