Michigan Secures SBA HUBZone Support For 28 Counties, Boosting Small Business Growth

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan has secured continued Small Business Administration (SBA) support for 28 counties and census tracts through the SBA’s HUBZone program. This initiative aims to fuel small business growth in historically underutilized zones by awarding 3% of federal contract dollars to HUBZone businesses annually.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “The SBA’s HUBZone program will continue to support communities by connecting small business owners to federal contract dollars, creating high-skilled, good-paying jobs right here at home.”

Over the last five years, Michigan’s economic programs have helped companies in these zones announce projects expected to create over 1,800 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in planned private investment.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov Gretchen Whitmer

Governor Whitmer Signs Three Bills To Boost Wages, Revitalize Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed three pivotal bills this week aimed at raising wages for clean energy workers, reducing costs for local governments to repair damaged properties, and cutting red tape to eliminate blight.

“Michiganders across the state deserve competitive wages to help them get ahead and safe neighborhoods to return home to at the end of the day,” said Whitmer.

Senate Bill 571 ensures higher pay for those working on renewable energy projects, fostering a more competitive and equitable state contracting process. House Bill 4331 gives local governments more financial flexibility to fix damaged properties, while House Bill 4332 incentivizes timely correction of blight violations.

“These commonsense bills put more money in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders and make our communities better places to live, work, and invest,” Whitmer added.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Early Voting Begins For Michigan’s Aug. 6 Primary Election

Starting Saturday, July 27th, and running through Sunday, August 4th, registered Michigan voters can cast their ballots in person at early voting sites for the August 6th Primary Election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson emphasized the importance of voter participation, noting the convenience of early voting options available at Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

“Every citizen has the power to make their voice heard at the ballot box,” Benson said. “Michigan voters have two Saturdays, two Sundays, and a whole week in between to vote early.”

Early voting sites function like Election Day polling places, with ballots counted throughout the period but results withheld until election night. Voters can also hand-deliver absentee ballots to early voting sites, local clerk offices, or secure drop boxes.

For more information, visit: Michigan.gov/Vote.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

 

Huron Academic Endeavors Expands To Full K-12 Program

Huron Academic Endeavors (HAE) is thrilled to announce its expansion into a full Kindergarten-12th grade program, becoming the Blue Water Area’s first hybrid learning center to offer a comprehensive educational experience for all community students and families. 

To celebrate the expansion, HAE invites the community to open houses on Monday, July 29th at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the new campus, located at 3071 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Fort Gratiot. Staff will be available to provide tours and answer questions.

The expanded curriculum includes comprehensive middle and high school programs. These programs offer a blend of structured class time, electives, student clubs, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, personalized services such as speech therapy, tutoring, and music lessons will be available to homeschooling families.

For more information and to RSVP for the open houses, visit: huroncooperative.org or email admin@huroncoop.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell