COVID-19 Small Business Help

U.S. Small Business Administration

Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources. They’ve compiled a list of recourse for the following areas:


Ohio Office of Small Business Relief

The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state’s nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a span rebound. Resources include:

  • Small Business Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Business & Nonprofit Support
  • Layoff Alternatives
  • Banking Updates

Cuyahoga County Small Business Stabilization Fund

Cuyahoga County has partnered with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress to launch a third round of small business stabilization grants, deploying $4M in grants of up to $10,000. The third round will support of small neighborhood-based businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. Applications will be accepted beginning November 23 at 10 AM and close December 3 at 5 PM. Business Assistance Application


Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations (ODJFS)

Ohio’s Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations assists both unemployed workers and employers with filing unemployment, job help, and unemployment benefits.


Liquor Permit Holder & Restaurant Resources

Only about one-third of permit holders entitled to the $2,500 State of Ohio Bar and Restaurant relief grant have applied for this program. It’s important to note that all on-premise liquor permit holders, roughly 30 different permit types, including bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries, casinos and private clubs, are eligible to apply.

  • Eligible permit types and other application criteria
  • Check on the status of your permit. You must have an active liquor permit as of close of business on October 23.
  • Create, if necessary, the OH | ID required to apply
  • Apply by December 30, 2020.

 City of Cleveland Winter Restaurant Operations Support Grant

  • Eligibility: Restaurants in the City of Cleveland boundaries intending to offer safe outdoor dining experiences through the winter.
  • Relief offered: $5,000 grant (for up to 100 restaurants)
  • Eligible expenses: Purchase and rental of equipment (heaters, fire pits, etc.) and fixtures (awnings, tents, “igloos”, etc.)
  • Application: Applicants must demonstrate access to a suitable outdoor location and an operations plans; Application can be found online.
  • Key dates: Application deadline is Nov. 30, 2020; grants awarded by Dec. 11, 2020.
  • Permitting note: Propane-powered fire pits, heaters, etc. require a permit for The Storage, Handling, Sales or Use of Hazardous Substances through the City’s Department of Fire Prevention