Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program to provide $55 million in grants for COVID-19 relief efforts
Bay Future, Inc. has continued to work to support small businesses in Bay County, MI who have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Michigan Small Business Survival Grant (MSBSG) Program is the latest effort to assist small businesses with their economic recovery.
Eligible businesses in Bay County can receive grants of up to $20,000 if they were completely closed or up to $15,000 if they were partially closed as a result of the November 2020 and December 2020 Gatherings and Face Mask Order, need working capital to cover business related expenses and can demonstrate an income loss.
The application for businesses to apply will open at 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 and close on Friday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST.
The application will be available here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/survival/
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for funding under the Program, small businesses must be a for-profit or non-profit company and meet all criteria below.
- 1 to 100 employees (including full-time, part-time and owner/employees) on a world-wide basis on November 17, 2020.
- Is in an industry that demonstrates it is affected by the Order.
- Needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses.
- Demonstrates 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 funds under section 401 of Senate Bill No. 748: Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program.
Industries Affected by the Order
Eligible businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the Gatherings and Mask Order will largely fall into one of the categories below. However, businesses in other industries may be considered if they can demonstrate they meet the eligibility, at the discretion of the EDO, particularly if they were impacted by the Gatherings and Mask Order.
- 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)
- Retail (such as boutiques, bookstores, hardware, anything being sold that is not food)
- Exercise facilities (such as gyms, studios, pool facilities, ice skating rinks, organized sports)
- Entertainment venues or live event venues that are not eligible for the Michigan Stages Survival Grant as defined in SB748
- Recreational Facilities and places of public amusement (such as bowling alleys, arcades, bingo halls)
- Nonprofits (such as library, museum, churches, religious centers, advocacy organizations)
- Personal care services (such as hair, nail, tanning, massage, spa)
- Schools
- Childcare and camps
- Transportation (such as limo services)
- Other (applicant must specify in the application)
How to Prepare to Apply
Please review the following documents to help prepare for the application. More information and resources will be posted as they become available.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Press Release Announcement (1/14/21)
- A business may create an account in Connect Space in advance of the application opening or may already have an account. Please visit https://pmbc.connect.space and click “Sign Up Now” to create an account. A Connect Space account is required to apply and only applications submitted online will be accepted. Physical or emailed copies of the application will not be accepted.
- Be sure to note your password as it may be necessary to enter when signing into you account in order to apply.
Grant Timeline
- The application period will open on Tuesday, January 19th at 9:00 am and close at 12 pm (noon) on Friday, January 22nd
- All applications will be reviewed and scored beginning on Monday, January 25th
- Notified grantees will have until 5 pm on Friday, January 28th to return a completed grant agreement by one of the following: Email: info@bayfuture.com; or in-person to the BFI office located at 812 N Water St. in Downtown Bay City, MI.
