How can we help your business thrive?
Making sure Hamilton County small businesses are supported and survive the pandemic is a priority for Hamilton County Commissioners. This COVID-19 Small Business Resource Hub will help you navigate all the COVID-19 resources for small businesses. Through our partnerships with local chambers, jurisdictions, and our economic development partners, we will update this page with funding opportunities as they become available.
Small Business Relief Programs
Hamilton County Small Business Relief Grant Program
Hamilton County Commissioners have allocated an additional $4 million in federal relief funds for a fourth round of grant funding to get relief dollars into the hands of small business owners financially impacted during the pandemic. Eligible small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 to be used for the reimbursement of certain eligible expenses. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2023. Since the start of the pandemic, Commissioners have distributed $14 million to over 1,400 small businesses, two-thirds of which self-reported as minority- or women-owned businesses.
Commissioners also created the first-ever Office of Small Business to serve as the front door for small businesses to access and receive assistance to start and grow their companies. Learn more about the Hamilton County Office of Small Business here – https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/office_of_small_business
For small business news from Hamilton County and more information on the County’s federal allocation, sign up for email alerts on the county’s website – https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/about/about_hamilton_county/email_notifications.
VISIT – https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/office_of_small_business
APPLY – https://hc.smapply.io/prog/hamilton_county_small_business_relief_program_round_four/
DOWNLOAD – Hamilton County Small Business Relief Grants Program How-To document
State of Ohio Small Business Support
The DeWine-Husted Administration is focused on supporting businesses, communities, and families so all Ohioans can succeed. The resources and information available below are intended to support small businesses, help Ohio communities, and ease the burdens of Ohio families.
VISIT – https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/
U.S. Small Business Association COVID-19 Relief Options
The U.S. Small Business Administration is unable to accept new applications for COVID-19 relief loans or grants. They continue to offer PPP loan forgiveness.
VISIT – https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options
Other Resources
Small Business Assistance (Alloy Development Company)
Hamilton County contracts with Alloy Development Company to serve its economic development and small business needs. Alloy is here to help small businesses navigate their path to success and thrive in our community. Whether you are a small business just getting started, or you are looking for ways to grow, they are here to help.
The Small Business Assistance Program from Alloy includes one-on-one coaching from an experienced business professional to help businesses refine plans, sharpen marketing, improve operations, grow and succeed. Business coaching can include assistance in the following areas:
- Business Plan Development
- Marketing
- Financing Proposal Development
- Management and Operations
- Financial Analysis
- Sales Enhancement
- Value Proposition
- Personnel Policies and Management
VISIT – https://alloydev.org/economic-development/business-assistance/
Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative
The Greater Cincinnati Microenterprise Initiative (GCMI) is an entrepreneurial education program designed to help Individuals and small business owners develop and recognize opportunities for their business. GCMI has been supporting and developing entrepreneurs for since 1998.
VISIT – http://www.gcmi.org/
EMAIL – Grants@gcmination.org
CALL – (513) 569-4816, ex 2412
Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio
The Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio’s Business Development & Entrepreneurship supports entrepreneurs in developing their business startup or expansion aspirations in the greater Cincinnati area.
The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide business counseling and assistance to individuals who are either starting or growing their businesses. Ohio SBDC at the Urban League Greater Southwestern Ohio is staffed by highly trained, Certified Business Advisors®. The Center provides no-cost, confidential, in-depth, one-on-one counseling for businesses that will or currently employ under 500 employees.
VISIT – https://www.cincinnatieec.com/ohio-sbdc-hamilton-county/
Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley – The WBEC ORV is an organization for women business owners interested in promoting, developing, and maintaining business relationships with other women business owners, major corporations, and governmental agencies.