Application Open Oct. 20, 2021
LANSING, Mich. (Oct 18, 2021) – The Clinton County Board of Commissioners took action to assist small businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by allocating $2 million from the county’s first tranche of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for small business grants. The county selected the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) to design and administer the program, which will deliver grants ranging from $10,000-$25,000 to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees physically located in Clinton County.
The grant application will be open Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m.
“Clinton County small businesses continue to struggle from the economic fallout COVID-19 forced upon us. The Board of Commissioners strongly believes one of the best ways to use County ARPA funds is to support the recovery of our businesses and the communities they serve,” said Clinton County Board of Commissioners Chair Kam Washburn. “We’re happy to be working with a credible organization like LEAP to get these funds out to our small business community quickly and with integrity.”
Eligible small businesses include those with 100 or fewer total employees and workers at a physical location in Clinton County and fewer than 250 employees worldwide, with at least 50% of the workforce located in Michigan. Additionally, eligible businesses must be continuing to experience financial hardship as a result of COVID-19.
Complete eligibility requirements and additional vital information to help eligible businesses apply are available at purelansing.com/ClintonGrants.
“The Clinton County Small Business Grant Program will help hundreds of Clinton County small businesses take another strong step toward recovery and stability,” said Bob Trezise, president, and CEO of LEAP (left). “LEAP is proud to be working on behalf of Clinton County to get these funds in the hands of Clinton County small-business owners as soon as possible. It’s important to note that grant programs of this magnitude rely on many partners to whom we are proud to be working with once again to deliver the Clinton County Small Business Grant Program. LEAP honors the trust placed in us by the Clinton County Board of Commissioners and the many small businesses that need these vital funds. We won’t let you down.”
The Clinton County Small Business Grant Program will provide targeted grants that address ARPA funding gaps and the areas of greatest need in Clinton County. Applicants will be scored more heavily based on their ability to demonstrate negative impact due to pandemic, business longevity, financial need, and community impact. Grant amounts range from $10,000-$25,000 as determined by total employment for the following business types:
- Traditional retail, goods, and services (non-food)
- Restaurants/eateries/taverns
- Sole proprietors
Complete eligibility requirements, application scoring criteria, description of the review process, and program FAQ are available on LEAP’s website at http://www.purelansing.com/ClintonGrants.
###
About LEAP
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders partnering to build a stronger community for all-working every day to grow, retain and attract business to the Lansing, Michigan, region.