As you may recall from previous communications, persistent efforts by NFIB resulted in $409 million in federal funding being dedicated to assist businesses most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants will be administered by MI Department of Treasury.   

Eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25 percent of certain specified costs.

Depending upon the number of businesses that apply, the grants may be prorated to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. 

The application will become available at 8 a.m. EST on Tuesday, March 1, at www.michigan.gov/abr.

Eligible businesses applying for a grant will be required to include tax and other financial information and documentation to support their claims.

Businesses must submit a completed online application to the state Treasury Department no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring, and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022.

Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to attend one of the following informational webinars hosted by the state Treasury Department:

• Thursday, Feb. 17 at 9-10 a.m. EST
• Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 10-11 a.m. EST
• Monday, March 7 at 1-2 p.m. EST

Details for signing up for a webinar can be found on the grant program’s website.

To learn more about the Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program or read frequently asked questions, go to www.michigan.gov/abr. Individuals with questions about this grant program should email Treas-abr@michigan.gov.