Many small businesses in St. Clair County have gotten a share of $100 million in relief money through the Michigan Small Business Restart Grant program.
The grants were chosen by local Economic Development Organizations. In the Blue Water Region, it was the Flint and Genesee Chamber. Grants topped out at $20,000, with most businesses getting at least $5000. The program is funded with CARES Act money.
At least 30% of the recipients were required to be women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned. Michigan’s allocations exceeded the requirement. The grants are estimated to have retained at least 97,000 jobs.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton praised the payouts, saying, “The Michigan Small Business Restart Program has provided significant support to small businesses and nonprofits helping to get them through this critical time and on the path to economic recovery. We are thankful for the efforts of our economic development partners, who worked to deliver these vital financial resources within their regions and create a path toward economic recovery for small businesses throughout Michigan.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
