The Delaware County Commissioners have approved launching a Small Business Protection Program that will offer grants up to $15,000 to eligible, for-profit small businesses in Delaware County whose revenues in 2020 have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A pool of $2 million has been allocated for the program.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 4 via an online portal at https://economicdevelopment.co.delaware.oh.us/2020/11/03/small-business-protection-program/. To be eligible, a business must be:

  1. Either wholly located within Delaware County and/or operate a corporate office with the county.
  2. A registered business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
  3. A for-profit business with no more than 25 full-time employees and/or unlimited part-time/contract employees.
  4. Part of one of these targeted industries: hotels/motels; restaurants; retail; medical; technology; professional services; light industrial.

Full application instructions are available by emailing the Delaware County Economic Development Department at: econdevelopment@co.delaware.oh.us.

Applicants will need to submit a summary of operation losses sustained because of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide supporting documentation. They must also provide a narrative of the impact the pandemic had on business operations.

The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, at 2 p.m.