$6 Million Small Business Survival Grants Help 1,350 Businesses
Coulter: $6 Million Small Business Survival Grants Help 1,350 Businesses Disproportionately Impacted By COVID-19
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.
“The Happy Little 5K and the connection to Bob Ross’ love of nature and positivity have helped shine a big spotlight on the importance of tree planting and protection efforts that support the ecology and natural areas at Michigan state parks,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson. “No matter how or where you choose to complete this ‘run for the trees,’ your participation in this virtual race will make a real difference.”
This year, the DNR is offering a special registration rate for groups of 10 or more. For details, email Michelle O’Kelly at 
People around the world are familiar with the work and personality of Bob Ross, the American painter, art instructor and television host who in the ’80s and ’90s shared his love for painting and the environment with millions of viewers on the PBS show, “The Joy of Painting.” Ross was known for demonstrating seemingly simple brushstrokes that brought gorgeous landscapes – full of happy little trees – to life on the canvas.
The program has produced more than 100,000 native plants, shrubs and trees since its start in 2004. With support from the Bob Ross partnership, more than 2,100 trees have been planted in 20 state parks across Michigan. The U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chateau Grand Traverse also have provided significant support for the program. Visitors to state parks where trees have been planted will see bright green “Happy Little Trees Ahead” signs to note the program’s important contributions.
