A New Grant Program for Small Business Owners Impacted by COVID-19

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.

    • Every qualified and participating company will be paired with a dedicated business consultant.

    • 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.

    • One-on-one working sessions will be held either in-person or via Zoom, with flexible scheduling options available.

    • 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.

    • 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.

Who Should Apply to the Program?

To be eligible, companies meet the following criteria:

    1. 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.
    2. The business cannot have more than five employees (including the business owner or owners, there must be five or fewer employees).
    3. 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.)
    4. 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.

Submit a Question about the Program
Submit a Program Application