MUSKEGON — For small business owners and entrepreneurs struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a grant program from Grand Valley State University’s Muskegon Innovation Hub will help to provide necessary funding for operational costs, upgrades and expansion.

The first installment of funding from the Hub’s Direct Grant Program, more than $69,000, will be awarded to six recipients at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, at the Muskegon Innovation Hub. The media is invited to attend.

“We aim to deploy the Hub Direct Grant to provide comprehensive resources to small businesses and support their unique needs,” said Diane Fleser, grant program manager for the Muskegon Innovation Hub.

“The grant program’s goals are centered on businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, expanding our reach into underserved and rural areas, and cultivating a more inclusive and integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

For this first round of grants, the Hub received 44 applications and nearly $500,000 in requests. In total, the Hub Direct Grant will distribute $200,000 in grants to West Michigan small business owners and entrepreneurs over the next 12 months. Funding is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

This group of grant recipients includes:

  • Bob’s Drugs: A family-owned independent pharmacy based in Hesperia that primarily serves a rural clientele. The pharmacy offers vaccinations, medication consultations and free home delivery along with long-term care, at-home pharmaceutical services. Funds will be used to purchase prescription inventory, freeing available cash flow to continue expansion and equipment upgrades.
  • Lazarusman Community Counseling Services: A behavioral-mental health service provider established to address the growing need for mental health services in West Michigan. Funding will help to purchase equipment and technology to meet the demand and expand its services to the Muskegon Heights community.

The Hub will open its next round of applications for the grants on September 3 with a final deadline of January 17, 2025.

Visit the Muskegon Innovation Hub’s website for more information on the Direct Grant Program.