The State of Michigan recently announced the Afflicted Business Relief (ABR) grant allocating up to $409 million of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to assist businesses that have suffered financial hardships from COVID-19. The Meridian Township Economic Development Department is encouraging local business owners to apply for these funds.

The ABR grant opens on March 1 and the application window will close at 11:59 pm on March 31. The internal review process of the received applications will begin and could continue until May. The State Treasury Department aims to have all award amounts designated by June and payments out as early as July. For further information regarding the grant, visit www.michigan.gov/abr.

Business owners looking to expand or move into the Township’s downtown district are eligible for a matching grant of up to $25,000 for authorized expenses. Meridian Township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is accepting applications to sponsor businesses for the “Match on Main” program offered through the Michigan Economic Development Department (MEDC).

The MEDC “Match on Main” program requires at least 10% of the funding grant request as a match in order to be eligible to apply. The Township’s DDA is willing to provide the 10% grant match requirement for an eligible small business that applies to be a part of this program.  Interested business owners will need to complete the selection criteria application and submit a DDA Match on Main Online Application to the Economic Development Director for consideration. Accepted applications from the DDA will be submitted to the MEDC on behalf of the business owners. Approved applicants may receive up to $25,000 toward their project.