Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has allocated about $6.1 million in grants to nearly 1,350 small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority went to businesses which had not received previous funding from the county. The state of Michigan is funding the grants through its $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program.

“Despite hope for our future as we administer the COVID vaccine to our residents, our small businesses continue to face a number of challenges to keep their doors open and employees working in the midst of this pandemic,” County Executive David Coulter said. “These grants are a bridge until Congress approves President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus plan, which I urge Michigan’s senators and representatives to support.”

Grant allocations range from $1,825 to $7,500. Small businesses may use the grants for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses related to reopening a business incurred between November 18, 2020 and April 30, 2021. The 1,395 awardees include restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, catering, breweries, distilleries, wineries, tea shops, banquet facilities, boutiques, bookstores, hardware, gyms, studios, pool facilities, and ice skating rinks, among others. The county began to notify recipients last week.

“With business down 60 percent, this grant is another form of support and has aided our effort to stay afloat and to help provide jobs to our Oakland County residents,” said Paul Andoni, co-owner of Shields Pizza Restaurants, which operates two locations in Oakland County. “I would like to express my appreciation to Oakland County in receiving this grant to help support restaurants.”

In addition to demonstrating an income loss due to health orders, eligibility requirements included a company size between 1-100 employees as a for-profit or non-profit company. To view a list of recipients, click here.