(WWJ) There's some cash available for struggling small businesses in Michigan — and now is the time to apply.
Through Michigan Small Business Survival Grants, the state will pay out $55 million to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and recent public health orders.
The grants will be administered by 15 Economic Development Organizations covering all 83 counties in Michigan.
HOW TO APPLY: The application window opened at 9 a.m. today (Tuesday, Jan. 19), and will close at noon on Friday, Jan. 22.
A single, statewide application for the program can be found at michiganbusiness.org/survival.
Grants will be reviewed and awarded by the EDOs based on eligibility requirements and local priorities and objectives; not on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHO IS ELLIGIBLE? Businesses must meet the following eligibility requirements:
• Had 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a worldwide basis on November 17, 2020.
• Is in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the DHHS epidemic orders.
• Needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses.
• Can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the Order as determined by the EDO in which an eligible business is located.
• Is not a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program. (Get information about the Michigan Stage Survival grant program HERE. Applications for that program open on Jan. 21).
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“We have seen the urgent need for these resources for small businesses across the state, and MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) is proud to work with our local partners and industry leaders to ensure this funding gets into the hands of businesses efficiently, effectively and with the greatest impact possible,” said MEDC CEO Mark Burton. “We continue to stay focused on both immediate relief efforts, and also ensuring we have runway for economic recovery in the coming year through existing efforts around business retention and growth, supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating vibrant communities throughout Michigan.”
To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.