Coronavirus: Lakewood Launches Fund To Help Small Businesses

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood is launching a Small Business Rent Relief fund to support companies and shops in the city. Grants of up to $3,000 can be used to reimburse rent payments for companies struggling in the midst of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.

“The city along with our partners, LakewoodAlive and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, is committed to serving as a trusted resource and partner for our local business community during these challenging times,” said Mayor Meghan George. “The Small Business Rent Relief Fund is one of the steps we are taking to help ease the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on Lakewood small businesses. Our locally owned businesses are the backbone of our community and we will continue to do all we can to support them.”

The program is only open to businesses with less than 50 employees and operating a commercial or retail storefront in Lakewood. Home-based businesses do not qualify. Businesses must be experiencing negative impacts due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Following the first month of grant dispersion, the program will be evaluation based on its restrictions and business needs. The program is being supported by Lakewood's Economic Development Fund and federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

To apply for the program, visit the city's website.