KALAMAZOO, MI (WTVB) – 144 small businesses in southwest Michigan are recipients of grants as part of the state’s Michigan Small Business Relief Program. Grants may be used by recipients for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses because of the COVID-19 crisis.
This funding is made possible by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation releasing $10 million in small business grants from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) to regional economic development agencies for businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The seven-county southwest Michigan region received $800,000 to be administered among businesses located throughout Branch, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. Funding allocations were based on the concentration of eligible small businesses within each county. The Branch County Economic Growth Alliance coordinated the applications locally.
The average grant award was $5,555.
Additional relief programs are still available for small businesses in need, including the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program, U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster loans and advances, and the Michigan Small Business Relief Loan Program.
