Michigan’s economic development board on Tuesday authorized a $115 million grant program for small businesses, nonprofits, farms and agricultural processors hurt by the coronavirus pandemic, the Associated Press reported. Entities can start applying July 15. The state will disburse the federal funding — a portion of $880 million in rescue aid signed last week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) — to 15 local economic development organizations, which will in turn give it to eligible businesses and nonprofits by Sept. 30. To qualify for $100 million for small businesses and nonprofits, an applicant must have no more than 50 employees and not have received grants through a $20 million relief program created in March. The maximum grant is $20,000 and can be used for payroll, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses and other costs. At least 30 percent of the funds must go to businesses owned by women, minorities or veterans. There also is $10 million for agricultural processors and $5 million for farms, which will cover maximum $1,000 grants per employee for COVID-19 costs such as testing, personal protection equipment and housing needs. To qualify, the businesses must have at least 10 employees. The agriculture-specific funding is first come, first served. The other funding is not.
