Update 4/27: Business Resources during the COVID-19 pandemic

(Update April 27, 2020)

The International Economic Development Council has a website with resources to help businesses small and large: Restore Your Economy.

(Update April 23, 2020) 


JobsOhio, Peoples Bank and First Federal/Home Savings Bank announced they will partner to support existing small business clients in maintaining operations and payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. JobsOhio has committed up to $50 million in assistance. To apply, businesses can visit:
 PeoplesBancorp.com/Coronavirus, first-fedbanking.com/COVID-19 or homesavings.com/COVID-19.
 
(Update April 21, 2020)

The U.S Chamber of Commerce has a list of webinars and resources for small businesses. Click here for the Save Small Business Initiative website.

(Update April 9, 2020) 

The Lt. Governor has created a new office to help small businesses in Blue Ash and across Ohio.  Click here to access the Ohio Development Services Agency's new Office of Small Business Relief website. 

(March 31, 2020 - Blue Ash)

State Representative Jessica E. Miranda has provided a comprehensive list of resources for businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Ohio Dept. of Health Economic Resources

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/resources-for-economic-support/econ

JobsOhio Resource Page

https://www.jobsohio.com/covid-19-resources/

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19

CDC Guidance for Employers

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

IRS Relief Information

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Ohio Small Business Dev. Centers

https://clients.ohiosbdc.ohio.gov/

Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Page

https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

REDI-Cincinnati Resource Page

https://redicincinnati.com/covid-19-resources

OSHA COVID-19 Workplace Prep

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

ODOT COVID-19 Changes & Resources

https://transportation.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odot/working/announcements/announcements


Here are some additional important announcements to assist businesses at this time:

Ohio’s Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) 
To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio BWC is announcing the deferment of insurance premium installment payments for March, April and May until June 1, 2020. For more information, visit bwc.ohio.gov

Grace Period for Health Insurance Premiums
All health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments, interest-free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured.
https://iop-odi-content.s3.amazonaws.com/static/Legal/Bulletins/Documents/2020-03.pdf

Learn new tech skills
TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a tech-infused economy. Many of these trainings can be completed online. For more information: https://techcred.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/techcred/about

SharedWork Ohio, helps employers retain trained staff during times of business downturn
Under a SharedWork plan, the employer reduces the employees’ hours in a uniform manner and JFS supplements eligible employees' income with a proportionate share of unemployment. Right now, the federal government is fully funding these benefits paid to employees. Learn more at jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio/

 Liquor buyback
The Ohio Department of Commerce will immediately begin offering a liquor buyback option to support bars and restaurants. This is intended to aid those establishments that have stocked up on high proof liquor, but now are facing closure to in-house patrons. Bars and restaurants can return unopened, high proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020. Questions about this program should be directed to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center at 1-877-812-0013 or OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov

Banking updates that are available to businesses at this time:

  • Banks across the state are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many banks are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changes.
     
  • Banks are also showing customers how to protect themselves from coronavirus-related scams and encouraging Ohioans to use digital banking features like mobile apps, online banking or banking by phone. If you need help, please reach out to your bank for assistance.
     
  • Banks and credit unions across the state are taking steps to offer loan payment deferrals, fee waivers or refunds and extend credit lines to both businesses and individuals. Many financial institutions are also suspending foreclosures where possible. Recent federal guidelines give our financial institutions more tools to help Ohioans and the banking industry has welcomed these changes.

Learn more at ohiobankersleague.com/customers and ohiocreditunions.org

"I hope you and your families are healthy and safe. When we conquer this very difficult time COVID-19 has created in our economy I wish you the best in business. Once we are back to normal I hope that it is both quick and prosperous for you and your business," said Miranda.

State Representative Miranda can be reached at (614) -466-8120.