​ Covid-19: Resources for Lakewood Businesses | The City of Lakewood, Ohio

Covid-19: Resources for Lakewood Businesses


SBA Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Fund prioritizes direct relief to women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and includes $9.5 billion in set-asides for smaller businesses

SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

  • Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.
  • Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
  • Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.
    • Tuesday, April 27 | 2:30 p.m. EDT | Register here
    • Wednesday, April 28 | 1 p.m. EDT | Register here
    • Wednesday, April 28 | 2:30 p.m. EDT | Register here

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.

November 12, 2020

Update from Mayor George to the Lakewood business community

Click here to read Mayor George’s COVID-19 update to the business community.

Please see the links below for information on businesses in Lakewood.  Things change daily, so the database is kept as up to date as possible.

If you are a Lakewood merchant that is open, offers gift certificates, online shopping or takeout, we highly encourage you to add your own information here.  If you would like to edit your business that is already on the page, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at info@lakewoodchamber.org.

 

Cuyahoga County Stabilization Fund Chart

Click here for a list of financial opportunities for small businesses during COVID from ECDI.

COVID-19: Resources For Lakewood Businesses

The City of Lakewood, LakewoodAlive and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce are partnering to provide accurate information and resources for Lakewood businesses affected by COVID-19. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.  If there are any questions or concerns, please contact one of the resources provided in the contacts list. 

Temporary Express Parking 

The current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 have increased an already growing demand for short-duration “express” parking zones as many businesses along our commercial corridors have added pick-up/drop-off oriented services as a way to adapt to physical distancing and other measures related to the pandemic.

In response, the City of Lakewood has established guidelines and a process for businesses to request the establishment of a temporary express parking space at/near their location.

Click here for more information.

City of Lakewood Announces Second Round of  Small Business Rent Relief Grant Program
Program Applications Beginning August 6th for Grants up to $7,000

The City of Lakewood announced the second round of its popular Small Business Rent Relief grant program today. Applications will be accepted starting August 6th and are available at http://www.lakewoodoh.gov/rent-relief-program/.

Mayor Meghan George said, “My administration created this program in the early days of the quarantine back in March to ensure City resources were being granted to the small business community in a direct, streamlined, and useful way. I am pleased to announce more resources are available and we are adjusting the eligibility of the program to reach applicants who may not have qualified during our initial rollout but are in dire need, like so many businesses in our community.”

The City of Lakewood’s Small Business Relief Program provides emergency assistance to income-eligible Lakewood small businesses that have experienced a reduction in revenue as a result of the current public health emergency. Assistance is up to $7,000 per business to cover rent and eligible payroll expenses.

Applications will be accepted until all funds have been awarded. Funds for the second round of the Small Business Relief Program were made available in recent weeks through CARES Act funds from the federal government.

Shawn Leininger, Director of Planning for the City of Lakewood, said, “This program was a clear demonstration of a city government’s commitment to its local small businesses. Now that Mayor George has asked not only to continue the program due to its incredible demand, but to expand the program and its eligibility requirements. I cannot imagine many other cities in the region or state who are doing as much as the City of Lakewood to support small businesses in their greatest time of need. My department has been working tirelessly to deliver these resources to those in our City who need them.”

The City of Lakewood will make $445,870 available for this round of small business grants. The City issued $187,492.92 in grants during the initial phase of the Small Business Rent Relief grant program to 118 small businesses in Lakewood, completed May 5, 2020.

“We understood at the very beginning of this pandemic that the public health crisis was the front end of the equation—the economic fallout would be severe. Lakewood is so proud of its small businesses and Shop Local mentality. It is what makes us who we are. As vibrant as our small business community is, they are acutely vulnerable to the kind of disruption or total shutdown that has resulted from the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. I want to do everything within the power of the Mayor’s Office to support our small businesses. I’m grateful yet again for the support of our partners, LakewoodAlive and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, for their roles in making this happen for Lakewood small businesses,” Mayor Meghan George said.

