Small Business Grants In Michigan

You may qualify for a Michigan small business grant in 2023 if you have suffered substantial revenue losses because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses, local communities, and families can benefit from these grants. Our goal is to help small businesses, Michigan communities, and families by providing resources and information. 

Over $21.12 billion in federal grants and $16.58 billion in local government grants are put into the business sector yearly because Michigan's economy depends on small businesses and corporations. Michigan has 176,303 businesses and more than 56,000 farms. Michigan pays over $135.81 billion in employee salaries and payrolls, and 71,004 businesses fail yearly. 

Grants from the federal government are not available to start or expand a business. Still, Michigan grants are offered to business owners who want to start and grow their businesses, and the government does not demand repayment. To fund your business, therefore, you should consider small business grants.

What Is A Grant?

Public agencies typically give public grants to develop new products, services, or projects. A grant does not have to be backed by the government like a secured loan. Grant programs are beneficial for small businesses because repayment is not required.

Although lengthy and time-consuming, grant applications and administration can be a valuable source of low-cost growth. Grant applications can be lengthy and complicated. To apply for a small business grant, you must demonstrate you have the resources to build the business and that you fit the lending body's requirements. Grant programs are run by local governments, charities, and foundations.

State Grants

Residents of Michigan have access to a variety of grants for various purposes. Here is a list of small business grants for 2023 that may be of interest to you.  

Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program

Small businesses and live event venues affected by the COVID-19 virus can apply for the Michigan Strategic Fund's Michigan Small Business Survival Grants and Michigan Stages Survival Grants, which total $58.5 million in relief for small businesses and venues.

SB 748, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Dec. 29, allocated the funds for the program to support Michigan's small businesses, which have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan Small Business Survival Grant

Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program will provide $55 million in grants to Michigan small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 emergency gatherings and face mask orders. Grants of up to $20,000 are given to completely closed businesses, and $15,000 is given to businesses partially closed and are demonstrating impact.

Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program

Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program, worth $3.5 million, will provide one-time grants of up to $45,000 to Michigan live music and entertainment venues whose finances have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In December 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an emergency gathering and face mask order for Michigan businesses that have experienced significant financial hardship.

Fifteen local or nonprofit economic development organizations (EDOs) will administer the Michigan Small Business Survival Grants. By considering eligibility requirements and local priorities and objectives, EDOs review and award grant requests.

Businesses must meet the following requirements:

• Businesses that employed 1 to 100 people (including full-time, part-time, owners, and employees) worldwide.
• The business has been affected by the epidemic orders issued by DHHS.
• Working capital is needed to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, utility costs, etc.
• Eligible businesses can demonstrate a loss of income due to the Order determined by the EDO in which they operate.
• The Michigan Stage Survival grant program does not cover live music and entertainment venues.

MichiganBusiness.org/survival will provide access to details on individual EDO eligibility requirements. Businesses with a full closure will be awarded grants up to $20,000, and businesses with a partial closure, or otherwise open and able to demonstrate impact, can receive grants up to $15,000.

Sunrise Small Business Grant Program

The Ingham County Sunrise Small Business Grant Program was created in April 2021 with funds from the county's first tranche of American Rescue Plan funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 will have a short- and long-term economic impact on Ingham County. The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) was selected to design and administer the program. Businesses and non-profits with 100 or fewer employees with a physical business location in Ingham County may apply until July 30. Ingham County businesses and non-profits with 100 employees or fewer can apply. 

By deploying funds through the Sunrise Grant Program, the region's largest county will be better positioned to ensure a sustainable long-term recovery following the COVID-19 crisis. Currently, LEAP, Ingham County, and numerous organizations are working on diversity, equity, and inclusion. They are finalizing applications, scoring criteria, the application help materials, and the application review process to minimize bias and ensure that underserved populations affected equally by the pandemic receive funding.

The following business types are eligible for grants of $5,000-$25,000:

• Non-food retail/services
• Tourism and hospitality services (non-food)
• NGOs (non-food)
• Business owners
• Businesses started during the pandemic
• Diners/taverns/restaurants

Incubators, entrepreneurial support agencies, and childcare providers (not in homes) will receive additional grants to foster sustainable small-business growth.

