Michigan’s small businesses are innovative and resilient, but they need our support. Just yesterday, I announced an exciting new grant program to provide businesses with additional financial support to help retain or create jobs and boost our state’s economy. Grant applications go live on March 1, 2022, and totals $409 million.  

Under this program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant, up to $5 million. Eligible businesses that began operation between October 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs. The grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all businesses can receive funding. More information, including links to upcoming informational webinars, can be found on www.michigan.gov/abr.  

This program will support Michigan businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 and help us build on our economic momentum. I am focused on putting Michiganders first and growing Michigan’s economy as we work together to make investments in the issues that matter most to families. 

How and when to apply

The application will open on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. An application must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on March 31, 2022. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applications must be submitted online only.

Application

Businesses will need to complete an application, provide supporting documents and make a series of certifications.

Eligible businesses will also need to submit electronically the following:

Financial Documentation and Information to verify their decline in total sales from calendar year 2019 to calendar year 2020 for businesses that began operation prior to October 1, 2019.

Financial Documentation and Information to verify their fixed costs for calendar year 2020 for businesses that began operation after October 1, 2019 and before June 1, 2020.

Beneficiary Agreement with terms and conditions that has been electronically signed.

Standards

Must apply between March 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022.

Must be in compliance with Federal guidelines to receive funding.

Must repay all funding granted if application was falsified.

The Nine Eligible Business Categories

1. Entertainment Venues

1. Auditorium
2. Arena
3. Banquet hall
4. Cinema
5. Concert hall
6. Conference center
7. Performance venue
8. Sporting venue
9. Stadium
10. Theater

2. Recreational Facilities and Public Places of Amusement

1. Amusement park
2. Arcade
3. Bingo hall
4. Bowling alley
5. Casino
6. Nightclub
7. Skating rink
8. Water park
9. Trampoline park

3. Barbers and Cosmetologists

4. Exercise Facilities

• Gymnasium
• Fitness center
• Exercise studio

5. Food Establishments

• Fixed or mobile restaurant
• Coffee shop
• Cafeteria
• Short order café
• Luncheonette
• Grill
• Tearoom
• Sandwich shop
• Soda fountain
• Tavern
• Bar
• Cocktail lounge
• Nightclub
• Drive-in
• Industrial feeding establishment
• Private organization serving the public
• Rental hall
• Catering kitchen
• Delicatessen
• Theater
• Commissary
• Food concession

6. Nursery Dealers and Growers

7. Athletic Trainers

8. Body Art Facilities

• Performs tattooing
• Performs branding
• Performs body piercing

9. Hotels and Bed & Breakfast Establishments

What to expect after you submit your application

Thank you to those who applied. Applicants who submitted a completed application received confirmation of receipt of their application immediately. You may also need to check your spam filter if you do not receive it.

In certain instances, you may be contacted to clarify information provided in your application or to provide additional documentation. All application-related communications will be directed to the contact information provided in the application under the ‘Applicant Point of Contact’ field.

We anticipate receiving a tremendous volume of applications and will be working hard to process them as quickly as possible. When a grant award has been determined. You’ll receive an email acknowledging approval or denial, and if approved will specify the award amount.

ABR Program Fact Sheet.

Author: MI Asian Staff