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.
2026 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 2025.
- Is current on all local, state, and federal taxes.
KMEG Priority Areas
Even if you are not part of our priority groups, we encourage you to apply if you meet the eligibility requirements. Having clear priorities allows us to align our funding and support with our core values and maximize community impact. Prioritizing the following groups encourages us to make intentional, measurable choices that support our goal of building strong, caring communities where every person is values, thriving, and connected for the common good.
Priority Areas Include:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Women
- Shared Prosperity Neighborhoods (Edison, Eastside, Northside)
Additional KMEG Considerations
Basic Needs & Belonging
Small businesses that provide a community benefit by supporting basic needs and fostering a sense of community belonging, as well as entrepreneurs who have participated in local business development programs, will be given additional consideration:
- Childcare: Businesses such as childcare centers and ensure children have safe care and early development support.
- Transportation: Businesses such as ride shares, community shuttles, delivery providers, and accessible transportation to improve access to jobs, healthcare, education, and essential resources.
- Housing: Businesses such as construction, repair, property maintenance, and housing services that contribute to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
- Healthcare: Businesses such as home health providers, doulas and related birth/postpartum support, mental health professionals, and wellness services that ensure access to essential healthcare and promote community well-being.
- Food Access: Businesses such as local grocery stores, neighborhood markets, food co-ops, and culturally relevant food providers that help ensure residents have reliable access to nutritious food.
Local Programming and Resources
To encourage local entrepreneurs to invest in their growth, those who have completed business development programs or worked with local entrepreneurial support organizations will receive additional considerations. Examples of local programs include, but are not limited to:
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 2025 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)
- W9
- IRS Form 4506-C
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 May 1, 2026 at 12pm - May 29, 2026 at 12pm. The link to register for e-CImpact and access this application can be found at the top of this page.
Application Process Timeline
- May 1 through 29: Applications open.
- End of July: Award decisions announced.
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 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. Failure to report will result in an ineligibility of future funding.
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.
