May 12, 2020

The DDC is working to maintain our region’s economic growth during this difficult time. As we face COVID-19, we’re inspired by the unity and strength we see across our community to care for one another, provide support and keep our economy going. 

Our essential mission hasn’t changed. We continue to help our community recruit, expand and retain jobs. Our efforts have shifted to helping businesses conserve capital and retain their employees so they are well-positioned to emerge from this crisis. We are working with JobsOhio, state officials and many regional organizations to help businesses navigate the assistance available. 

The State of Ohio’s page on COVID-19 has links for businesses and residents, with information on virus statistics, health regulations and rules for re-opening businesses.  

Regional Business Loans

The Connor Group has launched a small business loan program to help Dayton Region businesses with between 5 and 50 employees and less than $2 million in revenue stay afloat during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Small business owners can apply by filling out a simple form at www.connorgroup.com/kids-and-community/local-small-business-loan-progra….

Three local cities have also created loan funds for businesses:

Miamisburg
https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2020/04/10/new-fund-provides-small-business-loans-in-dayton.html. You can get an application by emailing scbsf45342@gmail.com. 
 
Troy
https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2020/04/06/local-community-establishes-disaster-relief-grant.html. You can find the application here: https://www.troyohiochamber.com/small-business-disaster-relief-grant-program/. 

Kettering
https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2020/04/17/another-local-city-launches-emergency-loan-program.html. You can find the application here: https://storage.googleapis.com/proudcity/ketteringoh/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-business-assistance-Finalv3.pdf 

Support for Local Businesses

 

 

 

The DDC hosted a Conference Call Town Hall with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman to discuss the Federal CARES Act and the Payroll Protection Program.

 

 

 

We hosted two webinars with the SBA’s Columbus District for companies that may qualify for the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program or the Payroll Protection Program to walk through these program, review the application process, and answer any questions.

 

 

 

Supporting the Defense Industry

 

 

 

Our staff is working with local defense contractors, Wright-Patt officials, and members of the Ohio Congressional delegation to ensure that Wright-Patt defense contractors can continue their work and receive payment during the base’s Public Health Emergency. Our goal is to ensure contractors can keep their workforces intact and avoid layoffs. We are also working with Rep. Turner in support of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Center for Excellence, located near Wright-Patt.  

 

 

 

Officials from AFRL, LCMC, and AFMC joined Elaine Bryant for roundtable briefings for defense contractors. The calls have been a forum to ask questions about the current environment for contractors. 

 

 

 

Ohio Website for Available Jobs

 

 

 

Companies in Ohio are hiring, many to accommodate increased demand for service related to the COVD-19 outbreak. You can find job listings here: (https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/employers-and-employees/CoronavirusJobSearch/Job-Search) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DDC staff supports state’s efforts to secure personal protection equipment

 

 

 

Fuyao: The first shipment of Fuyao Heren Foundation’s PPE donation arrived in Ohio in May. This shipment includes 1 million masks and 30,000 goggles. 
  
Thank you to JobsOhio Fuyao Heren Foundation, China’s New York Consulate, Fujian Foreign Affairs Office, and NNR Global Logistics for their help in coordinating these shipments. 

 

 

 

Ohio Manufacturing Alliance: DDC staff worked with the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA), the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Program, and JobsOhio to establish the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19. This collaborative effort works with manufacturers to see which companies have interest and capability to repurpose their manufacturing operations to produce in-demand products.

 

 

 

Crocs recently announced a new program for those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19: “A Free Pair for Healthcare” where  healthcare workers across the country can request a free pair of shoes through its website at www.crocs.com/freeforhealthcare. As part of this initiative, Crocs, with the support of JobsOhio, donated 14,000 pairs of shoes to GDAHA to distribute through health systems. These shoes reached hospitals large and small, including Dayton Children’s, Kettering Medical Center, Miami Valley Hospital, and Wilson Memorial Hospital among others. Deliveries were coordinated through the generosity of Heidelberg Distributing Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy requests for consideration in a future COVID-19 federal emergency response bill

 

 

 

The DDC submitted a series of funding and policy requests for consideration in a future COVID-19 emergency response bill to Senators Brown and Portman and Representatives Turner and Davidson. The package includes construction projects at Wright-Patterson and the Dayton VA Medical Center, as well as other projects to assist responding to the COVID-19 pandemic or dealing with the economic aftermath. 

