Mt. Clemens, MI - Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) has opened a new grant program aimed at helping local farmers dealing with the impact of COVID-19. The application process runs through Friday, November 13 at noon.
“Agriculture is an important part of Macomb County’s economy,” said Vicky Rowinski, director of MCPED. “Like many of our small businesses, farmers were hit hard by COVID-19. So to help this essential industry get back to work and create environments that are safe for employees and customers alike, we are launching a new grant program that can fund projects that will modernize facilities in a way that prevents the spread of the coronavirus.”
Eligible projects are broad and include:
- Computer hardware, software, and/or mobile solutions for increasing contactless sales, curb-side pickup and tracking inventory
- Virtual eCommerce platforms or a Point of Sale (POS) system for accepting payments online or by credit card
- Workplace and food safety improvements for onsite and seasonal employees
- Technology that would assist with improving your operations and reducing face-to-face interactions
Complete details can be found at www.MacombGov.org, including a link to the online application. In addition, MCPED will partner with MSU Extension to host an application clinic for those that may need assistance navigating the process. The clinic will be held on Thursday, November 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ray Township Hall (64255 Wolcott Rd, Ray). To maintain safe distancing, appointments are required and can be made by calling 586-469-6293 or signing up online https://signup.com/go/YCzUtkd.
A complete application must include:
- A hand signed W-9, which must be signed and dated within 12 months
- A hand signed and dated Affidavit
- A 200 word proposal of what the grant dollars will be used for. The project must present an individualized need to be CDC Compliant and reduce face-to-face interactions
- A recent bill (within the last 30 days) that includes the business name or owners name and business address. Suitable documents include a rent or mortgage statement, water, gas, electric or phone bill.
- Proof of business registration such as a copy of LARA registration or Macomb County Clerk’s Office Registration or a 2019 Schedule F
Agri-entrepreneurs interested in applying must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a business located in Macomb County.
- Must be a for-profit organization.
- Businesses must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number.
- Grantees must sign an affidavit stating that grant funds will be used to cover an individualized need to be CDC Compliant and reduce face-to-face interactions.
- Those NOT eligible include:
- Businesses located outside of Macomb County.
- Independent contractors (1099 employees).
- Businesses that are publicly traded or national franchises.
Organizations that previously received MEDC Restart Grants or Macomb County Cares Act funding are eligible to apply, however, grant awards cannot be duplicative in nature.
For more information visit www.MacombBusiness.com.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home