Shelby Review

Relief funds have been granted to Macomb County businesses that have had to shut their doors due to COVID-19. The $930,000 in grant money from the Michigan Small Business Relief Program will be split amongst 148 businesses across the county, according to Macomb Daily.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 10 and has issued several executive orders since. These executive orders have meant closed doors for nonessential businesses.

Over 2,000 businesses applied for relief from the program. The Michigan Small Business Relief Program has handed out over $10 million in grants and $10 million in loans to help small businesses survive the pandemic.

Of the $930,000 being granted to Macomb County small businesses, $800,000 was awarded by the state through the relief fund, $100,000 was donated by First State Bank and $30,000 came from the county, according to Macomb Daily.

Vicky Rad, director of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, told Macomb Daily, "So many of our businesses, for no fault of their own, were impacted suddenly by the COVID-19 crisis. We organized an application process, fairly quickly, to disburse these relief funds to our businesses. We know this will provide some financial relief to many, and we will continue to offer guidance and assistance to any business looking for help."