Ingham County Economic Development Corporation's development efforts also include long-term technical assistance for succession planning, reopening businesses that closed permanently during the pandemic and setting up a new revolving loan fund. The Lansing region has received $10.32 million in COVID-19 relief funding since the COVID-19 crisis began.

Bay County Small Business Grant Program

To support small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bay County is allocating $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. 30% or more of the grants must be awarded to women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses through Bay Future, Inc., Bay County's leading economic development organization.

Online applications will begin today (May 10, 2022) and close on May 31, 2022, at 5:00 PM. We will notify winners by June 16, 2022. First come, first serve is not an option. After the application closes, we will review all applications. For-profit businesses in Bay County with 2-50 employees located in a brick and mortar building since January 1, 2022, and demonstrating a COVID-19 negative effect can be eligible for the program.

Payroll, rent/mortgage payments, and utility expenses are eligible for reimbursement. Bay Future, Inc. will administer the grants. Women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses must receive 30% or more of the funding.

Build Institute Loans

It is available throughout Michigan. Trustee of Kiva, the non-profit, can provide interest-free loans. They also work with other companies to provide financial aid. It is a crowdfunding program for MWBEs, veterans, and LGBTQ businesses who are borrowers with bad credit. Borrowers will receive ongoing guidance, mentoring, and assistance from the Institute.

Michigan Woman Forward 

A group focused on women of all ages, Michigan Woman Forward (MWF) serves women of all ages. You can start a business and find investors through the WomanUp business pitch program. Moreover, female entrepreneurs with limited or no credit can receive microloans up to $50,000. Additionally, other capital-raising programs and STEM training are available.

Olga Loizon Foundation Grants

A woman-owned business in Michigan may receive a $10,000 grant from the Olga Loizon Foundation. Business plans and residency in Michigan are required for all applicants. Grants are available from time to time through a program that relies upon donations. Team Schostak Family Restaurant chooses the recipients.  

Revitalization And Pacemaking (RAP) Program

American Rescue Plan funding will be used in Michigan communities as part of the Revitalization and Placemaking Program (RAP). Through this program, local and regional partners will receive up to $20 million for a coordinated subgrant program to fund rehabilitation and development of the real estate, public space improvements, and community development.

Applications are welcome from individuals or entities rehabilitating vacant, underutilized, blighted, and historic buildings and developing permanent place-based infrastructure in traditional downtowns, social zones, outdoor dining spaces, and public spaces based in places. Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants through one or more competitive rounds.

Program Goals

• Investing in projects to promote population and tax revenue growth can proactively address the Michigan pandemic's negative economic impacts. We will do this by revitalizing, repurposing, and investing in place-based infrastructure vacant, underused, blighted, or historic buildings.
• The American Rescue Plan should provide funding for investments that will create an environment conducive to attracting and retaining talent, increasing housing options, enabling business creation, and providing resources for citizens and communities.
• Retain existing residents, enhance downtown vitality and avoid budget crises.

Award Structure And Funding

• Each award is structured as a grant with performance milestones. Public Law 117-2, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and its attendant regulations, 31 CFR 35, as amended from time to time, govern all American Rescue Plan awards.
• Depending on the project, awards may be direct to individual projects or refunded to local and regional partners for regrants to community projects.
• There is a minimum grant award of $500,000 and a maximum award of $5 million per real estate rehab project, $1 million per public space project, and $20 million per partnership program. A revitalization strategy must be implemented locally or regionally to qualify for subgrants.
• According to the RAP Program Guidelines, the minimum match for RAP awards is 50% of the project's eligible costs. A project with Eligible Costs of $4 million would receive a maximum RAP grant award of $2 million or the financing gap as demonstrated in the application and confirmed by underwriting.

General Program Timeline

In early 2022, the first round of applications will be announced. A 30-day question and answer period will precede a 90-day open application period following the funding announcement. Expenditures for RAP program funds must be completed by December 31, 2026.

