Press Room >> 2010 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
September 2, 2010

PATT-MCDANIEL ANNOUNCES $220,000 IN
MICROENTERPRISE BUSINESS GRANTS

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced that one city and three counties will receive a total of $220,000 in Microenterprise Business Development Program grants administered by the Department's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships. The grants are funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

"These awards will assist in long-term job creation and retention for small businesses in these four communities," Patt-McDaniel said. "The economic success of our state hinges on providing a helping hand to companies of all sizes to ensure their continued growth and vitality."

The Microenterprise Business Development Program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations, cities, and counties to assist in the development of local microenterprise businesses and to create and retain long-term jobs in the private sector. Microenterprises are defined as for-profit entities with five or fewer employees, one of whom owns the business. Entities working with low- and moderate-income populations are eligible to apply for Microenterprise Business Development Program funds.

Recipients of the Community Development Block Grant Program funds include:

The City of Medina (Medina County) will receive a $40,000 grant to assist two businesses and provide training and technical assistance to 10 individuals.

Columbiana County will receive a $60,000 grant to assist three businesses and provide training and technical assistance to 20 individuals.

Morgan County will receive a $60,000 grant to assist one business and provide training and technical assistance to 40 individuals.

Vinton County will receive a $60,000 grant to assist four businesses and provide training and technical assistance to 50 individuals.

The Office of Housing and Community Partnerships provides financial and technical assistance to units of local government and nonprofit organizations in Ohio for project activities which benefit low- and moderate-income citizens.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio's future.

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Media contacts: Katie Sabatino at (614) 466-6212
or the Communications and Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609