 

 

 

JobsOhio has worked quickly to adapt its programs to assist companies during the crisis. Their efforts are highlighted below and on their website, including information on several new programs they have established. Program specifics and investment metrics can be found here.

 

 

 

Statewide Liquor Buy Back

 

 

 

• JobsOhio executed an alcohol buy-back initiative allowing bars, restaurants, and F2 permit holders (non-profits) to return surplus product purchased in the last 30 days for a full refund upon return of their supply.  This buy-back has a potential of providing restaurant and bar owners across Ohio up to $30 Million total savings. Nearly 800 buyback requests have been made to-date.

 

 

 

Loan Portfolio Interest and Payment Holiday (A program for businesses with a current JobsOhio’s existing loan only) 

 

 

 

• Payment deferment (no interest and no principal payments) for the next six months. Fifty companies are eligible, with over 9,500 employees around Ohio.

 

 

 

Program & Policy Adjustments (A program for existing JobsOhio client businesses only)

 

 

 

• Expand allowable expenses and near-term relaxed compliance audit. Allow for expenses such as work from home technology and equipment and services to implement guidance associated with COVID-19. This program also allowed eligible companies to request funds upfront rather than reimbursement.

 

 

 

The JobsOhio Innovation Fund

 

 

 

• JobsOhio recently announced a new Innovation Fund for Ohio start-ups. Totaling up to $50 million, the fund will make loans available to eligible businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. They will use convertible loans, side by side with cash co-invested from existing investors, toward Ohio’s most promising and innovative companies. JobsOhio has an excellent resource guide with several new programs they have established in three short weeks. 

 

 

 

Workforce Retention Loan (A program for existing JobsOhio client businesses only)

 

 

 

• Forgivable, six-month interest-free loan to companies who would use the loan to retain their workforce and act as a credit line for payroll.  Targeted to medium size private companies with least $50,000/month in hourly payroll workers. After 6-months, if employees are still working, the loan is forgiven.  JobsOhio will invest up to $100 million.  This loan will impact and support thousands of workers across Ohio.

 

 

 

Community Banks Partnership Pilot (Program for small business in Ohio’s small communities)

 

 

 

• Partnership with 2 Ohio community banks to support their existing loan portfolio. JobsOhio will invest up to $50 million in loan guarantees enabling partnering banks to extend $500 million more business lending across the state.  (Almost all the businesses supported will likely be OUTSIDE of the current JobsOhio client portfolio)

 

 

 

Market Research, Analysis & Reporting / Resources and Communications

 

 

 

• Economic Impact Memo to broad based statewide stakeholders several times a week to with updates on global, national, and Ohio economic/Coronavirus-19 trends.  Sector specific Business resources website to re-enforce guidance provided by State of Ohio and resources for Ohio companies. Both can be found on JobsOhio’s Ohio Safe Ohio Working website.

 

 

 

JobsOhio Actions - Near Completion 

 

 

 

• Air Service Restoration
  • Allocated up to $10 million to support Ohio’s air service and airport infrastructure to uniquely position the state to jumpstart service in key business markets
• Port Authority Reserve Fund
  • To catalyze economic development around Ohio, JobsOhio will invest up to $50 million of reserve funds to backstop Ohio’s Port Authorities.  We anticipate this investment will result in over $250 Million of additional Port Authority investment activity across Ohio.

 

 

 

JobsOhio PPE-Medical Supply Actions 

 

 

 

• Distillers / Hand-Sanitizer Production and Distribution
  • Several Ohio distillers have started making alcohol-based hand sanitizer which is in heavy-demand across the state. JobsOhio Beverage System has purchased 500 cases (22,000 individual bottles) and distributing them to Ohio's 12 Food Banks across the state with its built-in logistics and transportation network. $150,000 Investment 
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Database
  • JobsOhio’s business sector & research team, with the support of network partners including the DDC, created a robust database of PPE manufacturers, distributors, and other FDA-approved entities and shared with Strike Force and stakeholders like the OMA, Ohio’s OEMA, and others as a resource.

 

 

 

We encourage you to visit the resources below for more information:

 

 

 

• The State of Ohio has a resource page with links for businesses. Visit Site
• The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services has set up a special COVID-19 website to answer employer and employee questions about unemployment. Visit Site
• The Chamber has a page devoted to resources for businesses. Visit Site