COVID-19 Assistance in the Toledo Area
Story is up to date as of 10:00 a.m. 3/23/2020
During this time of uncertainty caused by COVID-19, we know that many are faced with difficulty. Please see below for assistance within the Toledo area.
Business/Nonprofit
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are financial resources available to small businesses and nonprofits. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Process has been established through the local Business Development Services at the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses are considered organizations with 500 or fewer employees. This program provides low-interest loans to help businesses and nonprofits overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Bill Wersell, from the SBDC, said that this is not a quick solution, and will require documentation. The SBDC is also suggesting that business owners start reaching out to lenders, suppliers, landlords, etc. to defer payments. The SBDC will help businesses as they can. Here is the link. If you have questions, or need assistance with this program, at the bottom of the web page is a place to leave a reply. Put your information in and someone from the SBDC will contact you. You do not have to be a member of the Chamber to access these services.
For small business assistance, please reach out to Bill Wersell with our Small Business Development Center at bill.wersell@toledochamber.com
For more information, click here: https://www.toledochamber.com/emergency-preparedness-resources.html
Small Business
JumpStart is a venture development organization, combining the principles of (private) venture capital and (non-profit) economic development to help entrepreneurs start and grow companies—from venture capital-backed startups to traditional small businesses.
If your business is in need of assistance now or will need assistance getting back on its feet, check out their Entrepreneur Toolkit.
Furthermore, JumpStart offers free webinars for small businesses. Check them out here: https://www.jumpstartinc.org/events/
Additional small business assistance resources include: Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan; Paid Leave Relief; Ohio Liquor Buyback Program
Workforce Development Needs
Although the OhioMeansJobs Lucas County building is closed to the public, businesses and workers can still receive assistance from staff by phone, email or online.
Companies needing aid are still able to receive help in recruiting workers, managing potential reductions in force, and planning for the weeks ahead. Staff will continue to reach out to employers in an effort to determine their needs, to follow up with on-going projects and provide assistance to companies that may qualify for small business support from the State of Ohio. Employers needing help can call 419-213-3300 or email tforeman@co.lucas.oh.us with a brief explanation of the needed assistance.
Individuals can still receive help by phone from OhioMeansJobs staff or online by visiting www.OhioMeansJobs.com where they can search and apply for jobs, create a resume and explore the various services available. Unfortunately, until the COVID-19 crisis has abated, face-to-face meetings with staff are on hold although individuals needing to drop off paperwork can call their case managers to make suitable arrangements.
Unemployment Benefits
Governor DeWine announced changes to the Ohio Unemployment Benefits will be made. The order from Governor DeWine broadens state policy to clarify that individuals who are quarantined are considered to be unemployed. This also applies to businesses that determine they need to temporarily shut down. The order also waves the one-week waiting period normally required before receipt of benefits. The State does not want to penalize employers by increasing their future taxes. The costs of the benefits will be mutualized over time and they will be waiving penalties for late filing and payments for the duration of the emergency.
Ohioans can file online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. We encourage people to file online, if possible. However, they also may file by phone at (877) OHIO-JOB (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Artist Benefits
Recognizing the immediate need for support to local artists affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Arts Commission re-allocated $10,000 towards a new grant program for artists whose performances, exhibitions, and events have been cancelled due to this crisis.
Within 24 hours, requests exceeded the original funding amount of $10,000. The Arts Commission is actively fundraising for a second cycle of Emergency Grants for Artists and will re-open the grant to applications once additional funding is received. We thank you for your patience as we work to help as much as we can with this unprecedented need.
Emergency Grants for Artists are first-come, first-served for eligible applications, with no set deadline. Grant amounts are available at $500, $250, and $100.
Questions? Contact Jordan Buschur, Artist Services Coordinator: jbuschur@theartscommission.org
Learn more, donate or apply here: https://theartscommission.org/stories/emergency-grants-for-artists
Greater Toledo Community Foundation
The Foundation has established the COVID-19 Response Fund to aid local nonprofits negatively affected by the coronavirus. Details about the grant process can be found at www.toledocf.org. Those who wish to contribute to the fund may do so here: https://toledocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list
Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 Updates
The most up to date information on COVID-19 can be found on the Ohio Department of Health's website. You can also find resources for families, economic support and coping with anxiety. Click here for more information, https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
United Way 2-1-1 Program
The United Way of Greater Toledo offers a 24-hour a day information and referral service at 211. This non-emergency number will put you in contact with assistance from finding a food shelter to connecting you with volunteer opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.unitedwaytoledo.org/get-help/united-way-2-1-1-support/
They are currently coordinating volunteer efforts to feed children that rely on school meals for their daily meals. If you are interested in volunteering to help feed the children in our community, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040848adad29a1f85-meal