While the first round of the Small Business Rent Relief grant program in spring 2020 focused on businesses that line Lakewood’s commercial corridors, funds announced for the second round will reimburse for expenses during the period of April 1, 2020 through August 1, 2020 and will have the following criteria:

  • Be physically located in the City of Lakewood
  • Be in good standing with the City of Lakewood (i.e. no tax delinquencies)
  • Have been established prior to January 1, 2020
  • Employ five or fewer employees, including the business owner (combined hours cannot exceed 200 per week)
  • Rent a retail or commercial space and may not own or have an ownership interest in the building (home based businesses are not eligible)
  • The businessowner must meet HUD income eligibility criteria

Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive, said, “Small business is big business in Lakewood and our local entrepreneurs have been dealt a massive blow due to COVID-19, not just in sales but in the health and safety of their guests, staff, and significantly-altered supply chains. Lakewood’s second rent relief program, funded by Congress with federal rules, will support our smallest businesses as they struggle to remain open. LakewoodAlive is proud to partner with the City to help small businesses work their way through this process in order to pay one of their biggest fixed costs.”

For more information on the Small Business Rent Relief grant program and other Business Emergency Resources, visit http://www.lakewoodoh.gov/covid19businessresources/. For assistance with your application, contact LakewoodAlive at iandrews@lakewoodalive.org or contact the Planning & Development Department via email at planning@lakewoodoh.net.

Lakewood businesses, get CLEAN COMMITTED! Click here to take the pledge and receive downloadable CLEAN COMMITTED print materials, listing on This is Cleveland’s CLEAN COMMITTED businesses directory, and access to clean & safe products for purchase.

Treasury, SBA ease path for loan forgiveness

The Small Business Administration and the Treasury Department released a three-page “EZ” loan forgiveness form that certain borrowers from the Paycheck Protection Program will be able to use. It requires fewer calculations and less documentation than the full application. The initial version of the forgiveness form was 11 pages.

The business owners who can use the EZ application include those who are self-employed or have no employees and those who did not reduce salaries by more than 25 percent. To use the form, businesses must also certify that they didn’t cut employees’ hours or were unable to operate at pre-coronavirus levels because of health mandates.

The SBA and Treasury also released a shorter version of the full forgiveness application.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today. 

SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit.  These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue.  EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.  Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.

SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance

  • The SBA is offering low interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories.
  • These loans may be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses.  The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • To keep payments affordable for small businesses, SBA offers loans with long repayment terms, up to a maximum of 30 years. Plus, the first payment is deferred for one year.
  • In addition, small businesses and non-profits may request, as part of their loan application, an EIDL Advance of up to $10,000. The EIDL Advance is designed to provide emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.  This advance will not have to be repaid, and small businesses may receive an advance even if they are not approved for a loan.
  • SBA’s EIDL and EIDL Advance are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response.
  • The SBA is also assisting small businesses and non-profits with access to the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020.

For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.

Liquor Control Rebate

JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Liquor Control announced they will offer a one-time rebate to bars and restaurants to defray the cost of restocking high-proof spirituous liquor. Beginning in mid-May, JobsOhio will provide a $500 rebate in high-proof spirituous liquor to eligible permits for purchases made through Ohio Liquor Contract Liquor Agencies. Permit holders must register to be eligible for rebate. There are more than 13,600 eligible permits in Ohio, totaling $6.8 million in potential rebates available to bars and restaurants. To view qualifying permits and to register for the liquor rebate program, visit Wholesale.OHLQ.com.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funding-Local Retailers Needed

Low to moderate income families impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for help with food, essential supplies and housing costs through emergency funding from the state. Cuyahoga Job and Family Services (CJFS) is accepting applications for assistance and looking for local stores that will accept payment from the county for items purchased through the program.

