KALAMAZOO, Mich. [March 30, 2022]—A grant program in its third year of bringing crucial relief to Kalamazoo’s smallest businesses will offer two additional rounds in 2022.

The Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants (KMEG) program provides grants of $5,000 to eligible microbusinesses within the city limits. The grants are a partnership between the City of Kalamazoo and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, with support from the Foundation For Excellence.

KMEG funding will provide a total of 60 micro-enterprise businesses with support in the first round of 2022. The City and United Way began collaborating on KMEG funding in 2020, and continue to partner on the Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund. See results of both programs at https://www.changethestory.org/kalamazoo-small-business-support.

“We’re excited to continue investing in and empowering people to succeed in Kalamazoo,” explained Antonio Mitchell, Community Investment Manager for the City of Kalamazoo. “We continue to be grateful for this partnership with the United Way that helps make it possible.”

The application for this year’s first round of KMEG funding opens at 8 a.m. April 11, with a 5 p.m. May 13 deadline to submit. Applications may be accessed at changethestory.org/micro-enterprise-grants. The second round will open in the fall, with dates to be determined.

Program Focus

The KMEG program aims to support community members living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) threshold, with a strong focus on providing support to BIPOC-owned and women-owned micro-enterprises.

Also known as microbusinesses, micro-enterprises are very small businesses – typically 10 or fewer employees – that bring unique skills and services to the community. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, micro-enterprises make up about 75% of private sector employers. Many micro-enterprises are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color)-owned and/or women-owned. They are vital to income and wealth generation in underserved communities and historically have not had access to traditional grant and lending sources in comparison with other businesses.

In an effort to remedy these disparities, BIPOC-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and businesses located within the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo neighborhoods of Eastside, Edison, and Northside are highly encouraged to apply. In addition to this emphasis, UWBCKR continues to maintain a commitment to all people, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or physical, mental or developmental abilities.

“Our city’s smallest businesses provide jobs for our neighbors and help weave the fabric of our community culture,” said Molly Trueblood, Associate Director of Community Impact for Small Business with United Way. “We are grateful that our partnership with the City and Foundation For Excellence allows us to provide financial resources to those who need it most.”

Eligibility

United Way will administer the grants. Only businesses that did not receive KMEG funds in 2021 are eligible. In addition, eligible businesses must:

• Be a for-profit company located in the City of Kalamazoo;
• Have 10 employees or fewer;
• Have annual revenue of $1 million or less;
• Been in operation for one year or longer; and
• Need working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.

KMEG funds can be used for, but are not limited to, operational costs (such as rent, mortgage, utilities and other business expenses), payroll and benefit costs for employees. Recipients must use their grant funds within six months and report back to United Way on how the funds were used.

A review committee of diverse representatives from business, financial and community groups from across Kalamazoo will review applications and make decisions on funding by June 6, 2022.

United Way is offering application assistance by appointment on Tuesday afternoons beginning April 12 for anyone needing extra help in completing their application. To sign up for a one-hour session, visit changethestory.org/micro-enterprise-grants.

For more information about the Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants, email smallbusiness@uwbckr.org.

About UWBCKR

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region envisions a vibrant community where all people realize their full potential. UWBCKR drives impact by leading shared efforts that engage diverse people, ideas and resources. We partner across all sectors year-round to achieve measurable progress toward specific goals in education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. On the web: www.changethestory.org. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Media Contacts:

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region
Rick Chambers
Rick.chambers@rickchambersassociates.com
(269)873-5820

City of Kalamazoo