WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Washtenaw County has relaunched its Small Business Growth Activator Program to assist local small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes small businesses that closed but hope to reopen.
The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is accepting applications to two “Rebuild and Rise” programs from small businesses, according to a release from OCED. A total of 20 businesses will receive $2,500 grants and free business assistance hosted by local business coaches.
Each program will accept 10 small businesses.
Detroit-based creative marketing agency Resourceful Reese is hosting a 10-week program that kicked off Wednesday, Feb. 4, with applications accepted on a rolling basis through Monday, Feb. 9.
That program offers direct grant funding, expert-led instruction and individualized coaching aimed at strengthening business stability and long-term sustainability, according to the release.
Applications for the Resourceful Reese program are available on the organization’s website, with questions directed to programming@resourcefulreese.com.
In addition, Detroit-based business consulting firm Community Compliance Consultants is hosting an accelerated six-week program starting Wednesday, Feb. 18, with applications accepted until Wednesday, Feb. 11.
This track provides hands-on coaching, financial strategy and operational support to help businesses recover, rebuild and grow while preparing qualified participants for potential grant funding, OCED officials said.
The Community Compliance Consultants program accepts applications online, with questions directed to admin@cracomdev.com.
“This program is a great opportunity for small businesses to get the resources and support they need after a difficult time,” Cheranissa Williams, OCED’s economic opportunity division administrator, said in a statement.
“We have partnered with two great organizations that will empower participants and help grow our local economy,” Williams said.
To qualify, small businesses must have five employees or fewer, including the owner, and have been in business since before March 16, 2020.
Businesses must be located in Washtenaw Urban County, a group of cities, townships and villages in partnership with the county that have agreed to participate in federally funded programs, according to OCED.
Most communities in the county are part of the Washtenaw Urban County. However, Manchester, Barton Hills Village and Lodi, Freedom and Sharon townships are not.
Program applicants must also have a household income at or below 80% of the area median income.
More information about the county’s Small Business Growth Activator Program is available online, at washtenaw.org/3710/Small-Business-Growth-Activator, with questions directed to Williams at williamsch@washtenaw.org.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on information provided by Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development. It was reviewed and edited by MLive.
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