Due to the current state of emergency the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has provided $1,687,921.19 in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to Cuyahoga County for distribution through the CJFS Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program. The COVID-19 PRC fund is designated for TANF eligible families to temporarily to assist with vouchers for essential needs such as additional food, household cleaning products, self-care items, and housing costs.

With the help of Cuyahoga County Department of Development, CJFS has been able to identify local small businesses that sell the essential products allowable with the voucher. A commitment to accept the vouchers has already been received from Dave’s Supermarkets, Marc’s, and Save A Lot. We encourage community businesses to join CJFS in this venture and help serve Cuyahoga County residents.

“We have the opportunity to support our local small retail businesses while providing supportive services to eligible families in Cuyahoga County that have been effected by COVID-19,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “We are asking retailers within Cuyahoga County to support the supply chain by accepting the PRC vouchers.”

Eligibility for the PRC program is limited to Cuyahoga County families that include a minor child, a pregnant individual, or a non-custodial parent of a minor child receiving Ohio Works First (OWF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Medicaid. Citizenship, income and assets are reviewed for eligibility as well.

 “CJFS has expanded the methods that applications for the PRC program can be submitted to provide the easiest access to the essentials that people need, while providing an opportunity for additional revenue to local businesses. We now need the support from local businesses as we issue the vouchers to eligible families,” stated CJFS Administrator Kevin Gowan.

PRC applications can be downloaded at https://cjfs.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/PRC.aspx or picked up at a Neighborhood Family Service Center. Applications and verifications can be submitted by any of the following methods:

o Virgil E. Brown – 1641 Payne Ave.

o Old Brooklyn – 4261 Fulton Parkway

o Quincy Place – 8111 Quincy Ave.

o Westshore Opportunity Center Drop-Off Location – 9830 Lorain Avenue

  • Fax – Submit to (216) 987-8655.
  • Phone – Call (216) 987-7392 to leave a message. Calls are returned to complete an application.

Vendors interested in accepting the PRC vouchers can contact (216) 987-6757 for more information. To learn more about PRC and the application process, visit https://cjfs.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/PRC.aspx or call the PRC Information Line at (216) 987-7392 and leave a message.

SharedWork Ohio (SWO)

SharedWork Ohio (SWO) is a voluntary layoff avoidance program that allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Under an SWO plan, eligible employers will reduce affected employee’s weekly work hours between 10 and 50 percent. Participating employees will work the reduced schedule and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will pay them a prorated unemployment benefit.

SWO allows employers to retain their skilled workforce, eliminate the time and expense of recruiting and training new workers and maintain existing employee benefits. It may prevent workers from being permanently laid off due to a lack of work or business closure. Participating employees can remain with the employer and do not have to search and train for a new job.

  • To be considered for the program, employers must submit an application and a participant list.
  • And approved SWO plan can be in effect for up to 52 weeks (the weeks do not need to be consecutive).
  • Additional program information can be found at: jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/SharedWorkOhio or by calling (866) 733-0025, Option 3.

Ohio employers may apply if they meet the following criteria:

  • Have at least two affected employees that do not work on a seasonal, temporary or intermittent basis;
  • Are current on all Ohio unemployment insurance reporting, contributions, reimbursements, interest and penalties due;
  • Agree to the program requirements.
  • Municipal employers can participate in SharedWork Ohio as long as all the requirements are met under ORC 4141.51 http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4141.51

After ODJFS notifies an employer that it approves the submitted SharedWork Ohio plan, the affected employees may apply for SharedWork Ohio benefits.

To apply for a SharedWork Ohio plan:

  • Go to www.unemployment.ohio.gov
  • Log in to your OJI Employer benefits account
  • From the Main Menu, under SharedWork Ohio (SWO), select View/Manage SWO Plans

 

Business Emergency Funding 

Small Business Stabilization Fund

Cuyahoga County has committed $500,000 to the creation of a Small Business Stabilization Fund to support small, neighborhood-based businesses throughout Cuyahoga County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grants to small businesses from the Small Business Stabilization Fund will be available starting at $2,500, up to $5,000, based on need, as evaluated by a grant committee composed of small business and banking professionals and supported by Cuyahoga County Department of Development staff. Loans will also be available through the Stabilization Fund partners, from $5,000, up to $350,000, depending on underwriting.

