Huron County CARES Small Business Grant Program expanded

Huron County Commissioners (from left) Joe Hintz, Terry Boose and Skip Wilde. JOE CENTERS/REFLECTOR NORWALK — Huron County commissioners have approved the use of additional federal CARES Act funds for an additional grant cycle and personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-related expenses for businesses. The next round of grant awards will include several levels: $2,500; $5,000; or $10,000. PPE and COVID-related expense grant awards do not have a predetermined grant level. To qualify for the grant program, businesses must: • Be locally owned and operated in Huron County. For-profit, not-for-profit, and sole proprietorships are eligible to apply for this next round of grant awards or the PPE and COVID-related expense grant opportunity. • Demonstrate a negative impact and revenue loss as a result of COVID-19 if in operation longer than one year. Businesses established in 2019 or prior to February 25, 2020, are eligible to apply. • Be current on all state, federal and local taxes • Have annual gross receipts of less than $2 million • Be a business with fewer than 100 employees A business that has received federal assistance due to COVID including but not limited to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), can apply for a grant through the Huron County COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. Requested funds cannot be used for the same expenses that the business previously received federal funding assistance. If a business is applying for a local community CARES Small Business Grant, they may still apply for the county grant; however, requested funds cannot be used for the same expenses that the business received local grant funds to cover. This next round of small business grant applications and PPE and COVID-related expenses grant applications are available starting Oct. 8. The grant cycle will remain open until Oct. 31, or until allocated funds are exhausted. More detailed information and the application is available on-line at www.HCDC.net. All expenses must be related to the business interruption caused by COVID-19 and must comply with the program guidelines. Eligible expenses may include mortgage costs; rent or lease costs; expenses for utilities; salaries, wages and compensation paid to employees; materials ·and supplies related to interruptions of the business caused by required closures; and personal protective equipment or other COVID-19 related costs such as expenses related to compliance with Responsible Restart Ohio. Huron County Development Council will be administering the Huron County CARES Small Business Grant on behalf of the Huron County Commissioners. A committee will review and score all grant applications. All applicants will be notified of the status of their grant request. If approved, the grant recipient will receive an agreement that needs to be executed within seven calendar days. Grant funds will be sent by check from the Huron County Treasurer's Office.