City of Grand Rapids Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Program
Small Business And Microenterprise Grant Program
The Small Business and Microenterprise Grant Program was established by the City of Grand Rapids in response to economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be available in amounts up to $5,000.
The program will use Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to provide grants up to $5,000 to small businesses and microenterprises.
Funding will assist businesses that experienced a loss of revenue due to COVID-19 to retain jobs for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents, and/or support businesses owned by LMI individuals, and/or that provide services to residents of an LMI area. Preference will be provided to businesses that have received no other grant assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
- 25 employees or less (a microenterprise has five or fewer employees, including the owner)
- Must be a for-profit enterprise
- Must be located within City of GR Community Development General Target Area
- Must have a physical establishment (cannot be home based)
- Must be in operation as of October 1, 2019
- Must obtain DUNS number
- Benefit Low-and Moderate-Income Persons (must create or retain jobs for low- and moderate income residents, provide services to residents of an LMI area, or be owned by an LMI individual if applicant is a microenterprise)
- Must demonstrate a loss of revenue due to COVID-19
- No past due debts to the City
- Grant funds may only be used to pay for needs not met by other sources of assistance
Businesses that have not received other grant assistance since March 16, 2020 will be prioritized.
Receive assistance with your application
Our Transformando West Michigan team is ready to help you complete your application! To receive assistance, please complete this survey: https://www.startupspace.app/dynamic-survey/MzYw
Additional Information
If awarded a grant …
Selected businesses will need to register with the City’s A360 vendor registration system.
Selected businesses will be asked to submit proof of all expenditures to the City along with a final report on use of the funds. More information on reporting will be provided through a Participation Agreement.
Where can I find clarification on the City of GR Community Development General Target Area?
If you do not know if your business falls under the City of GR Community Development General Target Area, please call the Hispanic Chamber office: (616) 452-3960
Who is ineligible?
- Nonprofit organizations
- Home-based businesses that do not have a physical location
- Any business or activity that does not comply with local, state, or federal laws
- Business franchise
- If a business has more than one location, the program may only assist one location
