Response to COVID-19
The ACEDC and our partners understand that many businesses are feeling the economic implications of COVID-19 and may need assistance in navigating through financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In response, the Athens County Economic Development Council works to ensure that area businesses are informed of the beneficial programs that are available to help area businesses navigate these financial challenges.
The ACEDC has been in frequent communication with other local, state, and regional economic development entities regarding this matter and will update this document as new assistance programs and resources become available.
For assistance applying for any of the below funding, reach out to your local Small Business Development Center: https://sbdc.ohio.edu/contact/ Telephone: 740-593-1797
Available Grant Applications
- Strategic Economic and Community Development (January 11, 2021) FY21 application; to be awarded starting June 30: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-11/pdf/2021-00234.pdf
- Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance grant program (April 22, 2021) COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (sba.gov)
- The State of Ohio is announcing the launch of four new small business grant programs:
- Food and Beverage establishment Grant
- Lodging Grant
- Entertainment Venue Grant
- And New Small Business Grant (for businesses that started in 2020)
These grants range from up to $10,000 to $30,000. Businesses will be limited in applying for one of the above programs. Applicants will be able to apply at the website https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/ . The website is completely updated with additional information, including each program’s terms and conditions.
If businesses need assistance applying, please reach out to the Small Business Development Center at Ohio University:
SBDC at Ohio University
19 E. Circle Drive, The Ridges, Suite 110
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-593-1797
Athens County Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
The Athens County Economic Development Council, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and Athens County Convention & Visitors Bureau created this resource guide to help area businesses navigate through financial challenges they may be facing as a direct result of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. We will update as new assistance programs and resources become available at the local, state and federal levels. This document categorizes assistance into three priority focus areas: 1) Resources, 2) Relief, 3) Rebound
Athens County Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID
JobsOhio ARPA Guidebook
State Economic Development firm, JobsOhio, has released their published version of a guidebook for the American Rescue Plan with the aim at helping Ohio’s local leaders maximize the impact of ~$5.3B in Treasury Fiscal Recovery Funds. The guidebook includes sections such as a primer on ARP funds, best practices, and potential investment ideas and approaches in partnership with regional and local leaders. Download your copy of the guidebook below:
