3/2/22 - Michigan Businesses Can Apply For COVID-19 Grants

$185M in grants are available for Michigan businesses that have been hurt by the pandemic.

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer announced yesterday that the state of Michigan has now opened the window in which businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply online for state grants.

The $409 million in funding was signed in law late last year.  The aid may be prorated depending on how many eligible businesses end up applying.

Eligible businesses in operation before October 2019 can get a grant based on a “financial hardship” calculation, up to $5 million. Those that began operating between October 2019 and the end of May 2020 can receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.

Applications for those grants are due by April 1 and must be disbursed by July 1.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks encouraged businesses thinking about applying to sign up for a webinar scheduled for next Monday.

Eligible businesses include entertainment venues, recreational facilities and public places of amusement, barbers and cosmetologists, exercise facilities, food service establishments, nursery dealers and growers, athletic trainers, tattoo parlors, and hotels and bed-and-breakfasts.