Small business owners impacted by the COVID pandemic are invited to apply for the new grant program — Advance Your Business. The program is administered by Ann Arbor SPARK and funded by Washtenaw County.
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- Every qualified and participating company will be paired with a dedicated business consultant.
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- Your assigned consultant can work with you on strategic planning, marketing, sales, a current challenge, or the next big project you’d like to tackle.
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- One-on-one working sessions will be held either in-person or via Zoom, with flexible scheduling options available.
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- Enrolled companies will also be eligible for up to $2,500 in services from a local vendor (for marketing, accounting, law services, etc.) and a $5,000 direct grant to support your business.
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- Services will be available in both English and Spanish.
- The program is limited to 20 participants and eligible companies will be accepted in order of application.
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Who Should Apply to the Program?
To be eligible, companies meet the following criteria:
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- The business must be located in Washtenaw County. Brick & mortar shops or offices, service-based businesses like lawncare or electricians, and online companies are all eligible.
- The business cannot have more than five employees (including the business owner or owners, there must be five or fewer employees).
- The business must have been founded before March 16, 2020. (If the business closed after that and you would like to re-open the business, you are welcome to apply.)
- The business owner must meet the following income requirements:
Household Size Total Household Income per year
1 Person Less than $62,600
2 People Less than $71,550
3 People Less than $80,500
4 People Less than $89,400
5 People Less than $96,600
6 People Less than $103,750
7 People Less than $110,900
8 People Less than $118,050
Advance Your Business
Take the next steps to work with a dedicated business consultant and receive up to $7,500 in services and grants to help achieve your goals. Send an email to a SPARK representative or complete an application.