Battle Creek/Kalamazoo
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About
Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) provide $5,000 grants to eligible microbusinesses within the City of Kalamazoo limits. The program is designed to bring relief to Kalamazoo businesses in need of support. In an effort to remedy historical disparities that exist in funding sources, businesses located within Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo neighborhoods of Eastside, Edison, and Northside are highly encouraged to apply. The program is a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of South Central Michigan. Funding for these grants is being provided by the Foundation For Excellence.
2025 Eligibility Requirements
Eligible businesses include any for-profit enterprise that can demonstrate the following:
- Has been in operation for at least 1 year in the City of Kalamazoo (Detailed map of the city).
- Has 10 employees or fewer.
- Has annual revenue of $1.0 million or less;
- Did not receive KMEG support in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.
- Is current on all local, state, and federal taxes.
Application Process
Applications will be submitted completely online. After creating an online account using the link below, applicants will be asked to submit information that includes the following:
- Current Government Issued Photo ID
- 2024 or most recent Business Tax Return
- Copy of Most Recent Payroll Tax Payment (if applicable)
- Employee Listing/Roster (if applicable)
- Articles of Incorporation, Business License, or DBA
- Corporate Bylaws (if applicable)
Because being located within the City of Kalamazoo is a requirement, we encourage you to provide additional documentation if your LARA registration or official records list an address outside of the City of Kalamazoo. If you have been operating from a brick-and-mortar location within the city, please submit documentation verifying that you have been operating within Kalamazoo for at least one year prior to the date of your application. If you have questions about this, please contact us at smallbusiness@uwscmi.org or sign up for office hours using the sign up link below
Application Support
UWSCMI staff will be available to provide in-person application support at our Kalamazoo office. An RSVP is required in advance. Please use the sign-up form button to reserve your spot:
Video Instructions
- How to create an eC Impact account for Small Business: https://bit.ly/3CiKQzg
- How to download documents from your previous KMEG application: https://youtu.be/2Moh-_loEUM
- How to add Documents to KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3RlNfO1
- How to submit a KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3CflKRW
Please note that this document should be utilized only as a tool to prepare for the application. Applications will need to be completed via the online application tool, e-CImpact. The online application will be available from October 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025. The link to register for e-CImpact and access this application can be found at the top of this page.
Application Process Timeline
- October 1–31: Applications open.
- Late November: Award decisions announced.
- Mid-December: Payments distributed.
Review Process
UWSCMI reviews all KMEG applications to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements. Reviewers use the submitted application materials and the established funding priorities to decide which applications to fund in each round.
Please note that new applicants are always prioritized in the review process before previous awardees, but previous awardees are eligible to reapply 1 year from their last award.
Reporting Process
Please note that KMEG awardees will need to complete a report within 3 months, to show how they have spent the grant funds. These reports will need to include receipts dated after the award date and during the grant period. These reports are required due to the nature of the funds that support this program.
Questions?
Contact us @ (269) 343-2524 ex 121 or smallbusiness@uwscmi.org
UWSCMI is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. As part of this commitment, UWSCMI will ensure that persons are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation(s) are needed to participate in this funding process, please contact smallbusiness@uwscmi.org or 269.343.2524, ext. 121.
