Mentor Small Business Restart Program

To assist small businesses closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that intend to reopen upon the lifting of applicable government restrictions.  A total of $200,000 in Grant Funds will be provided through the City of Mentor’s Community Development Block Grant Funds.

ELIGIBLE USES

  • $500 maximum reimbursement for rent or mortgage payments made on or after May 1, 2020.

GRANT CRITERIA

These criteria fall in line with HUD-requirements and the City’s Community Development Block grant (CDBG) Comprehensive Plan.

  • Business must have less than 25 employees;
  • Must be a non-franchise, independently owned and operated;
  • Is doing business at a “bricks and mortar” facility in the city (home-based businesses not eligible);
  • Was closed and unable to conduct any business activity as a result of a required government order;
  • Was at no time in violation of that government order;
  • Is not in default or currently delinquent on any loan provided through the Mentor Economic Assistance Corporation;
  • Reopens for business; and remains open for no less a time period than the period which the payment requested for reimbursement was made.

APPLICATION PROCESS

  • Application is to be made through the City of Mentor Economic Development Department.
  • Applications will be reviewed, verified and funds distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with applications able to be submitted via email on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. or later. Applications made earlier than that time will not be accepted.
  • Applications must be complete, including documented evidence of rent or mortgage payments made on or after May 1, 2020 which may include, but not limited to, a paid invoice or cancelled check as well as a current occupancy or re occupancy permit.

DOWNLOAD MENTOR SMALL BUSINESS RESTART PROGRAM APPLICATION (PDF)

Upon completion, submit to Department of Planning and Development at business@cityofmentor.com

Questions? Call 440-974-5740

COVID-19 Resources for Economic Support

The COVID-19 Pandemic has created a great strain on the nation’s healthcare system, but it’s not come without its economic difficulties as well. State leaders are working to ensure resources are readily available to Ohio businesses and workers to ensure we all weather this difficult time, remembering we are all in this together.

The links here will connect you with local, state and federal resources and funds for the following impacted categories:

  • Small businesses and non-profits: economic disaster loan program, bar and restaurant relief, daycare ratio updates and more.
  • Individuals and families: unemployment resources, health insurance relief, school meals and more.

Small Businesses & Non-Profits

Ohio small businesses and nonprofits are now eligible for several programs through the SBA.  This includes low-interest loans, loans that could be 100% forgiven if requirements are met and no payments for a year.  Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, which is recommended, or call (800) 659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.  For assistance or questions you may also contact Kelly Conrad at conrad@cityofmentor.com.

  • 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.
  • Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
    Ohio small businesses and nonprofits are now eligible to apply for up to a $2 million, low-interest loan through the SBA. Apply online at SBA.gov/disaster, which is recommended, or call (800) 659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.
  • Publicly-Funded Daycares
    An executive order issued last week increased the number of children allowed to be supervised by child care staff, depending on the type of program and ages of the children. The order also increased from 10 to 20 the number of paid absent days for providers serving children in the Publicly Funded Child Care program, and it provides child care programs with 21 paid pandemic days if they must close their programs because of the pandemic.  Read the Executive Order: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2020/03/13/file_attachments/1400790/Executive%20Order%202020-02D.pdf
  • The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
    The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is modifying the process for haulers carrying heavy loads of essential goods. Generally, Ohio requires haulers with loads classified as “oversized” to seek advanced permission from ODOT before they are legally allowed to travel in the state. Haulers carrying these essential goods can download and print the permit at transportation.ohio.gov.
  • Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)
    Ohio’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) system is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio and serves 249,000 public and private employers. To help businesses facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio BWC is announcing insurance premium installment payments. 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

Individuals and Families