Work with Local Governments to Apply for Help
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is advising the small businesses in his downstate area to consider applying for a ‘Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Grant’ being made available to businesses with under 50 employees. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has identified $20 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and are making them available for working capital on a rolling basis. Businesses need to work through their local governments to apply for up to $25,000 grants per business.
“I have heard from small businesses in my district about what is available for them during this economic challenge,” said Rep. Wilhour. “I am working to craft additional relief to small businesses affected by these restrictions. As a small business owner, I realize that we need to do more than just offer loans. In the short term, this program may be what many of our small business job creators need temporarily to make it through this time. I encourage them to check into it with their local cities or villages.”
Local governments can apply on behalf of businesses with 50 employees or less. Units of local government able to support economic development activities on a sufficient scale are eligible to apply for Economic Development grant funding. This includes cities, villages, and counties. Municipalities must not be a HUD direct Entitlement community or be located in an urban county that receives “entitlement” funds.
Businesses in the eligible areas should work with their local governments to submit applications. Application materials will be posted to the DCEO website on Friday, March 27, 2020 here.
DCEO’s goal is to execute grants within 30 days of application receipt, after which funds will be accessible.
If you have questions about other COVID-19 resources or updates, please check in periodically at Rep. Blaine Wilhour’s online office at: repwilhour.com.