“We’re really going to start seeing the benefits go out to the business community,” he said.
Now, businesses with up to 49 employees and annual receipts below $5 million can apply. Previously, the county’s program to distribute $40 million in CARES Act funding was limited to businesses with fewer than 30 employees and less than $1 million in annual revenue. The county launched the small business program in June.
To qualify for a grant, the business must also meet the following criteria:
- Be locally owned and located in Montgomery County
- Have a physical storefront and/or be an allowable home office as reported in the most recent filed tax return
- Be current on all state, federal and local taxes
- Be in compliance with state small business requirements
- Retain one full-time employee for at least three months after the grant award
Businesses that already received federal assistance, including the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans or other funding from the CARES Act, do not qualify for the grant program.
Credit: CHRIS STEWART / STAFF
Credit: CHRIS STEWART / STAFF
Relaxa Cleaning Services, a family-operated company in Dayton, is among the first small business grant recipients. The company lost 90% of its customers as the pandemic surged beginning in March and is rebuilding the customer base, said owner Omar Mbengue.
Mbengue said the grant will help he and his wife Ndeye acquire equipment necessary for deeper cleanings in the face of the virus to attract new customers.
“It’s going to help a lot,” he said. “It’s going to allow us to get more equipment and technology and compete with the big companies.”
Kay’s School of Dance in Kettering also received one of the first grants.
Cheryl Jacobus, the company’s owner and director, said the pandemic put lessons on hold for seven weeks at the studio in Town & Country Shopping Center.
“I’m extremely appreciative I got the grant,” she said. “It’s going to pay my rent.”
Jacobus is preparing for open houses and a fall season of lessons with limited-size classes practicing “social-distance dancing.”
More than 300 small businesses have applied so far, according to the county.
Montgomery County received an initial allotment of $92.77 million in funds that could reach more than $200 million. The money is also being used on programs aimed at supporting education, nonprofits, agriculture and health care industries, as well as to provide housing assistance to individuals and families.
On Tuesday, the county launched the programs to help people with rent, mortgage and utility payments.
Grants of up to $10,000 to support housing payments are available to eligible residents who experienced a loss of income after March 1, 2020 due to the pandemic. The loss of income could have been caused by a layoff, reduced work hours, furlough or reduction in pay, according to the county.
“We have many hard-working people in this area and it is truly painful to see what this virus has done to them and given them so much additional stress,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice. “They should not be more worried whether they’re able to put a roof over the heads of their family members because of an event that was completely out of their control.”
In addition to the $10 million housing program, commissioners on Tuesday also approved a program for eligible nonprofits to receive grants up to $100,000 and another to offer grants up to $1 million to qualifying educational institutions.
Applications for the small business and housing programs are available at www.mcohiocares.org.
Montgomery County small business grant recipients
These 16 small businesses are the first to receive grants distributed by the Montgomery County Office of CARES Act.
Beth Kolotkin Attorney at Law
Bonavista Optics Inc.
BROOKS LLS LLC
Charlton Charlton & Associates
Class Act Corporate Transportation
DXN Brands LLC
J Spivey Photography
J H Parking LLC
Kay's School of Dance
Khanh Alteration and Tailoring
Mama Aswan Butters & Oils
Platinum Cuts
Relaxa Cleaning Services, LLC
Rock's Barber Service
Steve’s Automotive
What The Follicle Hair Solutions Center
The Montgomery County Office of CARES Act housing programs
Eligibility for each housing program requires a loss of employment income after March 1 due to COVID-19. The loss of income could have been caused by a layoff, reduced work hours, furlough or reduction in pay.
Mortgage Assistance Program
The HomeOwnership Center, a program of County Corp, is administering the Mortgage Assistance Program, which can help residents bring mortgage payments current.
Montgomery County residents may qualify for mortgage relief if you:
- Own a home in Montgomery County with an original mortgage of $200,000 or less.
- Are behind on mortgage on or after March 1.
Applicants will be required to complete an application, provide required documentation, and discuss the circumstances with HomeOwnership Center staff as well as participate in follow-up with HomeOwnership Center staff about financial and mortgage status.
Apply for the Mortgage Assistance Program at www.homeownershipdayton.org/map
Rental Assistance Program
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership is administering the Rental Assistance Program, which can help people catch up on rental payments.
Renters may qualify for relief if you:
- Rent your residence in Montgomery County.
- Fell behind on rent on or after March 1, 2020.
- Complete the application available on Miami Valley CAP’s website. An intake specialist will follow-up on applications and ask for additional documentation.
Apply for the Rental Assistance Program at https://miamivalleycap.org/intake-form/
Utility Assistance Program
Residents may also qualify for financial assistance with gas, electric, or bulk fuel utility payments due to loss of income caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Apply for the Utility Assistance Program at https://miamivalleycap.org/utility-assistance-intake-application/
Residents can also sign up at www.mcohiocares.org for email alerts about the programs, including upcoming financial aid programs for agriculture, education, nonprofits or healthcare institutions.
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