Small Business Restart Program application process begins July 15

State Rep. Ann Bollin today announced small job providers in Livingston County struggling to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 emergency can begin applying for the Small Business Restart Program on July 15.

The grant program was created by the Legislature using $100 million of the federal CARES Act funding sent to Michigan solely to help with its response to COVID-19.

“Many small businesses in our community have been absolutely crushed by the coronavirus and the governor’s mandatory worksite closings,” said Bollin, of Brighton Township. “This grant program is an opportunity for job providers and their employees to get the boost they need to get back on their feet.”

Businesses can apply at michiganbusiness.org/restart from July 15 to Aug. 5.

Eligible businesses must have 50 or fewer employees, with assistance capped at $20,000 per business. Funds can be used as working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar expenses.

To qualify for grant support, a business must:

• Demonstrate it has been affected by the COVID-19 emergency.
• Demonstrate an income loss as result of the COVID-19 emergency.
• Demonstrate a need for working capital to support eligible expenses.

Businesses that have previously received a grant through the Michigan Strategic Fund’s Michigan Small Business Relief Program are not eligible for Restart grants. However, businesses that have received support through other COVID-19 relief programs, including the Michigan Small Business Relief loan program, are eligible to apply.

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