Afflicted Business Relief Program

February 17, 2022

Governor Whitmer Announces Additional $400 Million to Support Businesses, Retain or Create Jobs, and Boost Michigan’s Economy

The Afflicted Business Relief (ABR) grant program is a program by the State of Michigan to distribute up to $409 Million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to be awarded through grants for those who have suffered financial hardship from Covid-19. The program will support “Afflicted Businesses” – as defined by Public Act 132 of 2021 – that have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. To learn more, view the ABR Grant Overview Factsheet.

“This program will support Michigan businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 and help us build on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m focused on putting Michiganders first and growing Michigan’s economy as we work together to take advantage of our $7 billion surplus and make investments in the issues that matter most to families. Right now, Michigan’s resilient, innovative small businesses need support, and we should keep having their backs as they work to expand operations and create more jobs.” 

Under this program, eligible businesses in operation before October 1, 2019, may receive a percentage of their loss in total state sales through a grant, up to $5 million. Eligible businesses that began operating between October 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs. The grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. 

Businesses must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury 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. The application will become available at 8 a.m. EST on Tuesday, March 1, at www.michigan.gov/abr.

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

As always, the BDC is here to help with any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us at 734-241-8081 or email bdc@monroecountybdc.org. And, resources are still available on the Pandemic Resources page on our website.

Posted in Economic Development News, News