New grant program launched to support small businesses in central U.P.

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Last fall, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced $73 million in grant awards to establish Small Business Support Hubs across the state. Among these, a consortium of local economic development organizations successfully secured $3,426,015 over 3 years to establish the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (“the Hub”). This Hub will serve seven U.P. counties: Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft.

The program manager, Erica Huss, and local small business navigator, Jose Laynez, presented the community rollout of the new Hub Direct Grant Program to approximately 20 local businesses at Bay College’s Iron Mountain Campus. The program, which officially launches this month, will provide over $400,000 in direct grants to businesses that engage with the Hub’s services.

Erica Huss explained the Hub’s mission: “So we’re getting funding for a couple of different things. One is to strengthen the entrepreneurial network. Essentially, we have so many businesses that are spread out, and so many of them are underserved. We have pockets of the population where there are more resources, and the goal of ‘The Hub’ is to extend those resources into the underserved areas. And we’re doing that with boots on the ground in the form of small business resource navigators who are going to be in those counties working with businesses. We’re not replacing resources that are already here. We’re making sure that people are getting connected to them. And know that their business has a lot of things.”

Huss emphasized the significance of the funding source. “It’s American Rescue Plan Act funding, state and local fiscal recovery funds. Essentially to help the area rebound from all the things that were lost, all the businesses that were lost, during the course of Covid. And all our counties are qualified for this program. The hub services because of how disproportionately our area was impacted during Covid”

Businesses eligible for the Hub Direct Grants must have fewer than 500 employees, be located within the Hub’s counties, and go through an intake process. However, nonprofits, cannabis businesses, and those in the casino gaming industry are not eligible.

The grants can be used for various purposes, including purchasing equipment, inventory, software, hardware (up to $4,999 per unit), specialized consulting services, certification or licensing fees, and other Hub-approved business costs. However, they cannot be used for general overhead, infrastructure projects, or anything reimbursed by other state or federal programs.

Laynez, the navigator for Dickinson and Menominee Counties, detailed his role in the program: “I’m here to help business owners or potential business owners navigate available resources. We partner with various local economic development agencies and chambers to offer comprehensive support.”

Laynez encouraged businesses to engage with the Hub. “It doesn’t hurt to get help. By applying, you might even secure some grant money. The more businesses that sign up, the better it is for the overall county.”

The Hub’s services, including the grant program, will be available through 2026, with direct grants offered in four windows: October and April through April 2026. Northern Michigan University is also partnering with the Hub, offering internship programs to provide businesses with hands-on support.

The Hub Client Intake Form can be found by visiting:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekvqVhi_xDdgXAP9i7Pza3TFxD61rbv0c3BlPoXsFvrRoaPA/viewform

Contact Information:

Erica Huss, Program Manager, Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub

Office: 906-226-6591 ext. 108

Email: erica@marquette.org

Jose Laynez, Navigator for Dickinson and Menominee Counties

Email: jlaynez@mtu.edu

Phone: 906-370-6563

Office Hours for Dickinson County (CT):

Wednesday: 9 am – 12 pm & 1 – 4 pm

MI Works, 127 S. Stephenson Ave Suite 211, Iron Mountain, MI 49801