Growing MI Business Grant applications are due this Thursday, March 31. Funding for the program is part of the American Rescue Act Plan funds with $409 million being distribtued to eligible businesses in Michigan.

Originally rolled out as the Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program, the grants will be directed to business types that fall into the one of several categories: entertainment venues, recreation & amusement, gyms/exercise facilities, food service, cosmetology/barber shops, body art, hotels/B&Bs and nursery dealers or growers.

Business may not be tax exempt or a government entity.

This is not a first come, first serve grant. Business have up until the deadline to apply.

Businesses need to complete an online application, provide supporting documents and make a series of certifications. Needs are based on a decline of in State total sales from calendar year 2019 to 2020, and need to have been in operation on or before October 1, 2019.

Businesses that were not in operation on or before October 1, 2019, but started before June 1, 2020 can be eligible up to 25% of their financial hardship. Financial documentation and verification will be requested.

Grants will be distributed based on a percentage of decline in the year-to-year total from 2020 to 2019. Any forgiven Payroll Protection loans, a percentage of Restaurant Revitalization grants and any other State or local awards must be subtracted from the financial hardship.

For more information or to file an application go to www.michigan.gov/abr or call 866-507-8462.

In other COVID business relief news, the Small Business Administration announced on March 15 that they will be extending the grace period to pay back Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for a total of 30 months.

The SBA states that the deferment period will provide additional flexibility to small business owners impacted by the pandemic to help address the fall out from resurgent variants, supply chain issues and inflation challenges.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. We are at times out of office on Chamber business.

Please call ahead to confirm a visit, 906-486-1111.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.