Small Business Grant Program

The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network (EM-SBN) has launched its 2026 Small Business Grant Award Program to support the growth and development of small for-profit businesses across six counties in Michigan. Backed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), this grant initiative is part of the broader Small Business Support Hub initiative and is funded through the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources. The program is designed to provide targeted financial assistance to small businesses operating or owned by individuals residing in the counties of Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, or St. Clair. This is a competitive grant program with awards of up to $20,000. A total of $227,394 in grant funding will be distributed in 2026 across the participating counties. The highest scoring applications within each county will be selected for funding, based on locally developed evaluation criteria tailored to meet each county’s unique economic development goals. Applicants compete only against businesses in their own county, ensuring that the selection process considers regional priorities and needs. To be eligible, businesses must be independently owned, for-profit entities with 500 or fewer employees. They must also be physically located in, or owned by a resident of, one of the six target counties. Additionally, businesses must verify their eligibility based on location using either the USDA eligibility map or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s SmartZone Eligibility map. Following the announcement of awards, all recipients must engage with EM-SBN by completing a client intake form and participating in a small business training program. This engagement may include workshops, one-on-one coaching, seminars, or mentorship opportunities, and must occur between the grant award announcement and the final grant disbursement. Approved grant funds may be used for the purchase of new equipment, inventory, software, furniture, fixtures, and hardware, with individual items capped at $4,999 per unit. Funding may also be used for training that leads to specific industry certifications for employees, including associated travel costs. Notably, payroll, construction-related costs, and any expenses covered by other MEDC or federal programs are explicitly ineligible. Additionally, funds cannot be used for prize money, gifts, or activities that undermine COVID-19 public health efforts. Applications opened on December 16, 2025, and will close on December 23, 2025. Awards will be announced on January 9, 2026, after a review period spanning January 2 to January 8. Between January 9 and January 21, awardees must complete a grant agreement and client intake form. Reimbursable purchases can be made between January 23 and February 26, with all final invoices due by the end of the reimbursement window. Reimbursement is contingent on compliance with all program guidelines and proper submission of receipts or invoices. The grant program does not require repayment; funds are distributed after approved expenses are incurred. Questions about the program can be directed to the EDA office at (810) 982-9511, where either Kanchan Wankhede or Stacy Elliott can provide further assistance. Applicants must complete the online application form once it becomes available on the EM-SBN website. The program does not appear to be recurring beyond 2026, and applicants are encouraged to meet all application and documentation deadlines carefully to be considered for this one-time funding opportunity.

Each county uses its own scoring system; applications are evaluated locally based on specific priorities.