PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Small businesses in Lake County that are struggling due to the novel coronavirus pandemic will soon be able to apply for relief through two business assistance programs that have been authorized by county commissioners.

The county states that it will distribute $700,000 to small businesses from funds it received from the Community Development Block Grant through the CARES Act.

The programs are “meant to foster further economic development, preserve and create employment opportunities for Lake County residents, and support the operations of small businesses during a time of need and emergency.”

The first program—The Microenterprise Emergency Relief Grant Program—will provide $5,000 to small for-profit businesses with five employees or less.

The second program—The Emergency Working Capital Loan Program—will provide up to $20,000 to small for-profit businesses of 25 employees or less.

"Our small businesses have long been a pillar to our County's prosperity. From providing meaningful employment opportunities to supporting little league baseball, local businesses are a critical component of Lake County's post-COVID-19 rebound. The programs announced today will provide zero-interest loans and small business grants to assist our entrepreneurs as they re-open their operations," stated Commissioner President John R. Hamercheck.

The county commissioners have announced some rules for applying for the programs:

• For both programs, at least 50% of the individuals employed by the business must be permanent residents of Lake County.
• Businesses that have utilized the Federal Paycheck Protection Program are not eligible.
• Businesses that have utilized the SBA's Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program will have their funding reduced by equal amount under the County's programs.
• Microenterprises may apply for only one of the county's programs.
• The principal place of operations for businesses applying for these programs must be located within Lake County, with the exception of the City of Mentor and Waite Hill Village. This exclusion is a HUD rule specifying businesses with principal places of operation outside of the Urban County jurisdiction cannot apply for these Lake County funds.
• Other criteria also apply, including criteria designed to maximize the total number of jobs preserved within the small business classification, given the large number of small businesses and small amount of relative funding available.

"The commissioners want to assist local, small businesses so that we can maintain the employment levels we need to have a vibrant economy in Lake County. We look forward to making these funds available," added Commissioner Jerry Cirino.

According to the commissioners, the county is creating an online portal on its website where business owners can apply for the relief. The portal is expected to be online before the end of May.

For more information, check out the lakecountyohio.gov or the Lake County Development Council Facebook page. You can also contact CFO resource Betsy Figgie at bfiggie@gmail.com or by calling 216-570-9085 or Rhea Benton from Lake County Planning and Community Development at rbenton@lakecountyohio.gov or 440-350-2740.

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