The Michigan Strategic Fund will recommend applications to the Michigan Strategic Fund in the summer of 2022 after competitive evaluation. Should there be remaining funding, additional rounds of funding may be needed. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Project Considerations

The most competitive project proposals will respond to the following considerations to address the impacts of COVID-19:

1. Local support and match: An economic development organization or municipal letter of support must accompany all submissions. A local government contribution will be included in the most competitive proposals.
2. Location: Incentives will be given to projects located in Federally qualified census tracts (QCTs), traditional downtowns, and commercial corridors.
3. COVID-19 impact: ARPA program requirements include developing a proposal that considers the negative public health and economic effects of COVID-19.
4. Capacity: Candidates, consultants, and team members must have experience implementing similar projects.
5. Long-term impacts: 
6. Competent applicants will demonstrate how their plans will enhance the community's long-term sustainability and enable population growth and tax revenue.
7. Affordable housing units must be included in projects that include housing for the local workforce, including households with incomes under 120% of the area median.
8. Financial viability: Demonstrate that the project is financially viable and that financial support is needed.
9. Local and regional impact considerations: It demonstrates how it supports the vision and goals stated in local master plans, downtown plans, capital improvement plans, and economic development plans.

Michigan Small Business Relief Program (MSBR)

Under the Michigan, Small Business Relief Program, $20 million has been awarded to 2,879 Michigan small businesses. The program was designed to help small businesses adversely affected by COVID-19. It provides financial assistance and the ability to support the workforce under difficult circumstances.

MEDC announced the Michigan Small Business Relief Program in its second round of low-interest loans. MEDC awarded $10 million in loans to 145 small businesses through 15 local EDOs, which provided relief to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19.

About The MSBR Grant Process

Each of the 83 counties in Michigan has a local and nonprofit economic development organization overseeing the Michigan Small Business Relief Program grants. Each EDO reviewed applications from small businesses within their region and entered into agreements with eligible businesses. The EDOs are currently disbursing grant funds to these businesses. Don't hesitate to contact your local EDO if you have questions about your application or grant funds. 

How The MSBR Works

The Michigan Small Business Relief Program is offered by the local EDO partners and the $10 million grant funds approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund. In the first phase, loan applications will be reviewed by a loan review committee, whereas the second phase will be announced on September 11, 2020. Michigan Strategic Fund delegates will approve Michigan Small Business Relief Program loans and be announced after they are approved.

Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund Loans

​Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund has been able to secure recovery loans with support from MEDC, NEI, Michigan-based foundations, corporate partners, individual donors, and SBA with the help of the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund. It provides loans to geographic and demographically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.

At the moment, the Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund provides the following:

Microloans: Loans of $5,000 to $10,000 with a repayment period of one to three years. These loans have a fixed interest rate of 8%, are fully amortizing, and have a term of up to three years.

Loan Forgiveness: For the first six months of a microloan's term, payments will be forgiven if it meets SBA eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• Whether you are reopening, pivoting, or accommodating this new business climate, your business is ready.
• Its revenue has been generated for at least 12 months, less than $500K revenue a year, and fewer than 50 employees.
• Your business operations can be negatively affected by COVID-19.
• Can submit an Estimate of the Cash Flow and Recovery Plan. Michigan Women Forward provides templates with this application.
• Register and be in good standing in Michigan (provide Certificate of Good Standing) with priority to:
  • The business is located within a HubZone program designated by the US Small Business Administration.
  • Opportunity Zone. Check the following maps: HubZones and Opportunity Zones.
• There are no traditional sources for debt financing available to you (banks, credit unions)
• You can provide the following documents:
  • Tax returns
    • The most recent tax return for your business (at least 1-year-old)
    • Tax returns for the last three years (most recent filings)
  • Monthly or quarterly financial statements for your business (ideally a P&L statement each month)
  • Financial projections for expected loan repayment date (P&L, Cash Flow)
  • Paychecks and stubs, if applicable, from secondary sources.

MIOSHA Grant Programs

The MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant and the Consultation Education and Training (CET) Grant are two programs designed to improve workplace safety and health through training and equipment.

CET Grants

Consultation Education and Training (CET) grants are awarded annually by MIOSHA to supplement the CET division's activities in safety and health. As part of its commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, MIOSHA created the CET Grant Program. The grants are awarded publicly to Michigan organizations such as management/employer groups, labor/employee organizations, and non-profits such as universities, hospitals, and service agencies.

MIOSHA awarded 19 CET grants in FY 2022 totaling $870,000 to promote worker health and safety. You can receive free health and safety training underwritten by MIOSHA from various grantees.

MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant

Using its Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health (MIWISH) Grant program, MIOSHA awards qualifying employers a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $5,000 for equipment and training related to safety and health. This program aims to reduce injuries and illnesses to workers in Michigan by creating a safer and healthier work environment.

CET grants were awarded to 19 Michigan companies totaling $870,000 by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). A company must meet these requirements to qualify:

• A company with 250 or fewer employees.
• They fall under the MIOSHA jurisdiction.
• Justify the purchase of equipment with a site-specific evaluation.
• Relate the project directly to reducing the likelihood of workers being injured or ill.
• A thorough understanding of the project's requirements and a commitment to completing it.

MIOSHA will prioritize high-hazard industry employers identified in its Strategic Plan for 2019-2023 but evaluate every based on its specific hazards.

Grant applications begin on October 1 every year. Awards are given until all funding has been expended. Awards are given as reimbursements. A company may only receive one grant award. You can apply for the next round of grants here.

Child Care Stabilization Grant

Across Michigan, $700 million is invested in the Child Care Stabilization Grant. Child care providers can apply for a non-competitive Stabilization Grant to help stabilize operations and support the safety and health of their children and staff. There were 5,890 grants awarded in fall 2021! 

Who's Eligible To Apply?

• Child care facilities
• A licensed family home or group home
• Indigenous child care
• Children's programs offered by Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)
• The applicant must also:
  • If the center is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be ready to provide child care services at the time of application.

Grants like this are not competitive. Grants will be awarded to all child care providers that submit a complete application. Applications will not be considered based on the order in which they were received.

Eligible Expenses

Operational costs and COVID response are supported through this grant. Funds must be expended on at least one of the following:

• Personnel costs 
• Mortgage or rent
• Insurance
• Maintaining and improving the facility
• Equipment and supplies for personal protection (PPE) and COVID prevention
• Professional development and training related to health and safety

Child Care Stabilization Grants are considered to be taxable income. These funds are subject to the same tax rules as regular CCDF funding and will be reported to the IRS as a 1099-NEC. There may also be state tax implications.

The Internal Revenue Service or your tax preparer can guide federal tax rules. Occasionally, tax exemptions are available for funds used to cover operating costs.

Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grants

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will match up to $25,000 in costs related to Industry 4.0 technology for small businesses. Businesses interested in applying should apply as soon as possible, as applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently announced that those applying for Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grants might receive grants up to $25,000 as part of the $3 million programs.

Grants have already been approved for several businesses for reimbursement grants covering up to 50% of eligible technologies like additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and automation; and more may be approved.

Six nonprofit organizations will administer the implementation grants statewide with money awarded by the Michigan Strategic Fund in April. As part of their responsibilities, these organizations will promote existing statewide resources for Michigan small manufacturers to be able to make informed decisions on Industry 4.0. This funding is part of an agreement between MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Corp to assure that 50 percent of Michigan manufacturers are ready to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies by 2025.    

Eligibility Guidelines

• NAICS code requires companies to be manufacturers
• There must be a Michigan manufacturing facility for the proposed project.
• Companies must comply with the Small Business Administration's size standards to qualify as small businesses.
• The MMTC must complete an I4.0 Technology Assessment before award, OR a methodology for determining which technology to use must be documented.
• Basic membership with Automation Alley (free) is required. Please visit our website at: https://www.essentialmembership.automationalley.com.

Program Elements

1. The following technologies are eligible for this grant program, and a preference will be given to those that are transformative (displayed in bold text):

• Advanced Materials and Additive Manufacturing
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Big Data
• Cloud Computing
• Cybersecurity
• IoT in the industrial sector
• Using Models, Simulations, Visualizations, and Immersions
• Automation/Robotics
• Wearables and platforms for connecting workers

1. Grant applications are being accepted on a competitive basis. A company must define the technology used and establish a timeline, budget, and expected results before beginning any project.
2. Funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis and will cover up to 50% of actual expenses. All other grant programs or external funding sources cannot be combined with the technology project, and companies must cover the remaining costs. Company matches must be monetary, not in-kind. 
3. No company may receive more than $25,000 in financial awards.
4. Until all funding is allocated, the program will accept applications on a rolling basis.

The grant application is now available, and you can access it here.

Growing MI

The Growing MI grant program is intended to assist businesses affected by the pandemic. Businesses in Michigan can apply for a maximum of $5 million each under the $409 million program. Companies must have been in business for at least one year before October 1, 2019, to qualify for the full amount. Pandemic-related grant applications are being accepted between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2020, from companies that launched between those dates. This program targets entertainment venues, gyms, hotels, barber shops, and restaurants. The deadline to apply for the program is March 31.

The Growing MI Business program grants up to $5 million to businesses experiencing financial hardship before October 1, 2019. Businesses that began operations between October 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, are eligible for a grant of up to 25% of their specified costs. 

Growing MI Business grants may be pro-rated based on the number of businesses applying for the grants to ensure that every eligible business can receive funding. A first-come, first-served basis will not be followed when distributing grants. 

A grant is available to nine different types of businesses under state law:  

• The venues for entertainment 
• Places of recreation and amusement for the public 
• Cosmetologists and barbers 
• Facilities for exercising 
• Establishments that serve food 
• Growers and dealers of nursery plants 
• Trainers for athletes 
• The facilities for body art 
• Accommodations such as hotels and bed-and-breakfasts

Match on Main

The Match on the Main grant program is provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation and supports new or expanding businesses in place-based areas by providing up to $25,000 in funding through an application submitted, administered, and managed by local government or a downtown development authority.

Local businesses located in certified Redevelopment Ready Communities® and Michigan Main Street districts are supported by the MEDC, given the regional capacity that has been built to support new and existing small businesses through the technical assistance, training, and education that these programs provide. The grant application must come from the local entity applying on behalf of the small business in need of grants. The community must be a certified Redevelopment Ready Community or be an elite or master level Michigan Main Street community.

Match on Main's mission is to support place-based businesses in their efforts to launch and grow. Michigan's downtowns are unique and authentic due to their small businesses. MEDC's strategic focus areas, including growth and development, are aligned with this program.

Program Goals

Among the goals of Match on Main are:

• Expedite the development of Main Street Michigan districts or Redevelopment Ready Communities across the state.
• Access to capital for place-based businesses, creating jobs, leveraging private investment, and activating vacant or underutilized spaces.
• Support communities' efforts to grow and support their local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a recruitment and retention tool.

How the Match on Main Program Works

A Match on the Main grant can provide up to $25,000 in funding to support a small business looking to launch or grow on the main street, with the funds reimbursed for eligible activities. Municipalities, downtown development authorities, or other downtown management or community development organizations administer and manage the program. A maximum of two applications can be submitted per funding round by each applicant in an eligible downtown business district or another.

Moving Flint Forward

Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and General Motors jointly fund and manage Moving Flint Forward. Funding up to $10,000 will support economic development and job creation throughout the region. The business must have at least 20 employees to qualify and not be a franchise location or a former recipient of a Moving Flint Forward grant. The third round of the funding application period has ended. If General Motors or other community partners provide more funding, a fourth will be added.

The program will provide 15 grants of up to $10,000 to Flint small businesses this grant cycle, with an additional $210,000 from GM. Further, the press release states that grants must be used to advance a business's operations, meaning expansion projects, repairs, or purchases of inventory and equipment. Community members, members of GM, the Economic Alliance, the city of Flint, and local grant-making organizations will review applications.

Community Capital Resources

Community Capital Resources is:

• An aggregator of capital and facilitator of the financing and development of low-income and attainable homes.
• The redevelopment of complex brownfield sites in Michigan.
• Supporting the missions of Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
• Community capital is money from and going to the community—investors direct capital to small businesses through investment-based crowdfunding. Small businesses can use this type of democratized capital to begin or expand.
• Getting capital from traditional sources is often difficult for small businesses. Those with poor credit, women, people of color, and startups face even greater challenges. Small businesses can benefit from investment-based crowdfunding. Michigan's downtowns are unique and authentic because of small businesses. Businesses on the main street can create, retain, and grow through investment-based crowdfunding.

