Battle Creek/Kalamazoo
The spring session of our Micro-Enterprise Grants program has been delayed, and we are pausing applications and office hours at this time. We are currently working with the City of Kalamazoo to determine the timing of the next round of grants. For more information on the program, please visit unitedforscmi.org/battle-creek-kalamazoo/kalamazoo-micro-enterprise-grants.
Follow United Way on Facebook for updates and information.
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, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) and women-owned businesses, as well as those located within Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo neighborhoods, are highly encouraged to apply.
The program is a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of South Central Michigan with initial funding support from the city's Foundation For Excellence.
Funding for these grants is being provided by the City of Kalamazoo Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds through the American Rescue Plan Act and as such are subject to all requirements found in 31 CFR Part 35 and 2 CFR part 200 of the Federal Register.
2024 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 or Kalamazoo County (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 2022 or 2023.
- 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:
- Government Issued Photo ID
- 2021 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)
Office Hours
Our sincerest apologies as our office hours have been postponed with the realignment of our Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants.
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 this Fall's KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3RlNfO1
- How to submit a KMEG application: https://bit.ly/3CflKRW
Questions?
Contact us at smallbusiness@uwscmi.org or 269.343.2524, ext. 124.
Review Process
UWSCMI reviews all KMEG applications to ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements. Reviewers use the submitted application materials an 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 two years after their first award.
Generally, application decisions are issued by email about one month after the application period closes.
Reporting Process
Please note that KMEG awardees will need to complete a report within 6 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.
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. 124.
