CARES funding BGSU, Ottawa County projects

The U.S, Economic Development Administration will be awarding $300,000 through the EDA’s COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Project to Bowling Green State University.
The funding is intended to assist the university respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the EDA, university centers receiving these supplemental awards are required to implement one or more “scope of work’ activities pre-approved by the EDA, including:
- Providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs, businesses and communities to assist in economic recovery efforts.
- Assisting with moving courses to an online platform to support the business community.
- Supporting the technology, product development and manufacturing aimed at addressing the economic impacts of the pandemic.
- Conducting and sharing the applied research to address issues stemming from economic impacts of the pandemic.
- Assisting communities in identifying and supporting workforce talent through training and professional development.
The funding stems from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) that was signed into law in March.
Congressman Bob Latta, R – Bowling Green, said the funds will help BGSU complete a strategy for workforce development and a recovery plan.

Business assistance
The Ottawa County commissioners have approved the use of up to $100,000 of federal CARES funds for the county’s Small Business Relief Program.
The program, which will be coordinated by the commissioners, county auditor and regional planning commission, will provide up to $5,000 to eligible small businesses for business interruption expenses caused by the pandemic.
Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 17.
To participate in the program, businesses must have less than $1 million in gross annual revenues, have 30 or fewer employees or workers receiving form 1099 as of March 22 and experienced a decrease in gross annual revenue of 30 percent or more due to the pandemic.
Applications will be selected by a random draw if they exceed the $100,000 allotment, rather than a first-come-first-served basis.
For information email: ocares@co.ottawa.oh.us.