Detroit Regional Chamber > Racial Justice & Economic Equity > Apply by March 31: Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program

Apply by March 31: Afflicted Business Relief Grant Program

March 10, 2022
On Tuesday, March 1, the State of Michigan opened applications for the Afflicted Business Relief grant program to distribute up to $409 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to businesses that experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications close on Thursday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m.

Who is Eligible?

Businesses that were in operation between Oct. 1, 2019, and June 1, 2020, that fall into the following categories are eligible:

  • Entertainment venue
  • Recreational facility or public place of amusement
  • Cosmetology or barber services
  • Exercise facility or gym
  • Foodservice establishment
  • Nursery Dealer or grower
  • Athletic trainer
  • Body art facility
  • Hotel or bed and breakfast

Find detailed definitions and more information about eligible businesses here. Tax-exempt organizations and government entities are not eligible.

How Much in Grants Will Be Awarded?

Businesses that were in operation on Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a grant based on the percentage decline in year-to-year sales from 2019 to 2020, up to a cap that is the lesser amount of “financial hardship” or $5 million.

Businesses not in operation on Oct. 1, 2019, but started before June 1, 2020, may receive a grant of 25% of their “financial hardship.”

Learn more about grant award criteria here.

How to Apply

To apply, businesses need to complete an online application at Michigan.gov/abr, provide supporting documents, and make a series of certifications. They’ll also have to submit electronically a beneficiary agreement and financial documentation to verify:

  • Their decline in Michigan total sales from 2019 to 2020, for businesses that were in operation on Oct. 1, 2019
  • Their fixed costs for 2020 for businesses that were not in operation on Oct. 1, 2019, but started before June 1, 2020

Grants will not be based on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit www. Michigan.gov/abr.