Small businesses in Bridgewater & Manchester townships eligible for growth activator grants from the county

submitted by Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development has relaunched the Small Business Growth Activator Program. The program aims to uplift and help grow small businesses that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 with a $2,500 grant and free business assistance to participants. 

“This program is a great opportunity for small businesses to get the resources and support they need after a difficult time,” Cheranissa Williams, Economic Opportunity Division Administrator, shares. “We have partnered with two great organizations that will empower participants and help grow our local economy.” 

Applicants can apply to one of two programs hosted by local business coaches. These businesses will act as a mentor to participants. Ten small businesses will be accepted to each program. Programs include: 

Rebuild & Rise hosted by Resourceful Reese 

• A 10-week program supporting existing Washtenaw County businesses through direct grant funding, expert-led instructions, and individualized coaching with the goal of strengthening business stability and long-term sustainability 
• The program kicks off February 4 with applications accepted on a rolling basis through February 9
• Visit her website to apply, and email staff at programming@resourcefulreese.com for questions 

Rebuild & Rise hosted by Community Compliance Consultants 

• An accelerated 6-week program supporting Washtenaw County small businesses with hands-on coaching, financial strategy, and operational support to help them recover, rebuild, and grow while preparing qualified participants for potential grant funding 
• The program starts February 18 with applications being accepted until February 11
• Visit her website to apply, and email staff at admin@cracomdev.com for questions 

To be eligible, participants must have five employees or fewer, including the owner, have been in business since before March 16, 2020, including those who may have closed and are hoping to reopen, be located in Washtenaw Urban County (which in the Manchester area includes Bridgewater Township and Manchester Township, see map for more locations in Washtenaw), and whose owners have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. 

For questions or to get more information, please contact Economic Opportunity Division Administrator Cheranissa Williams at williamsch@washtenaw.org. Program information can be found at www.bit.ly/4tkKVe6. 

In service of our belief that all Washtenaw County residents deserve a high quality of life, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development delivers critical programs and community initiatives in the areas of human services, housing and infrastructure, community development, and economic opportunity. We serve local individuals, families, and communities through a mix of direct services, public policy development, and investment of monetary and technical support. To learn more, visit www.washtenaw.org/oced 

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.