Clermont County expands availability of small business grants

Clermont County, Ohio – Clermont County has broadened the guidelines and extended the deadline for Coronavirus Relief Act (CARES Act) grants for $2,500 (for 1-10 employees) or $5,000 (for 11-50 employees). The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to businesses that demonstrate the impact of the pandemic on their operations.

The deadline has been extended until 4:30 PM Oct 1.

Changes include that businesses:

• Have been operational since January of 2020 (instead of 2019).
• have less than $2 million in gross revenue/receipts (instead of $1 million).
• Have eligible expenses that have not been paid by another federal assistance program or initiative for lost revenue or expenses from the pandemic, such as Paycheck Protection Initiative, Emergency Disaster Loan, etc. (Previously, had prohibited those who had received any federal assistance for COVID-19 related expenses.)

To apply, visit https://clermontcountyohio.gov/community-development/ for an online application, or for a form to download, print and fax to 513-732-7366, or personally deliver to the Clermont County Department of Community & Economic Development, 3^rd Floor, 101 E. Main St., Batavia, OH 45103.

The Board of County Commissioners approved the program at their Aug. 19 meeting and expanded availability on Sept. 16. Clermont County has about $200,000 available to distribute.