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Michigan

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 22, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Michigan, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

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Description of Program and Relief

Greater Flint Area: Metro Community Development Loan Programs for Small Businesses

Description of Program and Relief

Metro Community Development assists with job creation and business expansion in the mid-Michigan area by providing loans for those who do not qualify for traditional lending.  Metro Community Development currently offers two programs:

  • BizBOX is for new entrepreneurs and small businesses that have been open two years or less and offers a combination of funded and needed technical assistance to start a business and keep it afloat. Each BizBOX business will receive up to $50,000 in financing from Metro Community Development to help finance the first year’s cost for vendors and training. No collateral is required for loans less than $25,000. BizBOX offers one of two educational options: the Small Business Development Center’s online self-paced program, partnered with one-on-one coaching, or the University of Michigan-Flint Innovation Incubator’s five-week Entrepreneur Boot Camp. BizBOX also offers graduates the opportunity to apply for financing, without the additional cost of an application fee.

    • BizTHRIVE is for small businesses that have been in operation for two years or more and are ready for the next step in growth. BixTHRIVE will finance up to $200,000 of the total project. Projects totaling $50,000 to $1,000,000 are best suited to this program.

    Government or Lead Agency

    Metro Community Development

    Dates Available

    Ongoing

    Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

    BixBOX: Requirements to receive funding include filling out a standard application, underwriting criteria, and the ability to demonstrate global new cash flow including personal expenses. Completion of the educational component does not guarantee loan approval. Please visit this webpage for more information about BizBOX eligibility and requirements.

    BizTHRIVE: To be eligible for financing, the business must (1) be for-profit and located in Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Saginaw, Shiawassee and north Oakland counties, (2) retain or create jobs, and (3) increase the tax base. Limited amounts of working capital may be financed only if fixed assets are part of the total project. Commercial rental real estate projects may be eligible if the project will create a significant increase in the tax base or the tenant business will create a substantial number of new jobs. Please visit this webpage for more information about BizTHRIVE eligibility and requirements.

    Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

    N/A

    Contact for More Information

    For the main office, please contact 810-767-4622.

    For loans of $10,000 or less, please contact Shanise at 810-767-4622 x 410 or sollie@metroflint.org.

    For loans greater than $10,000, please contact Tiffany at 810-767-4622 x 400 or tbernethy@metroflint.org.

    List of Additional Information

    For additional information, please visit this webpage.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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