The Chamber is hoping that local businesses can utilize our pages and resources available to help you. We want you to be able to survive and thrive in today’s economic climate. As we enter the month of August, you undoubtedly have researched everything there is to know about the coronavirus. However, the Chamber has compiled various resources that can supplement what you already know. 

The Chamber is updating our resource page as often as needed when new information comes our way. We are still offering COVID Consults for members that need the Chamber to pool together resources for them.  

On our site, we have links that include offering assistance to those who are reopening their business. Also, there are links for employees & employers alike, and of course, links describing all the grants & loans that have come to our attention.

Two current grant applications are now available; Michigan Small Business Restart Program & the HartBeat of Main Street. The Chamber understands your time is sacrosanct, and we are here to offer any help you may need. Contact us to review what is required by each grant, so you are better prepared when you sit down to work on these applications.

The Michigan Small Business Restart Program is open to any business, nonprofits included, with 50 or fewer employees (not FTE), and previously granted monies do not prohibit you from this process. All applications are considered for up to $20,000. This grant allows assistance for costs incurred between March 1, 2020-December 30, 2020. While all applicants are welcome, at least 30% of the awarded funds will go to minority-owned businesses. A minority is one of the following: women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, or if the business owner is considered an ethnic minority. With applications opening in July, be sure to act fast as the doors close on this opportunity August 5, 2020.

The HartBeat of Main Street grant is open to any business in a historical zone, a commercial zone, or a designated main street of the city. Including the owner(s), the employees must be 20 or fewer for their brick & mortar business. This grant is open to sole proprietors & nonprofits as well. Funds from this grant can be used not only for the typical costs a company incurs, but also the costs associated with becoming COVID complainant & also transitioning to e-commerce. There are two differences in this grant we haven’t seen yet:  (1) 50% of the grant money will be awarded to minority businesses including LGBTQ as part of the minority group and (2) the application will be judged upon the strength of letters of recommendation, which applicants are also required to submit

The Chamber still has funds available for members to take advantage of by filling out a simple online application.  Thanks to generous sponsors, our Stage 2 Grant Program still has money available in increments of $250.  Fill out the form found on our homepage, and all members will have a check written for them to spend how they choose.  Yes, it is that simple!

If you have any questions about any link or resource on our site, contact the office. The office can write letters of recommendation for any business owner that are members in good standing with the Chamber. Even if your membership has lapsed, give us a call, and we will work with you.