Whitmer Launches Growing MI Business Grant Program

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Launches Growing MI Business Grant Program to Deliver $409 Million to Support Michigan Businesses and Grow Economy

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced applications are now being accepted through Thursday, March 31 for the new Growing MI Business grant program, which was signed into law at the end of last year to deliver $409 million in additional support to businesses across the state.

 

“My number one goal is to put Michigan first, and that means making sure Michigan businesses have the resources they need to build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Over the last year, my administration has worked hard to add 220,000 jobs and help businesses bounce back. The Growing MI Business Grant Program will make a difference for Michigan’s business owners and communities across our state. I will continue supporting Michigan’s resilient, innovative businesses as they work to expand operations and create more jobs.”

 

Under the Growing MI Business grant program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a grant up to $5 million due to financial hardship. Eligible businesses that began operating between October 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.

 

Effective today, individuals can apply for business resources online at www.michigan.gov/abr.

 

Each business must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022.

 

Businesses interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to attend an information webinar from 1-2 p.m. EST on Monday, March 7. Details for signing up for the webinar can be found on the grant program’s website.

 

“Businesses thinking about applying are strongly encouraged to sign up for our March 7 webinar,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “It will be a great opportunity to learn about the details of the program and ask questions. It is critical for businesses to submit a correct application to avoid processing delays or exclusion from the program.”

 

Growing MI Business grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. Grants will not be distributed based on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Under state law, there are nine types of businesses eligible a grant:

  • Entertainment venues
  • Recreational facilities and public places of amusement
  • Barbers and cosmetologists
  • Exercise facilities
  • Food service establishments
  • Nursery dealers and growers
  • Athletic trainers
  • Body art facilities
  • Hotels and bed & breakfast establishments

 

Getting Things Done 

Governor Whitmer is committed to supporting small businesses as Michigan emerges from the pandemic and ushers in a new era of prosperity. Through COVID, the state implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs. Now, Governor Whitmer is dedicated to helping small businesses navigate existing programs and services available to help them recover and thrive for years to come. Recently, the governor laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan’s economic jumpstart continues, bolstered by a strong GDP, and a historic surplus, Governor Whitmer’s proposals will tackle underlying issues faced by small businesses and take advantage of the massive influx of federal resources Michigan has received to deliver meaningful change that makes a real difference for small businesses and Michigan workers.

 

 Key Numbers 

  • Ushered in 8.3% GDP growth, best in the Midwest again and third-best nationwide in Q2.
  • Took Michigan from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
  • Launched 23 economic relief programs providing over $240 million in vital economic support to small businesses across all 83 Michigan counties. The programs supported over 25,000 companies and retained over 200,000 jobs with nearly 75% of support going to restaurants, bars, retailers and other service industry small businesses.
  • Saved 52,500 jobs by providing grants to 6,000 small businesses.
  • Provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.
  • Expanded Work Share to offer employers greater flexibility as they brought employees back from unemployment, provided over $550 million, preserved over 110,000 jobs, and helped nearly 2,600 employers retain workers and bring them back to the workforce.
  • Set up free virtual job fairs connecting over 2,600 employers and 9,900 job seekers.

 

Additional information about the Growing MI Business Grant Program – including frequently asked questions, fact sheets and previously recorded webinars – can be found on www.michigan.gov/abr.