Applications for the first round of grant funding will be open April 17 at 9:00 a.m. and close Thursday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Stabilization Fund Team which includes the Grant Committee. Grant awards will be announced by Tuesday, April 28 and grant funds will be distributed to businesses starting that week.

Click here for more information.

 

Save Small Business Fund

To extend a helping hand to small businesses suffering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund. The Save Small Business Fund is a grant-making initiative to offer $5,000 grants that provide short-term relief for employers across the United States.  These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between 3-20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.

Click here for more information about the Save Small Business Fund.

 

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:

  • The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; and
  • Employee and compensation levels are maintained.

Find more information at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans now open for Ohio Small Businesses

Thanks to a concerted effort by our partners throughout the state, Ohio small business can now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

How do I apply?

SBA Fact Sheets

What’s next?

  • If this update was forwarded to you, sign up our emails:  sba.gov/updates.
  • Follow us on Twitter @SBA_Cleveland

Need Help Applying?

 

City of Lakewood Small Business Rent Relief

Due to the volume of applications and the desire to get funding out as soon as possible, the application  closed at 11:59 PM on Friday, March 27, 2020.  The City is currently processing the applications it has received.

 

Office of Small Business Relief

A new office has been developed within the Ohio Development Services Agency to better coordinate Ohio’s efforts to identify and provide support for Ohio’s nearly 950,000 small businesses.

The Office of Small Business Relief will:

  • Serve as the state’s designated agency for administrating federal recovery funds awarded to Ohio for small business support and recovery;
  • Work with federal, state, and local partners to evaluate and determine possible regulatory reforms that encourage employment and job creation; and
  • Coordinate efforts of Ohio’s Small Business Development Centers and Minority Business Assistance Centers.

More information on all resources currently available to small businesses is available at coronavirus.ohio.gov/BusinessHelp.

 

Liquor Control Commission Emergency Rule 

The Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to allow establishments with an existing on-premises liquor permit to sell and deliver alcohol, including high-proof liquor in limited quantity, for off-premises consumption.

Breweries can also now sell beer and wine that are not their own without food purchase, but food purchase is required for the sale of high-proof liquor.

Under the rule, patrons can purchase no more than two drinks per meal.  All drinks must be closed and remain closed during transport as per the open container law cited in ORC 4301.01(B)(6). Drinks cannot contain more than two ounces of spirituous liquor per container.

This rule will remain in effect for up to 120 days unless rescinded by the Liquor Control Commission, whichever occurs first.

Similar emergency rulings have been enacted recently in other states, such as New York and Texas, to provide some financial relief to restaurants and bars that have had to close their dining rooms to contain the spread of COVID-19.

 

 

Unemployed Workers
The usual one-week waiting period for unemployment has been waived. Eligible employees who are out of work due to COVID-19 should file immediately.

https://unemployment.ohio.gov/

Ohio offers a “shared work” system that may let you keep key employees on a reduced work schedule while they also draw partial unemployment benefits.  Information is at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/SharedWorkOhio-FAQs.stm

Add your business to the Lakewood Business Directory

In an effort to deflect the financial impact of the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus, The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive, the City of Lakewood, and the entire community are working together to gather a list of Lakewood restaurants, retailers, salons, and more that offer gift certificates, online shopping, delivery and/or takeout.

We’ll promote the list to local residents with a message to help staunch the loss of revenue local merchants are experiencing due to slower traffic, mandatory restrictions for dining in at restaurants and taverns, and self-quarantine.

If you are a Lakewood merchant that offers gift certificates, online shopping or takeout, we highly encourage you to add your own information here.

This list will be published and shared in the coming days.