RICHLAND COUNTY – The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development today announced they are collaborating with Richland County to launch a targeted small business grant program to assist businesses in the Food/Beverage, Tourism/Lodging, and Entertainment Venue industries who have been impacted by COVID-19.
At the current time, there is $950,000 to be distributed to businesses throughout Richland County. The city of Mansfield is expected to allocate $300,000 to the program to assist businesses within the city limits. Additional funds may be added in the future.
Eligible businesses must be categorized in the Food/Beverage, Tourism/Lodging, and Entertainment Venue industries, have experienced at least a 10% drop in revenue in 2020 or 2021, and located in Richland County, Ohio. Grant amounts will range from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the scale of the loss. Other eligibility requirements as well as a full outline of the Grant Guidelines can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.richlandareachamber.com.
“We are pleased to partner with Richland County and the city of Mansfield to launch another round of grants especially aimed at the hardest hit industries,” said Jodie A. Perry, Chamber President & CEO. “The ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult for businesses in these sectors to bounce back. We appreciate the leadership of the Richland County Commissioners and the city of Mansfield in helping to provide assistance.”
Applications will be taken online through the Chamber’s website starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6 through 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022. The applications will be considered for funding in the order they are received as long as funds are available.
The Chamber expects a large volume of applications to the program and is having discussions with other entities about contributing additional funds to the program. Perry encourages all eligible businesses to apply. If additional monies become available, the Chamber will use the list of businesses from this round of applications to make additional awards.
Two online informational sessions are scheduled – on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 10 a.m. The sessions are free but require a registration, visit the Chamber’s website to sign up. A recorded version of the training will be available on the Chamber’s website as well.
For more information regarding the Richland County COVID-19 Food/Beverage, Entertainment Venue, Lodging/Tourism Grant, visit the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development website at www.richlandareachamber.com or call their office at 419-522-3211.
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