2nd CARES Grant for Champaign County Small Businesses

Funds aimed to help small business hit by pandemic

​The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP) and Champaign  County Commissioners are announcing a 2nd round of CARES Act funds to Champaign County small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.  Businesses could be awarded up to $10,000 if approved for the grant.  Businesses that have received approval from the 1st round of the CARES Act Grant administered by the CEP will not be eligible for the 2nd grant.

“Over 50 local small businesses applied for the 1st round of CARES Act funds and after discussion with the Champaign County Commissioners, we decided to offer another application period to assist other eligible businesses.” Bailey said.
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“Our local economy has been negatively impacted with the Coronavirus and our small businesses are some of the hardest hit,” said Marcia Bailey CEP Economic Development Director.  “These funds are an expense reimbursement grant and will help get the businesses through this difficult time”.

To qualify for the grant program, businesses must:

• Be currently in operation, locally owned and physically located in Champaign County
• Have 50 or less employees as of January 2020
• Be current on all state, federal and local taxes
• Be in good standing with all applicable government regulations

Some examples of eligible reimbursable expenses include:

• Business mortgage or lease costs
• Business utilities, such as electric, gas, sewer, water, trash, business insurance etc.
• Materials and supplies related to interruption of your business caused by required closures
• Business costs related to compliance with Responsible RestartOhio.

Businesses that have received funding for expenses arising from the pandemic cannot submit the same expenses for reimbursement under the CARES Grant for Champaign County Small Businesses.

“We are so appreciative of our small businesses and although there is great uncertainty, Champaign County is hopeful that businesses receiving these grant funds will successfully persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic.” Bailey said.
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Applications and grant guidelines are available on the CEP website www.cepohio.com or www.champaignworks.com/CARESGrantChampaignCounty beginning November 24, 2020. Application deadline is December 1, 2020 at 5:00 pm.   Due to the short application period, we recommend you apply as soon as possible.  In order to assist you, please send your questions to info@cepohio.com.

Businesses are also encouraged to visit https://businesshelp.ohio.gov for additional assistance.  Governor DeWine announced CARES Act funding through the State of Ohio for small business and others that have been impacted financially by the pandemic