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Grant funds still available for Toledo 'micro-businesses'

Toledo businesses with five employees or fewer can apply for the Emergency Microenterprise Recovery Grant.
Credit: WTOL

TOLEDO, Ohio — Funding is still available for microbusinesses that need help, Toledo city leaders say.

Businesses with five employees or fewer can apply for the Emergency Microenterprise Recovery Grant.

The grant was established in an effort to aid in the economic recovery of microenterprises negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Microenterprises, the smallest businesses in the city, contribute to the vitality of our neighborhoods, support families, create jobs and are essential to the economic health of Toledo, leaders say.

EMRG is a program designed to help for-profit microenterprises maintain or restart operations and retain jobs by providing up to $5,000 in aid for eligible operating expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. 

To apply, click here.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

Applicants will need to submit documentation for eligible operating expenses, which are defined as the following:

  • Purchases to restock inventory for resale
  • Supplies needed to conduct business safely according to state and federal COVID emergency guidelines, including personal protective equipment.
  • Professional cleaning services or cleaning supplies
  • Commercial mortgage payment, unless delinquent prior to March 1, 2020
  • Rent, except rent paid to an entity in which the applicant is an owner
  • Utilities

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants meet all of the following criteria:

  • For-profit businesses located in the city of Toledo
  • Has an active registration with the city of Toledo, Division of Taxation
  • Applicant is 51%+ majority owner of the business
  • Applicant is 18 years or older
  • Business has been in operation since January 1, 2020.
  • Business has five or fewer full-time employees or their equivalent as of February 15, 2020.
  • Applicant and business are in good standing with governmental entities.
  • Applicant meets one U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eligibility requirement:
Credit: City of Toledo

INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Here are examples of applicants who are ineligible for the grant:

  • Landlords
  • Realtors
  • 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Social service agencies
  • Religious institutions
  • Lobbying organizations
  • Applicant, and any owners thereof, who are employed by the City of Toledo
  • Other ineligible businesses include payday loan businesses, liquor and tobacco stores, pawn shops, firearm or other weapons dealers, adult entertainment, passive real estate investments, or home-based businesses operating without appropriate zoning and/or permits.

City leaders say applications will be processed in the order they are received and grants will be awarded to eligible applicants who have provided all required documentation, until all remaining funds have been awarded.

Funds will be disbursed by ACH direct deposit into a successful applicant’s business bank account. Grant recipients are required to complete an informational survey both prior to and after funding.

If you have any questions, send an email to emrg@toledo.oh.gov.

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