Detroit City Wire

The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network (EM-SBN) has announced the commencement of its 2024 Small Business Grant Award Program. Applications will be accepted starting next week from small businesses in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The program aims to support small businesses with financial awards ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, with a maximum award of $20,000. Applications will be evaluated based on responses provided, and the highest-scoring applications from each participating county will be selected for funding.

The EM-SBN has received a Small Business Support Hub grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as part of the state’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding. This initiative expands on Michigan Small Business Development Center services by offering coaching, mentoring, access to capital, and intensive counseling through the region’s Entrepreneurial Cohort Program.

To qualify for the grant program, businesses or their owners must be located in one of the six counties. Eligible expenses include equipment purchases up to $4,999 per unit and other approved costs. Ineligible expenses include payroll and building-based construction costs.

Applications are due by Tuesday, September 24. Reviews and eligibility verification will occur between September 25 and October 9. Successful applicants will be announced on Tuesday, October 15.