MI Local Biz

MI Local Biz is a creative funding vehicle to offer quick access to capital to small businesses in this critical time has been created by The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Detroit-based crowdfunding platform, Patronicity. A small business experiencing economic challenges due to COVID-19 will receive a 1:1 match of crowdfunding funds up to $5,000 from MEDC.

How it Works

A matching grant program called MI Local Biz uses donation-based crowdfunding to raise funds to assist small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis and help them prepare to reopen as soon as it is over. The web-based donation method allows businesses to accept donations from anyone in real-time. Every individual contributes to the effort to aid their local businesses through this crowd-granting model. This model also contributes to community pride since residents become conduits for local economic growth.

These small businesses are the heartbeat of local markets and affect the lives and wellbeing of entire communities. They must continue to operate through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

Steps to Get Started

Step 1 - Pre-Check Eligibility: Use the pre-check application form to begin the application process. As funding becomes available, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Step 2 - Start Crowdfunding Page: By Thursday, May 28th, applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be notified by email and can start building out their crowdfunding pages through the link provided in the email.

Step 3 - Patronicity Review: 

Patronicity will review and provide feedback on crowdfunding page applications within three days of starting, completing, and submitting them. Funding will be given to the next eligible business on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the order in which applications have been received if a campaign page is not submitted within three days of approval.

Step 4 - MEDC Final Review & Approval: Campaigns will be sent to MEDC's MI Local Biz team for final approval once they have finalized their crowdfunding pages within three days after reviewing & editing by the Patronicity team.

Step 5 - Campaign Goes Live: Launch your crowdfunding campaign! Patrons will help you throughout the crowdfunding campaign.

Step 6 - Match Disbursed: MEDC will match funds raised from the crowdfunding campaign if the campaign is successful. The successful business will receive funding from Patronicity within five days of the campaign's ending.

Eligible Businesses

To qualify for the MEDC match of local donations associated with the crowdfunding campaign, businesses must meet all of the following requirements:

1. It is located in a state where the COVID-19 crisis has directly impacted small businesses.
2. Face-to-face sales of the goods or services are made within Michigan. A few examples are:

• Restaurants / Bars / Coffee Shops
• Cafes
• Salons / Day Spas
• Bakeries
• Retail Shops
• Hardware Stores
• The state of Michigan also includes any small business that offers face-to-face services or products.

1. The business has less than 25 employees.
2. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the business has demonstrated an income loss.
3. A business with more than one location is only eligible to run one crowdfunding campaign. Matching grants cannot exceed $5000 for a crowdfunding campaign.

All businesses that meet these criteria are eligible, but priority will be given to businesses that meet two or more of the following criteria based on their location:

• Territories with geographic disadvantages
• An engaged or certified community ready for redevelopment
• Neighborhood commercial districts or traditional downtowns

National Value-added Producer Grant

National Value-Added Producer Grant is a program that provides funding to agriculture producers on a regional level. Michigan State University Extension offers seminars about this topic, which is relevant to Michigan's farmers. The program supports families, cooperatives, and other businesses that produce various commodities. For planning purposes, grants generally range from $75,000 to $250,000 but may go up to $500,000 for working capital. In addition, the grantee is required to match the grant dollar-for-dollar. Application submissions must be made by April 25 for electronic submission, and they must be made by May 2 for paper submission.

Hatch Detroit

Hatch Detroit has been advancing Detroit's entrepreneurs for ten years, thanks to Comerica Bank's sponsorship. Every year, the contest winners receive a $50,000 grant to help them set up a brick-and-mortar storefront. Comerica Bank, however, is doubling its contribution in celebration of the tenth anniversary of this program. The Detroit Store Owners Grant is a $100,000 grant available to aspiring store owners this year. The submission period for 2022 ended on May 12. Afterward, the public votes on the businesses it is most interested in seeing in Detroit.

