Thousands of Michigan business owners negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will receive some needed aid from the state.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced that more than $105 million would be distributed among 2,600 state businesses as part of the Growing MI Business Grant Program.
Eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, could receive a grant of up to $5 million to hire additional staff, renovate, expand or otherwise improve operations. Eligible businesses that opened between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, could receive a grant equal to 25 percent of certain specified costs, according to a news release.
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
Grant award notifications and payments to businesses will be distributed around July 1.
The funds for the grants come from the state's allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
"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," Whitmer said in the release. "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."