Cincinnati launches effort to help small businesses; may be in line for more funding

Описание: CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The city of Cincinnati is up to 611 cases of COVID-19 and 31 people have died.

In the midst of this pandemic, the impact of the stay at home order is being felt by businesses. On Wednesday, Cincinnati is launching a push to help small businesses -- particularly those owned by African Americans. It's called "Cincy Buy Black Thursdays."

Councilwoman Jan-Michelle Kearney said there are 60 minority-owned businesses in the city and only 37% were awarded help from the government.

The city of Cincinnati is also in line to hopefully get help from a new state bill. The Ohio Senate passed it a short time ago, allowing $350 million of federal CARES funding to go to local communities for pandemic-related expenses.

"What the Senate passed today is essentially to recommend distributing one-third of that amount. I'm not sure if it's one-third exactly, but it's close. So that's good. We are happy about that. But it needs to get passed by the House," said Mayor John Cranley.

Ohio cities, villages and townships are eligible, but Hamilton County won't get anything. They are one of six areas with populations over 500,000 and don't qualify for this, but they should get a direct payment from the CARES Act.