Kalamazoo County Stimulus Funds

Businesses suffering from the pandemic can now apply for grants in Kalamazoo County in southwest Michigan. Businesses must meet the requirements outlined by the Federal government to qualify for the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Applications are due by April 15 through the online application portal. All questions about applications must be submitted by March 31.

Black Leaders Detroit

African American and Black-owned businesses are covered by a wide range of assistance programs through Black Leaders Detroit. Grants are awarded from time to time. To help minority-owned businesses (and the larger community) succeed in Detroit, there are social media networks and neighborhood stabilization programs.

Detroit Development Fund

Small businesses in Detroit have access to capital through the Detroit Development Fund. Many of the help and advice is given to businesses that cannot get bank loans or grants. Clients in this category are often disadvantaged businesses - women, minorities, veterans, etc. Furthermore, the Detroit Development Fund will provide financial assistance to applicants with bad credit or no credit. Additionally, there are several programs for small businesses to choose from. 

Community Foundation For Muskegon County (CFMC)

Women-owned businesses in Muskegon County can receive financial assistance from Rotarians. This program will provide free grants worth tens of thousands of dollars. The CFMC will process the applications. Women-owned businesses can use the grant money to pay rent, operating costs, salaries, and more. The grants will range from $1000 to $5,000 for each eligible business, including women of color. 

Comcast Rise Program

Comcast Rise offers grants to minority and women-owned businesses in the Detroit area. Grants of up to $10,000 may be provided under the Free Comcast program. The focus is on small businesses owned by women, Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, and Hispanics that require capital to grow. Additional benefits, such as marketing, and unlimited internet use, are also provided.

Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants

Microbusinesses within the city limits of Kalamazoo can apply for Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG). Kalamazoo businesses in need of support can take advantage of this program.

Businesses within Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo neighborhoods, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and women-owned businesses are highly encouraged to apply to remedy historical disparities in funding sources.

With support from the city's Foundation For Excellence, the program is organized by the City of Kalamazoo and the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.

Eligibility Requirements

A business that meets the following criteria is eligible:

• It is located in the City of Kalamazoo 
• A company with fewer than ten employees
• Located within the City of Kalamazoo for at least a year
• Revenue of less than $1 million per year
• In 2021, it received no KMEG support

Application Process

The application process is entirely online. Applicants will be required to submit the following information after creating an online account by following the link below:

• Photo identification issued by the government
• Business Tax Return for 2021 or the most recent
• Payroll tax payment copy from the most recent period (if applicable)
• Employer listing/role sheet (if applicable)
• Incorporation documents, business licenses, or DBA
• A copy of the corporate bylaws (if applicable)

Small Business Health Protection Grant

Up to $2500 can be awarded to Kalamazoo's small businesses. Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan, are offering the city's Small Business Health Protection Grant. The company must have fewer than 50 employees and a revenue of less than $2.5 million. Funds can be used to pay for COVID-related expenses, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). A portion of the funds will also be allocated to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. 

Flagstar Foundation Fund

Business owners of color (black, indigenous, Latino, etc.) in Michigan can apply for grants of $500 to $5,000 from Flagstar Bank. Business owners impacted by color can apply for these grants - these are not loans from the lender. Businesses should be small, with annual revenues under 1 million dollars (pre-COVID). 

Since the fund's creation, it has provided grants to 323 colleagues in need for almost $242,250.

The Flagstar Foundation contribution for 2021 is: 

• A total amount of $2.7 million
• The average grant ranges between $5,000 and $25,000
• 109 grants to non-profit organizations
• Employee non-profit boards and volunteer activities received 55 grants totaling $201,500

Michigan Grant Watch

Michigan Grant Watch provides information on grants and non-profits in the state. This Michigan Grant Directory lists 28,420 grants and funding opportunities from federal, state, and local funds across the country. Subscribers can access the information with a paid subscription. It costs $18 per week for the monthly subscription and $199 per year for the annual subscription. You'll get brief details about grants but cannot apply for them if you're a free member.

Are you interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation? Check out the rest of Gov Relations’ blog section today!