07/09/2020

COVID-19 Economic Impact Update and Resources from the State of Ohio

Uncover information about IMAP and SharedWork

Today, Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced the creation of the Individual Micro-credential Assistance Program (IMAP) and gave an update on Ohio’s SharedWork program. Ohio small businesses can learn more about other resources available through the Office of Small Business Relief and Development at Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/BusinessHelp.

The Individual Micro-credential Assistance Program (IMAP) will provide $2.5 million in grants to help unemployed Ohioans earn in-demand, technology-focused credentials that will give them a leg up in finding a job in the increasingly tech-focused economy. The grant application is open to training providers, such as universities, colleges, Ohio technical centers or private sector training businesses. Training providers who receive awards will be reimbursed up to $3,000 for each completed technology-focused credential issued and up to $250,000 per provider. The program was created in partnership with the Ohio House of Representatives. 

Training providers interested in applying can find more information by selecting this link; the application deadline is July 24, 2020.

Recently, Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order enabling the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) to use federal funding authorized under the CARES Act to enhance the state’s SharedWork program. Participating employers agree to reduce the affected employees’ hours by a uniform percentage, between 10 percent and 50 percent, for up to 52 weeks. In return, those employees receive SharedWork compensation, which is a prorated unemployment benefit, and, while federally available, may also receive the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit each week. Since March 15, ODJFS has approved 909 employers who have participated in 1,680 SharedWork Ohio plans, benefiting 46,352 participating employees.