Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to provide $55 million in grants

Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to provide $55 million in grants Main Photo

14 Jan 2021


Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to provide
$55 million in grants for COVID-19 relief efforts

Updated 1-19-2021

Questions? Send an email to tmiller@SaginawFuture.com

January 19, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., the MEDC will open up the application opportunity for the Michigan Small Business Survival program.  This grant program is focused on those businesses impacted by the DHHS epidemic orders.

The michiganbusiness.org/survival landing page will also provide businesses with resources to prepare their application, including the application questions and a tutorial video detailing all steps.

Businesses must have an account set up in ConnectSpace to submit an application, also linked on the landing page, which can be established prior to applying. For the convenience of applicants, an electronic queue system will also be in effect once again with businesses entering the queue prior to entry into the application. Businesses will be able to sign up to receive an alert when they have reached the front of the queue, and all applicants who are in the queue by 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST on Friday, January 22 will have an opportunity to complete the application and be considered for funding.  Please note that this grant is NOT first-come first served.

To view the full announcement from the MEDC for more information on the Survival Grant Program and more details for entertainment venues on the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program.

Businesses must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Had 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a worldwide basis on November 17, 2020.
  • Is in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the DHHS epidemic orders.
  • Needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses.
  • Can demonstrate an income loss as a result of the Order as determined by the EDO in which an eligible business is located.
  • Is not a live music and entertainment venue that is eligible for the Michigan Stage Survival grant program.

The following are Saginaw and Bay County priorities for the MI Small Business Survival Grant Program:

  1. Industry Priorities  
    • Food service establishments (such as restaurants and bars, coffee, bakeries, catering, breweries, distilleries, wineries, tea shops, banquet facilities and other food and beverage service providers)
    • Exercise Facilities (such as gyms, studios, pool facilities, ice skating rinks, organized sports)
    • Recreational Facilities and places of public amusement (such as bowling alleys, arcades, bingo halls).
  2. Storefront Requirement -Priority will be given for businesses that have a physical establishment or storefront
  3. Number of Years in Business – Points will be given based on number of years in business, with priority for those in business over two years.  Points will be in three tiers – 2-5 years, 6-10 years and 11+ years.   
  4. Number of Employees – Points will be given based on the number of employees at the business on November 17th (prior to the order), with priority for a higher number of employees.  Point will be in three tiers – 1-15 employees, 16-25 employees and 26-100 employees.
  5. Amount Revenue (and loss) – Points will be given based on the amount of revenue loss between 2019 and 2020 (full years) with a priority for a larger loss.  Points will be given in three tiers - $100,000 or less, $100,001 - $500,000 and losses exceeding $501,000.

While these are priorities, all applications will be considered.

NOTIFICATION AND DISBURSEMENT TIMELINE

  • Applications open: 9:00 AM on January 19, 2021
  • Applications close: Noon, January 22, 2021
  • Notification & Disbursement to Awardees: No later than February 28, 2021
  • The MEDC and local EDOs will announce the awardees no later than March 1, 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Go to https://www.michiganbusiness.org/48e8bb/globalassets/documents/covid19/mi-sm-biz-survival-grant-faq.pdf