More Than $105 Million Awarded to Help Provide Relief and Continue Economic Growth
LANSING, Mich. – Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded more than $105 million to 2,600 Michigan businesses for economic growth as a part of the Growing MI Business Grant Program.
“The bipartisan Growing MI Business Grants will deliver more than $105 million to more than 2,600 businesses as they face rising costs, empowering them to grow in Michigan and build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “I was proud to work across the aisle to establish the Growing MI Business Grant so businesses could receive real relief, hire more workers, and expand their operations. Last year, our state experienced record economic growth and added 220,000 jobs as unemployment dropped to a pandemic low, and this program will help businesses continue to grow and thrive. This is what is possible when we work together to grow our economy, create and protect good-paying jobs, and provide real relief for business owners as they invest in our communities.”
Under the Growing MI Business Grant Program, eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, could receive a grant up to $5 million to hire additional staff to fill open positions, renovate or expand their business, or improve operations as they emerged out of the pandemic. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, could receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.
Under state law, nine business types were eligible to apply for 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
Interested businesses were required to submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury by March 31. Grant award notifications and payments to businesses will be distributed around July 1, 2022.
“Our top goal is to help eligible Michigan businesses receive relief so they can prosper in our economy after the pandemic,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “We carefully worked with our business partners in the private and public sectors to ensure everyone was aware of the Growing MI Business Grant Program and helped businesses navigate through the application process. I encourage businesses with questions about their grant awards to reach out to us.”
Additional information about the Growing MI Business Grant Program can be found on the Growing MI Business Grant Program website. Individuals with questions about this grant program should email Treas-abr@michigan.gov or call 1-866-507-8462.
Growing the Economy and Creating Good-Paying Jobs
Governor Whitmer is laser-focused on growing Michigan’s economy and ensuring every community can thrive. The governor’s decisive leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, guided by science and data, helped Michigan’s economy recover quickly. Governor Whitmer will continue pursuing investments in infrastructure, higher education and skills program, and industries of the future to create even more good-paying jobs and ushering in a new era of prosperity for Michigan.
Ushering a strong economic recovery
- Led the best economic recovery in Michigan history.
- Ushered in the fastest small business growth in 23 years and a 24% increase in small business revenue.
- Outlined an economic vision with a $2.1 billion plan, MI New Economy, to grow Michigan's middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities.
- Added 220,000 jobs in 2021 and took Michigan from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
- Signed bipartisan economic development bills and a billion-dollar budget to empower Michigan to win large manufacturing projects and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and deliver nearly $400 million to businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- Proposed an additional $500 million investment in the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve fund to attract billions in private investment and create thousands of good paying jobs.
- Enacted a bipartisan tax cut for small businesses, enabling them to grow and create jobs.
- Signed an executive directive to increase state procurement and contracts with small and geographically disadvantaged businesses.
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