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(Grand Rapids, Mich. – June 17, 2020) – The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has entered a partnership with Kent County to deliver short-term, financial support to small businesses in Kent County with the purpose of cultivating a strong, economic recovery. This follows a decision by the Kent County Board of Commissioners to disperse $25 million in federal CARES Act dollars to small businesses in the form of grants and technical assistance.

The Kent County Small Business Recovery Program will help businesses that have not been able to access or have been declined local, state, or federal relief funds gain access to additional support to weather the COVID-19 crisis. The program will focus on businesses that may be dealing with additional barriers including but not limited to language, general business knowledge, and those from underserved communities. Consistent with the limitations of the CARES Act, these businesses also must have been directly impacted and experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has truly been devasting to our community and this recovery program is another tool our small businesses can use to get through the COVID-19 crisis, said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Mandy Bolter. “It was critical for our Board to quickly respond to the needs of the business community because these grants will not only help our small businesses, but our entire economy recover.”

Businesses that qualify for this fund will receive a short-term economic relief grant ranging from $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 depending on the size of the business, operating costs, and additional scoring metrics. In addition to financial support, the Chamber will provide technical assistance including cost-cutting measures, six-month cash flow projection, analysis with a business consultant, creditor recommendation review, and connections to other critical resources.

“The Grand Rapids Chamber is thrilled to be partnering with Kent County on this crucial work,” said Dante Villarreal, Vice President of Business and Talent Development at the Grand Rapids Chamber. “We know that the need for this additional funding is vast, and our team will be very intentional in ensuring that the entirety of Kent County will have the opportunity to engage, including our underrepresented communities.”

On Monday, June 22 the Grand Rapids Chamber will be opening the first round of applications to those that have not previously received COVID-19 related aid. Additionally, the program eligibility requires applicants to be a private, for-profit business located and registered in Kent County with 0-25 full-time equivalent employees, to have been directly impacted and experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19 and have a business start date prior to February 15, 2020.

“The Board of Commissioners identified supporting our small businesses in this time of need as a top priority, said County Administrator Wayman Britt. “We are extremely excited to launch this program which will position Kent County for a strong economic recovery.”

The first round of funding application will go live at 8 A.M., Monday, June 22 at grchamber.com

Round two funding available to all other applicants will go live on Monday, June 29th.