Mt. Clemens, MI - Executive Mark A. Hackel joined Vicky Rad, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) Wednesday to announce a second round of grants to help local businesses affected by COVID-19.
The grant program will use federal CARES Act funding to distribute $5 million to businesses with more than 50 employees.
“Our businesses are part of what makes Macomb County such a vibrant community,” said Executive Hackel. “As we continue our economic recovery, this new round of grants will assist companies with much needed resources and ensure that they can continue to be part of the solution."
The grants are part of the Macomb County CARES for Small Business Program, a $70 million initiative made possible through the county’s $152 million allocation of federal CARES Act funding. The program includes PPE kit distribution, grants and a variety of efforts to prepare organizations for safe opening operations and future emergency preparedness needs.
MCPED launched its first grant cycle for businesses with less than 50 employees in June. The office has so far distributed 393 checks totaling $1,965,000, but it plans to issue up to $20 million to help additional small businesses in the months ahead.
“Our grant program has seen inquiries and applications from businesses across a variety of industries,” said Vicky Rad. “Just about every sector has felt the impact of this economic crisis, but the county is here to help. And MCPED is working nonstop to aid in recovery in any way we can.”
Each grant in this new round of funding will be worth $10,000. An application will be available at www.MacombBusiness.com through July 22 at 5 p.m. Businesses can apply for funds if they meet the following criteria:
- Must have a physical location in Macomb County (office/building/storefront).
- Employee size is 50-500 employees worldwide.
- Business must employ 50 or more at the Macomb County location.
- Must be a for-profit organization.
- Businesses must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Business must have been in business for at least 12 months.
- Business must showcase a verifiable need for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, and/or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
- Business must be able to verify they have been negatively impacted or experienced a loss in revenue or business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Business cannot be a previous recipient of the Michigan Small Business Relief Program (SBRP) Grant or previous rounds of the Macomb County Small Business Sustainability Grant.
An application must also include:
- A signed W9 from within the last 12 months.
- A recent utility bill (within the last 6 months) that lists the business address. This can be a rent payment, water, gas, electric, or phone bill. The address must match the location you are submitting for a grant.
- A signed and dated affidavit.
Businesses will be notified of their grant status no later than August 1. Additional information on eligibility and grant scoring can be found at www.macombbusiness.com.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development/
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home