Hub Direct Grant Program
Summary
The Muskegon Innovation Hub is awarding funds to support small businesses and entrepreneurs disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the funding received, the Hub will award one-time direct grants to eligible small businesses not to exceed $20,000.
Apply now!
Eligibility
Small businesses served by our Program must meet specific eligibility requirements. Each business must qualify as Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19 and have received services or participated in programming at the Hub within the last 6 months. To qualify as Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19, a business must be at least one of the following:
- Minority-owned
- SEDI-owned
- Geographically located (either business or personal address) in the following areas:
- 2015 CDFI Investment Tract
- 2020 Qualified Census Tract
- Rural Michigan Counties
- Demonstrate a disproportionate negative impact because of COVID-19
An applicant must have also participated in an eligible program or service at the Hub within the previous six months.
-
- Eligible programs/ services include:
- Business Coaching/ Consulting
- Co-Launch Member
- Workshop/ Seminar attendance (ex. Social Marketing Mondays)
- Initial Hub Intake/ Meeting
- Other (please specify)
- Eligible programs/ services include:
You can check if your geographic location qualifies with this map tool provided by the State of Michigan (there is also a link in the application itself). Eligible locations are marked in violet.
How Funds Can Be Used
Eligible Expenses (please note that the examples listed are eligible expenses and is not intended to be exhaustive):
- Costs approved by Hub related to business operations or growth needs.
- Purchase of equipment, inventory, software, and hardware.
- Marketing
- Highly specialized consulting services
- Certification or licensing fees
Allowed Expenses
- Marketing
- Hardware (up to $4,999 per unit)
- Software (up to $4,999 per unit)
- Equipment (up to $4,999 per unit)
- Inventory (up to $4,999 per unit)
- Highly specialized consulting services
- Certification & Licensing fees
- Costs approved by Hub related to business operation support or growth needs
Not Allowed
- Payroll
- Construction
- Capital Expenses above $5,000
- Eligible costs that will be or have been reimbursed by another federal program
Important Dates
Submission Deadlines Award Notification
July 12, 2024 August 5, 2024
January 17, 2025 February 3, 2025
July 18, 2025 August 4, 2025
Conditions
As a condition of awarded funds, recipients should expect the following:
- All approved recipients are expected to participate in a mandatory information session related to the terms of funding.
- Full participation in reporting requirements expected for compliance.